Name: Brown Sugar Candied Walnuts Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 7 min
Total time: 12 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups walnut halves; 1/2 cup light brown sugar (packed); 1/4 cup water; 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional); 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Brown Sugar Candied Walnuts are the kind of snack that instantly transports you to cozy gatherings, crunchy salad toppings, and sweet, nutty bliss. With just a handful of pantry staples, you can whip up a batch of these irresistible gems that combine the rich flavor of toasted walnuts, the warmth of brown sugar, and a hint of spice. The result—deliciously glossy, caramelized walnuts—are perfect for gifting, elevating a cheese board, or simply nibbling by the handful. Trust me, you’ll want to keep these in regular rotation!

Brown Sugar Candied Walnuts Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Brown Sugar Candied Walnuts lies in their simplicity. With just six ingredients, every element plays a key role: from sweetness and spice to that irresistible crunch. Here’s why each one matters and a quick tip to make them shine!

Walnut halves: Their rich, buttery texture and slightly earthy flavor make them the perfect canvas for all that caramelized goodness.
Light brown sugar: Adds a deep, molasses-y sweetness that’s essential for that delicious candy coating.
Water: Helps the sugar melt down evenly, ensuring every walnut is perfectly glazed without crystallization.
Cinnamon (optional): Brings a gentle warmth—feel free to skip or sub in nutmeg for a twist.
Salt: Just a pinch takes these nuts from flat to fabulous, balancing the sweetness beautifully.
Vanilla extract: Introduced at the end for a nostalgic, round flavor that ties everything together.

How to Make Brown Sugar Candied Walnuts

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Sheet

Find a sturdy baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. This might seem like a small thing, but it’s absolutely key to prevent sticking later and makes cleanup almost too easy. Have it ready before you start cooking—the process goes quickly!

Step 2: Melt the Sugar Mixture

Grab a medium skillet and combine the brown sugar, water, cinnamon (if you like that warm spice), and salt. Place it over medium heat and stir gently until the sugar has dissolved, creating a smooth, bubbling syrup. The aroma alone will have you swooning.

Step 3: Glaze the Walnuts

Add the walnut halves right to the simmering mixture. Stir constantly, making sure every nook and cranny gets coated in that sweet syrup. Keep it moving for about 5 to 7 minutes—the mixture will thicken and turn glossy as it clings beautifully to the nuts.

Step 4: Finish with Vanilla

As soon as the walnuts are perfectly glazed and the mixture has thickened, remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. This addition goes in at the end to keep its flavor vibrant and aromatic.

Step 5: Cool and Set

Working quickly, spread the freshly candied walnuts onto your parchment-lined sheet in a single layer. Try to separate them as much as possible (tongs help!), which makes for easy snacking later. Let them cool completely—patience is a virtue here, as this allows them to get that signature crispy crunch.

How to Serve Brown Sugar Candied Walnuts

Garnishes

For an extra splash of style, sprinkle your Brown Sugar Candied Walnuts with a pinch of flaky sea salt or a dusting of extra cinnamon right after cooling. Both add even more contrast and visual appeal—plus, who can resist a sweet-and-salty combination?

Side Dishes

These walnuts are lovely on their own, but they really shine atop salads—try them with arugula, goat cheese, and pears—or as part of a cheese and charcuterie spread. They’re also delightful tossed over morning oatmeal or yogurt for a bit of luxurious crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

For gifting, scoop your Brown Sugar Candied Walnuts into glass jars tied with ribbon—it’s thoughtful and delicious! I also love using them as the finishing touch on a frosted cake or cupcakes, or layering them in a festive snack mix alongside dried fruit and chocolate chips.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Brown Sugar Candied Walnuts fresh and crisp, transfer them to an airtight container once they’re completely cool. They’ll stay delicious at room temperature for up to two weeks—although I bet they won’t last that long if your house is anything like mine!

Freezing

Got a surplus or prepping ahead? Go ahead and freeze your candied walnuts! Spread them out on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then pack into a zip-top bag or airtight container. They’ll keep their flavor and crunch for up to three months—just let them thaw at room temp before serving.

Reheating

If your candied walnuts lose a bit of their crunch after storage, spread them on a baking sheet and pop them in a 300°F oven for 5 to 8 minutes. Let them cool completely again, and they’ll be just as irresistible as when you made them fresh.

FAQs

Can I use other nuts instead of walnuts?

Absolutely! Pecans are a fantastic swap and follow the exact same method. Almonds and cashews also work great—just keep an eye on them while glazing as their sizes may cause the timing to vary slightly.

Is cinnamon necessary in Brown Sugar Candied Walnuts?

Nope! The cinnamon is optional. If you’re not a fan or want to highlight the pure nutty flavor, simply leave it out. You can also experiment with other spices like nutmeg, cardamom, or even a hint of cayenne for some heat.

Will my candied walnuts stick together?

A little sticking is normal, especially if they’re cooling close together. To avoid big clumps, use tongs or a couple of forks to separate the walnuts as soon as you spread them out to cool. If you do get clusters, break them up gently with your hands once they’re set.

How do I keep Brown Sugar Candied Walnuts crunchy?

Make sure they cool completely in a single layer before storing, and always use an airtight container to keep moisture out. If they soften, just refresh them in the oven as described above.

Are Brown Sugar Candied Walnuts gluten free?

Yes—this recipe is naturally gluten free as long as you check that your vanilla extract and spices are certified gluten free. That means they’re wonderful for sharing at gatherings where dietary restrictions are a consideration.

Final Thoughts

If you haven’t tried making Brown Sugar Candied Walnuts at home, you’re in for the simplest, happiest treat. They’re pure nostalgic comfort and gourmet flair in one bite. Grab those ingredients, stir up a batch, and get ready to fall in love—just be warned, these are seriously share-worthy!

Brown Sugar Candied Walnuts Recipe

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4.7 from 27 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 12 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

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Description

These Brown Sugar Candied Walnuts are a delightful treat that’s perfect for snacking, adding to salads, or enjoying on their own. The combination of sweet brown sugar, warm cinnamon, and crunchy walnuts makes for a delicious and addictive snack.

Ingredients

Scale

Walnuts:

2 cups walnut halves

Brown Sugar Mixture:

1/2 cup light brown sugar (packed)
1/4 cup water
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
Cook Brown Sugar Mixture: In a skillet, combine brown sugar, water, cinnamon, and salt. Cook until sugar dissolves and mixture bubbles.
Add Walnuts: Stir in walnuts, cooking and stirring until glazed.
Finish and Cool: Remove from heat, stir in vanilla, and spread walnuts on the baking sheet to cool.