Candied Walnuts
Quick and easy candied walnuts made with just three ingredients in 5 minutes. Perfect for salads, desserts, or gifting!
Ingredients
- 1 cup walnut halves or pieces
- ΒΌ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter room temperature
Instructions
- Prepare your workspace: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place it near the stove.
- Heat and combine: Place a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add walnuts, sugar, and butter to the cold pan. Stir constantly as the ingredients heat together.
- The magic happens: Continue stirring until the butter melts and sugar starts dissolving, bubbling into a glossy caramelized coating.
- Watch for the perfect color: Stir for 3-5 minutes until the mixture reaches a golden amber color and the nuts are evenly coated.
- Cool to perfection: Immediately transfer the candied walnuts to the prepared baking sheet, spreading them in a single layer. Let them cool for about 10 minutes to harden.
Notes
Storage: Store cooled candied walnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, or in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.
Freezing: Candied walnuts can be frozen for up to 2 months. Portion them into smaller containers and thaw at room temperature.
Customization: Add cinnamon, nutmeg, or cayenne for extra flavor. Swap out walnuts for pecans or almonds.
Serving Ideas: Perfect for salads, desserts (like ice cream or cheesecake), or snacking on their own. They also make great gifts when packaged in mason jars.