Sweet, crunchy, and golden — the perfect snack or salad topper!
These easy candied walnuts are coated in a buttery caramel glaze that hardens to a crisp, glossy finish. They’re perfect for snacking, gifting, or adding to salads, oatmeal, and desserts.
🍽️ Recipe Card
Yield: 2 cups
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Cool Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
✅ Ingredients
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2 cups walnut halves
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½ cup granulated sugar
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2 tbsp butter
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2 tbsp water
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¼ tsp salt
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½ tsp vanilla extract (optional but delicious)
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare a Baking Sheet
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
2️⃣ Melt Sugar Mixture
In a medium nonstick skillet, combine sugar, butter, water, and salt.
Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until sugar dissolves and the mixture starts bubbling.
3️⃣ Add Walnuts
Add walnuts to the pan and stir well to coat them evenly with the syrup.
Continue cooking for about 5–7 minutes, stirring constantly, until the nuts are evenly caramelized and glossy.
4️⃣ Add Vanilla (Optional)
Remove from heat and quickly stir in vanilla extract.
5️⃣ Spread to Cool
Immediately spread the walnuts onto the prepared baking sheet.
Separate them with a fork or spatula before they cool completely.
6️⃣ Cool & Store
Allow to cool for about 15 minutes until hardened and crisp.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
💡 Tips & Variations
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🥄 Cinnamon Twist: Add ½ tsp ground cinnamon for warm spice.
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🌶️ Sweet & Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne for heat.
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🍫 Chocolate Coating: Once cooled, drizzle with melted dark chocolate.
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🌿 Honey Glaze Alternative: Replace sugar with ¼ cup honey for a natural sweetness.
🌟 Why You’ll Love These
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5 ingredients and only 10 minutes of cooking
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Crunchy, sweet, and buttery perfection
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Great for snacks, charcuterie boards, or topping ice cream and salads
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Stores beautifully — perfect for gifts!
🧊 Storage
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Room Temp: Airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
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Fridge: Up to 1 month.
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Freezer: Up to 3 months — thaw before serving.