Description
Delightfully crunchy and sweet, these Brown Sugar Candied Walnuts are a perfect snack or topping for salads and desserts. Coated in a rich caramelized brown sugar mixture with a hint of cinnamon and vanilla, these nuts offer a deliciously addictive treat ready in just 15 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 2 cups walnut halves
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare baking sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside, ensuring you’ll have a non-stick surface ready for the coated walnuts.
- Make sugar syrup: In a large skillet, combine brown sugar, water, cinnamon (if using), and salt. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves and the mixture starts to bubble gently.
- Coat walnuts: Stir in the walnut halves, making sure each piece is thoroughly coated with the sugar syrup for even sweetness.
- Cook and thicken coating: Continue cooking the walnuts in the skillet, stirring frequently for 5 to 7 minutes until the sugar mixture thickens into a sticky glaze and evenly coats the walnuts without burning.
- Add vanilla extract: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the vanilla extract to infuse a subtle aromatic flavor into the glaze.
- Cool walnuts: Spread the coated walnuts on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, carefully separating any pieces that may be sticking together.
- Harden the coating: Allow the walnuts to cool completely at room temperature, letting the sugar coating harden into a crisp shell.
- Store properly: Once cooled and hardened, store the candied walnuts in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to two weeks.
Notes
- Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Stir frequently during cooking to avoid burning the sugar syrup.
- For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of cayenne or nutmeg along with cinnamon.
- These candied walnuts make a great topping for salads, oatmeal, or desserts.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them crunchy up to two weeks.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
