Save This Recipe
We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!
Every year, without fail, I end up making these candied walnuts. It started as a last-minute idea one chilly December afternoon—I’d needed a quick homemade gift and happened to have a big bag of walnuts sitting in the pantry. I threw together a batch on the stove, wrapped them in little cellophane bags tied with twine, and sent them off with holiday cards.
Well. The response was something else.
By New Year’s, I’d already gotten three texts and a handwritten thank-you note asking for the recipe. And when the next holiday season rolled around? More requests. These sweet, crunchy little things had apparently made the rounds and become the snack people couldn’t stop thinking about. So, naturally… I made another batch. And then another.
They’re dangerously easy, y’all.
Why You’ll Love These Quick Candied Walnuts
-
Ridiculously simple – Just toss everything in a skillet and stir.
-
Big flavor payoff – Crunchy, buttery, and kissed with caramel.
-
Perfect for gifting – Pop ‘em in a jar or bag and you’re set.
-
Snackable AND versatile – Great in salads, on top of brie, or straight from the jar.
-
No oven needed – One pan, no fuss.
What You’ll Need (and a Few Tips)
Walnuts
Use raw walnut halves. Don’t use roasted or salted—trust me, the flavor balance gets thrown off. Pecans or cashews work too if that’s what you’ve got.
Granulated sugar + brown sugar
That mix gives the best texture and depth. You can use all white sugar in a pinch, but brown adds that little molasses whisper.
Butter
Salted or unsalted both work, but if using salted, skip the added salt later.
Water
Yep—this helps dissolve the sugar evenly before it caramelizes. Don’t skip it.
Cinnamon (optional)
I almost always add it. Gives just the faintest warm spice. A pinch of nutmeg or cayenne? Also fair game.
Salt
A must! That tiny bit of salt makes the sweetness pop.
Let’s Make a Batch (Seriously, This is the Easiest Part)
-
Prep first – Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and have it ready. This mixture sets fast once it’s off the heat.
-
Toss everything in – In a medium skillet or saucepan, combine:
-
2 cups raw walnuts
-
½ cup granulated sugar
-
3 tablespoons brown sugar
-
2 tablespoons butter
-
½ cup water
-
¼ teaspoon salt
-
Dash of cinnamon (if using)
-
-
Cook over medium-high heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon or silicone spatula. It’ll bubble and foam—just keep stirring. After about 5 minutes, the liquid will thicken and coat the nuts in a glossy, caramel-like glaze.
-
Move fast! – Pour the coated nuts onto your lined baking sheet and spread them out with your spoon. Let cool completely—20 minutes does the trick.
-
Break apart and store – Once cooled, break apart any clusters (unless you like them chunky—no judgment!). Store in an airtight container at room temp for up to two weeks.
Though honestly? They never last that long.
A Few Fun Twists
Want to switch things up? Here are a few flavor twists that work beautifully:
-
Maple Vanilla – Replace half the water with maple syrup and add a splash of vanilla after removing from heat.
-
Spicy Kick – Add a pinch of cayenne or crushed red pepper flakes.
-
Espresso Walnuts – Add 1 tsp instant espresso to the water for a mocha-like depth.
-
Orange Zest – Stir in a little orange zest at the very end. Gorgeous for holiday gifts.
Storage Tips & Gift Ideas
These keep well for a couple of weeks in a jar or tightly sealed container, but I swear, I’ve never had leftovers past day four.
For gifting, I like to spoon them into little mason jars, add a square of festive fabric under the lid, and tie a handwritten tag around the top. They also look adorable in cellophane treat bags with a clothespin and sprig of rosemary or a cinnamon stick.
They’re ideal for:
-
Hostess gifts
-
Teacher thank-yous
-
Holiday cookie boxes
-
Care packages for college kids (or grown kids… or your neighbor who just had a baby)
Let Me Know If You Try Them!
There’s something comforting about a homemade treat that feels both nostalgic and just a little fancy. These candied walnuts hit that sweet spot—literally and figuratively. If you give this recipe a go, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Did you keep it classic or add your own twist?
Leave a comment or tag me if you share them—seeing your creations always makes my day.
Now, off to make another batch… because apparently I can’t stop either.
Quick Candied Walnuts
Ingredients
- 2 cups walnuts
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- dash cinnamon optional
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium-sized skillet, add the walnuts, granulated sugar, brown sugar, butter, water, salt, and cinnamon (if using).
- Cook over high heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar mixture thickens and becomes a caramel-like coating—about 5 minutes.
- Immediately transfer the coated walnuts onto the prepared baking sheet and spread into a single layer.
- Let the walnuts cool completely, then break them apart and enjoy.
Notes
Nutrition