Description
This Candied Walnuts with Cinnamon recipe offers a simple and delightful way to make sweet, crunchy nuts perfect for snacking, salads, or topping desserts. The walnuts are cooked in a cinnamon-spiced sugar syrup that crystallizes for a perfect candy coating with hints of vanilla and a touch of salt for balance.
Ingredients
Scale
Walnuts
- 2 cups walnut halves (pecans or hazelnuts can be used as alternatives)
Candied Coating
- 1 cup granulated sugar (brown sugar can be used for a deeper flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional extra or substitute with a pinch of nutmeg)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (flaky or table salt)
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, mix the sugar, ground cinnamon, salt, vanilla extract, and water over medium heat. Stir continuously until the mixture looks smooth and starts to simmer.
- Add Walnuts: Once the sugar has mostly dissolved and the mixture is simmering, add the walnuts to the pan. Stir to coat the nuts evenly; the mixture will appear gloopy.
- Cook and Stir: Continue stirring the walnuts in the sugar syrup for 8 to 10 minutes. The coating will transition from sticky to dusty and dull as the sugar crystallizes—this is normal, so keep stirring.
- Caramelization Phase: After the crystallization, the sugar will begin melting into shiny caramel patches, and the walnuts will become glossy and clumpy. Remove the pan from heat when most nuts are coated but before burning occurs.
- Cool and Separate: Quickly spread the candied walnuts onto a parchment-lined tray. Use a fork to break up clusters if desired. Allow the nuts to cool completely before serving to harden the coating.
Notes
- You can substitute pecans or hazelnuts for walnuts if preferred.
- Brown sugar can replace granulated sugar for a richer flavor.
- Extra cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg can be added for additional spice notes.
- Be attentive during the crystallization and caramelization stages to avoid burning the sugar.
- Allow the nuts to cool thoroughly to let the coating set properly.
