Candied Walnuts

Candied Walnuts

Post 9 of 12 in my 12 Days of Christmas Recipes Series – Candied Walnuts

These candied walnuts are great snacks on their own, but you can also add them to salads, use them as toppings on pies/cakes/cheesecakes, and more. They are super fast and easy to make and chances are, you already have the ingredients on hand. Pecans are great in place of walnuts, as well.

To make a pound of candied walnuts (14-18 snack servings), you will need:

• 1 pound of walnuts (pieces or halves)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• pinch salt
• 1/4c + 2 Tbs milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

First, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Roast the walnuts in a single layer on a baking sheet for 8-10 minutes.

Line a separate baking sheet (possibly two) with wax paper.

In a medium saucepan, stir together the sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add the milk and stir well.

Cook for 8-9 minutes over medium high until the mixture reaches 236 degrees F.

This is where my candy thermometer stopped working. It got to 211 degrees F and after that it just read “HI.” I just had to kindof guess. Time for a new thermometer, methinks.

Anyway- once the candy mixture reaches the desired temperature, remove from heat and stir in the vanilla. Fold in the walnuts and stir until they are coated.

Spoon the walnuts out onto the prepared baking sheets lined with wax paper, and separate them. Cool and store in an airtight container (or Ziplock bag).

As I said before, these candied walnuts are great for snacking at holiday parties. They also make fantastic gifts and are easily packaged and shipped. Give them a try! 🙂

Check out the other posts in my 12 Days of Christmas Recipes series!

Day 1: Chocolate-Covered Cherry Cookies

Day 2: Cinnamon Palmiers

Day 3: Cranberry Relish

Day 4: Chewy Spicy Ginger Cookies

Day 5: Chocolate Mint Chip Cookies

Day 6: Goat Cheese-Stuffed Dates Wrapped with Prosciutto

Day 7: Almond Orange Biscotti

Day 8: Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

Day 9: Candied Walnuts