Candied walnuts are the kind of snack that feels fancy with almost no effort at all. These glossy, sweet, lightly crunchy nuts strike the perfect balance between caramelized sugar and the natural richness of walnuts. They’re addictive in the best way, whether you enjoy them as a quick treat, mix them into salads, or sprinkle them over baked goods for extra texture and flavor. With just a handful of ingredients and a few minutes of stovetop magic, candied walnuts turn into golden clusters that look impressive and taste even better.
One of their biggest strengths is versatility. Toss them into leafy salads for a sweet crunch that contrasts beautifully with ingredients like cranberries, apples, goat cheese, or bitter greens. Add them to cheese boards for a touch of sweetness next to sharp cheddar, brie, or blue cheese. Scatter them over oatmeal or yogurt for a breakfast that feels elevated, or fold them into baked goods like banana bread, cookies, or brownies for added depth and texture. They even make the perfect topping for ice cream, where the warm caramel notes play wonderfully with creamy vanilla.
Candied walnuts also store well, which makes them great for gifting or meal prepping. Keep them in an airtight container and they’ll stay crisp and flavorful for days. Make a big batch and use them throughout the week to add sweetness and crunch to anything from roasted vegetables to simple snack mixes. They’re an easy way to make everyday dishes feel special.
If you like pairing flavors, candied walnuts also complement drinks beautifully. Hot Irish coffee or cappuccino emphasizes their caramel notes, while a glass of dessert wine like Moscato brings out their natural sweetness. Even a mild black tea adds a warm balance that makes the nuts shine.
Simple, sweet, and endlessly versatile, candied walnuts are one of those small kitchen wins that make life just a little more delicious. Whether you enjoy them straight from the pan or use them to elevate your favorite dishes, they always deliver a satisfying bite.
Ingredients
- 1 cup walnuts halved
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar white
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon ground
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract pure
- 1 tablespoon butter unsalted
Instructions
- Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat.
- Add the butter to the skillet and melt it completely.
- Add sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract, stirring to combine.
- Add walnuts to the skillet and stir to coat them evenly with the sugar mixture.
- Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sugar dissolves and the walnuts are sticky.
- Spread the walnuts on a sheet of parchment paper to cool completely.
Nutrition
Kinda burnt the first batch, but I figured out the timing! Still turned out good. Just watch them closely.
Burnt? Really? I don’t know if I could salvage that. Maybe I’m just not as skilled. Is it worth trying again?
Sounds like you really pulled it together after the first try! Glad it worked out in the end. I’ll definitely keep an eye on mine too!
These are so delicious! I made them for a party and everyone loved them. Perfect combo of sweet and crunchy!
too much sugar for my taste. I think I’ll try with half the sugar next time. not my fav.
yum!
Was this recipe even tested? They turned out all gooey. I don’t think the butter was needed.
I had the same problem! Maybe the butter was too much, or we cooked them too long? 😕
I don’t get how cinnamon makes them better… Like, it’s walnuts. But I tried it cause my friend kept raving about it.