Description
Few things capture the magic of homemade sweetness like toffee candied walnuts. Each glossy, golden-brown piece delivers a perfect blend of buttery toffee and nutty crunch — a snack that’s as elegant as it is addictive. Whether you’re preparing them for holiday gifts, topping a fresh salad, or simply craving something sweet and nutty, these candied walnuts never disappoint.
Ingredients
For one batch (about 3 cups of candied walnuts):
3 cups (about 300 g) walnut halves
1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
½ cup (120 ml) water
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon fine sea salt (plus extra for sprinkling, optional)
Optional flavor add-ins:
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (for warmth)
A pinch of cayenne pepper (for a sweet-and-spicy kick)
1 tablespoon honey (for deeper caramel notes)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Lightly grease it with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Toast the Walnuts
Toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 5–7 minutes, stirring often until lightly golden and fragrant. Set aside in a heatproof bowl.
Step 3: Make the Toffee Syrup
Combine sugar and water in a medium, heavy-bottomed saucepan. Stir gently to dissolve the sugar. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then cook 8–10 minutes until it turns a rich amber color.
Step 4: Add Butter and Flavorings
Remove from heat. Stir in butter, vanilla, and salt carefully — the mixture will bubble. Mix until smooth. Add cinnamon or honey if desired.
Step 5: Coat the Walnuts
Quickly add toasted walnuts to the syrup. Stir to coat evenly. Work fast before the toffee cools.
Step 6: Spread and Cool
Spread the coated walnuts in a single layer on the prepared sheet. Separate clumps gently with a fork. Cool 20–30 minutes until hardened.
Step 7: Enjoy
Once cooled, break apart and store in a jar or serve immediately.
Notes
Watch the caramel closely — it can burn fast.
For extra crunch, sprinkle a touch of sea salt over the warm nuts.
Use a candy thermometer if preferred: the syrup should reach around 300°F (150°C) for hard crack stage.
These make perfect edible gifts — package them in glass jars or tins.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snack / Dessert / Edible Gift
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ¼ cup (about 30 g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 60 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg
Keywords: toffee candied walnuts, candied walnuts recipe, caramelized walnuts, toffee nuts, sweet glazed walnuts