Crunchy Candied Walnuts Recipe with Brown Sugar Glaze

I tested several approaches to make these candied walnuts, trying both stove-top and oven methods. After burning my first batch (yes, even experienced bakers make mistakes), I settled on a total bake time of 30 minutes. The oven method produced the crisp, classic crunch I expect from candied nuts, while the stove-top version yielded a more glazed, less crunchy result.

Delicious and easy recipe! Thanks Beth. I will definitely be making these again!
-Janet

You will love this Candied Walnuts Recipe

I test recipes thoroughly and tweak method and timing until the results are reliable. In this case, switching from a longer bake to 30 minutes made a big difference. The oven-baked walnuts come out crunchy and perfectly set, while stove-top nuts stay more glazed and softer.

I also experimented with spices. Adding cinnamon improved the flavor—one tablespoon gives a warm, balanced note without overpowering the nuts. If you’re a cinnamon lover, you can increase it to two tablespoons for a bolder taste.

This recipe is versatile: it’s a great snack on its own, but it also adds flavor and crunch to salads, yogurt parfaits, ice cream, and cheese boards. It’s an easy make-ahead treat and a thoughtful edible gift when packaged in jars or bags.

Read on for tips to get perfect results, ideas for using the walnuts, storage advice, and the full recipe steps below.

These candied walnuts require just six simple ingredients and a straightforward method. The result is an addictive crunchy treat that enhances many recipes. Below is a quick ingredient summary followed by detailed steps and tips.

Candied Walnut Recipe Ingredients

• Whole walnuts
• Granulated sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• Salt
• Egg white
• Tablespoon water

How to Make Candied Walnuts

This recipe is easy and the finished walnuts are delightfully crunchy. Make them for holidays or any time you want a sweet, crunchy topping. The simple steps are below; full details follow afterwards.

1. Prep oven and baking sheets. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Line two large baking sheets with silicone mats or parchment paper.
2. Mix egg white and water. In a large bowl, whisk the egg white and water until frothy.

3. Coat walnuts. Add the walnuts to the bowl and stir to coat them completely with the egg white mixture so the sugar will adhere.
4. Combine remaining ingredients. In another bowl, mix the sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Pour this over the walnuts and toss until they are evenly coated.

5. Transfer walnuts to baking sheet. Arrange the coated walnuts in a single layer on the prepared sheets.
6. Bake and stir. Bake for 15 minutes, remove the sheets, stir the walnuts to promote even browning, and return them to the oven.
7. Continue baking. Bake another 15 minutes, or until the coating is golden and dry and the walnuts are crisp.
8. Cool. Let the walnuts cool on the baking sheet; the coating will harden as they cool.
9. Enjoy! Once fully cooled, store them in an airtight container. Use as a snack, topping, or gift.

Candied Walnut Tips

For the best results, follow these practical tips:

• Spread them out immediately: After coating, transfer the nuts to the lined sheet and spread them so they don’t clump.
• If you don’t have parchment or a Silpat: Lightly butter the baking sheet and place the nuts on it. Avoid wax paper—hot sugar will melt the wax and create a sticky mess.
• Don’t under-bake: Look for a golden, dry coating and a toasty aroma. Under-baking leaves a softer texture instead of the crisp crunch you want.
• Cool completely: The candying finishes as the nuts cool, so let them cool fully before storing or handling.

How to use this recipe for Candied Walnuts

These crunchy walnuts are useful in many ways. Popular uses include:

• A sweet, crunchy snack on their own
• An elegant addition to a cheese plate or charcuterie board
• A crunchy salad topping
• A flavorful layer in yogurt parfaits
• A sweet, crunchy topping for ice cream sundaes
• Packaged in jars or bags as an edible gift for holidays

How to Store Candied Walnuts

Store candied walnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for a few weeks. For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer bag or airtight container for up to two months.

Candied Walnut Recipe FAQs

So easy to make and so delicious! The toasty taste of the walnut makes them 1000x better than ones I have made in the past!
-Michelle

More Recipes with Nuts

• Banana Nut Muffins Recipe
• Kitchen Sink Cookie Recipe
• Mini Turtle Cheesecakes
• Homemade Banana Nut Bread

5 from 4 ratings

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Candied Walnut Recipe

By: Beth

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 5 cups

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I tested every step and ingredient to ensure this candied walnuts recipe delivers the best flavor and texture. Follow the method for consistently crunchy results.

Equipment

• Silicone baking mat or parchment
• Baking sheets
• Large mixing bowl
• Spatula

Ingredients

• 5 cups (640g) whole walnuts
• 1 ½ cups (297g) granulated sugar
• 1 Tablespoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 large egg white
• 1 Tablespoon water

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Line two large baking sheets with silicone mats or parchment paper.
• Whisk the egg white and water in a large bowl until frothy.
• Add the walnuts and stir to coat them with the egg white mixture.
• In a separate bowl combine sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Pour over the walnuts and toss until evenly coated.
• Spread the coated walnuts in a single layer on the prepared baking sheets.
• Bake for 15 minutes, remove and stir, then return to the oven.
• Bake an additional 15 minutes, or until the coating is golden and dry and the nuts are crisp.
• Allow the walnuts to cool on the baking sheet; the coating will harden as they cool.
• Store completely cooled walnuts in an airtight container and enjoy.

Notes

If you don’t have parchment or a silicone mat, butter the baking sheet lightly and spread the nuts on that. Avoid wax paper because hot sugar can melt the wax and cause sticking.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 cup | Calories: 281 kcal | Carbohydrates: 72 g | Protein: 1 g | Fat: 0.3 g | Sugar: 71 g

Nutrition Disclosure

All nutritional values are approximate and provided as a courtesy. Changing ingredients or quantities will change the estimated nutrition information.