Candied Walnuts

4.8
(662)
520 Reviews
75 Photos

Candied walnuts are easy to make at home with this simple recipe. They're such a special treat for the holidays that it's well worth every minute it takes to make them. Store cooled nuts in airtight containers.

Submitted by Dawn Timmerman
Updated on October 5, 2023
Tested by
Allrecipes Test Kitchen
Tested by Allrecipes Test Kitchen
The Allrecipes Test Kitchen staff are a team of culinary pros who make and vet recipes using only equipment you'd find in a home kitchen. Staff credentials vary but include training at the Culinary Institute of America; kitchen stints in fine dining restaurants; and countless hours in the test kitchen itself.
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Prep Time:
10 mins
Cook Time:
15 mins
Total Time:
25 mins
Servings:
16
Yield:
1 pound
Jump to Nutrition Facts

Sweeten your season with this super easy candied walnuts recipe. 

How to Make Candied Walnuts

You'll find a detailed ingredient list and step-by-step instructions in the recipe below, but let's go over the basics:

Candied Walnuts Ingredients

These are the six ingredients you’ll need to make this irresistible candied walnuts recipe: 

  • Walnuts: A pound of walnut halves should make about 16 servings. 
  • Sugar: You can’t have candied walnuts without sugar! A cup of white sugar, to be exact.
  • Milk: You’ll need six tablespoons of milk. 
  • Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon lends warmth and coziness. 
  • Salt: A pinch of salt takes the flavor up a notch. 
  • Vanilla: Vanilla extract adds even more cozy, warm flavor. 

How to Candy Walnuts

Here’s a brief overview of what you can expect when you make homemade candied walnuts: 

  1. Toast the walnuts in the oven. 
  2. Stir the sugar, milk, and salt in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Don’t forget to use a candy thermometer to make sure it reaches the right temperature.
  3. Remove the mixture from the heat and stir in the vanilla and walnuts. 
  4. Spoon the walnuts onto wax paper and break up clumps. Let the nuts cool.

How to Use Candied Walnuts

There are so many delicious ways to use homemade candied walnuts. For instance: 

  • Transfer them to mason jars, add a festive ribbon, and give them as gifts during the holiday season. 
  • Add them to all your favorite seasonal salads. For inspiration, explore our collection of Best Fall and Winter Salads. 
  • Use them as a crunchy topping for smooth autumnal soups, such as this top-rated Butternut Squash Soup. 

How to Store Candied Walnuts

Store the (completely cooled) candied walnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks or freeze them for up to three months. 

Allrecipes Community Tips and Praise

“So easy and extremely delicious,” raves Michele. “I already had all the ingredients and whipped these up in 10 minutes!”

“These are amazing,” according to jleahy. “I make them every holiday season. All of my kids love them and I bring them as snacks to holiday parties. They don’t last long, and people always ask for more.”

“Yum,” says Michelle Thomas. “I added cocoa nibs for a hint of chocolate and it was so good. Will be making again!”

Editorial contributions by Corey Williams

Ingredients

  • 1 pound walnut halves

  • 1 cup white sugar

  • 6 tablespoons milk

  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

  • ¼ teaspoon salt

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Place walnuts onto a baking sheet and spread in a single layer.

  2. Roast in the preheated oven until nuts are fragrant and begin to turn brown, 8 to 10 minutes.

  3. Meanwhile, stir sugar, milk, cinnamon, and salt together in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat; attach a candy thermometer to the saucepan and bring mixture to a boil. Cook, without stirring, until mixture reaches 240 degrees F (115 degrees C), about 8 minutes. A small amount of syrup dropped into cold water should form a soft ball that flattens when removed from the water and placed onto a flat surface. Remove from the heat and immediately stir in vanilla.

  4. Stir nuts into the pan until well coated. Spoon nuts onto waxed paper and use a fork to remove any clumps. Cool to room temperature.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

238 Calories
19g Fat
17g Carbs
5g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 16
Calories 238
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 19g 24%
Saturated Fat 2g 9%
Cholesterol 1mg 0%
Sodium 39mg 2%
Total Carbohydrate 17g 6%
Dietary Fiber 2g 8%
Total Sugars 14g
Protein 5g 9%
Vitamin C 0mg 0%
Calcium 38mg 3%
Iron 1mg 5%
Potassium 136mg 3%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.

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