Go Back

5-Minute Candied Walnuts

These 5-Minute Candied Walnuts are a quick and easy treat that's perfect for snacking, topping on salads or desserts, or even giving as gifts. The combination of sweet and crunchy makes them an addictive snack that everyone will love.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Cook Time 4 minutes
Servings: 5
Course: Snack
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups 226g walnuts
  • 1/2 cup 100g granulated sugar
  • 3 tablespoons 37.5g light brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup 118ml water
  • 2 tablespoons 28g unsalted butter
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon optional

Method
 

  1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.
  2. In a large non-stick skillet, add the walnuts, granulated sugar, brown sugar, water, and butter. If you're using cinnamon, add it now.
  3. Place the skillet over high heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until all moisture has evaporated, and the walnuts become glossy and start to clump together. This should take about 5 minutes.
  4. Stir in salt and quickly transfer the nuts to the prepared baking sheet. Spread them out into a single layer and set aside to cool.
  5. Once the nuts have hardened, break them apart and enjoy!

Notes

Be careful not to burn the sugar mixture while cooking. Keep stirring the mixture and remove it from the heat as soon as the walnuts start to clump together.
If you don't have walnuts, you can use pecans or almonds instead.
For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the mixture while cooking.