The Best Holiday Candied Walnuts Recipe

If you’re looking for a snack that’s sweet, crunchy, and packed with flavor, these candied walnuts are a game-changer. Whether you’re munching on them by the handful, sprinkling them on a salad, or gifting them in a cute mason jar, they’re incredibly versatile and so easy to make. With a hint of cinnamon and spice, these candied nuts bring all the cozy fall vibes to your kitchen, and trust me—once you start, it’s hard to stop!

Since you are here and love candied walnut recipes, check out these other great nut recipes when you’re finished with this one:

• The Best Fudge Walnut Brownies Recipe
• Walnut Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Brown Butter Candied Pecan Blondies

Ingredients for this Holiday easy candied walnuts recipe

Here are the ingredients you will need to make this homemade candied walnuts recipe. Make sure to scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom of the page for the detailed ingredient measurements. 

• Walnuts: They can be halves or in pieces.
• Granulated Sugar: adds sweetness and helps create a crispy, caramelized coating on the walnuts as they bake.
• Light Brown Sugar: brings a deeper, richer flavor with its molasses content.
• Ground Cinnamon: delivers a warm kick and a touch of spice.
• Salt: balances out the sweetness while enhancing all of the other flavors.
• Nutmeg, Ground Ginger, and Ground Allspice: work together to add a layer of complexity to the candy walnuts.
• Egg White: act as a binding agent in this delicious recipe, helping the sugar and spice mixture stick.
• Water: helps thin out the egg whites, making it easier to evenly coat the walnuts.
• Vanilla Extract: adds a subtle sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile.

How to make this Holiday’s best candied walnuts recipe

This is how you can make these crunchy candied walnuts. Make sure to scroll down to the recipe card at the end of this post for the oven temp, bake time, and full step-by-step instructions! 

1. Preheat your oven and line a baking sheet with a sheet of parchment paper.
2. In a small bowl, combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice. Set aside.
3. In a separate large bowl, whisk the egg whites until frothy. Mix in water and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Add walnuts to the egg-white mixture, tossing to coat evenly. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the walnuts, stirring until well coated.
5. Spread the coated walnuts in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake in the preheated oven and stir at the halfway point to ensure even baking. Watch closely to avoid burning.
7. Once golden brown and fragrant, remove the candied walnuts from the oven.
8. Let the nuts cool completely to room temperature on the baking sheet; they will become crisp as they cool. Be careful eating them as they’re hot because hot sugar can seriously burn your mouth.
9. Once cooled, break apart any clusters.

Why do you need to make this Holiday candied walnuts recipe?

• This great snack only requires simple ingredients that you can quickly grab at the grocery store.
• They’re the perfect homemade holiday gift to hand out during the Christmas season.
• This easy recipe has multiple uses and can be enjoyed in many different ways.
• Save money by making these at home instead of going out to pay the high price tags of expensive spiced nut carts.

Frequently Asked Questions – FAQ

How do I store leftover leftover candied nuts?

Store candied walnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure they are fully cooled before sealing in an airtight container.

How can I use this Holiday candied walnuts recipe?

• Crush them up and use them as a salad topper or on top of ice cream or a yogurt parfait.
• Package them up and send them out as a Christmas gift.
• It works as a delicious snack on a cheese plate or charcuterie board.

My candied walnuts seem to be sticky, what should I do?

If your candied walnuts are sticky, it might be due to excess syrup or undercooking. Make sure to bake them until they are golden brown and fragrant, and let them cool completely before storing. If they remain sticky, you can break them apart and allow them to dry out further at room temperature.

Can I use different spices for this recipe?

Yes, you can experiment with different spices to suit your taste. Try using cardamom, cloves, or even a touch of cayenne pepper for a unique twist on the classic recipe.

The Best Holiday Candied Walnuts Recipe

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