This sugared walnuts recipe is a simple treat that combines crunchy walnuts with a sweet, caramelized sugared coating. It’s a great snack and also perfect for adding a sweet crunch to salads, yogurt, and more!
Table of Contents
Candied walnuts can lead to a super sugary and sweet treat, but one that can lack a depth of flavor. Not with this recipe, though! We use sweetened condensed milk and cinnamon to give it a beautiful depth of flavor that sets it apart!
Love walnuts? Then you’ll definitely want to try my pesto with walnuts recipe. And for more sweet treats, give my pumpkin walnut bread and candied almonds recipe a go. They’re all easy to make and packed with flavor.
My mom’s recipe was found in her handwriting in her recipe book. I like to make these to top salads or have on hand for a sugary snack in the afternoon. I store them in a mason jar with lid for days on end – until they’re all enjoyed!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Quick: This recipe is a snap to make. It’s as simple as heating the ingredients, pouring them over the walnuts, and letting them cool.
- Easy: If you think making candied nuts is difficult, this recipe will prove you wrong. It’s simple, straightforward, and works great every time!
- Classic Flavors: The combination of sweetened condensed milk, vanilla, and cinnamon gives these walnuts a timeless, irresistible flavor.
- So Delicious: Once you start, you won’t be able to stop! These walnuts are seriously delicious, thanks to their sweet, crunchy coating.
- Perfect for Gifting: These sugared walnuts make a wonderful homemade gift. Just package them up in a cute jar or bag and you have a thoughtful present that anyone would love.
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Key Ingredients
- Granulated Sugar: This will be the main sweetener in our recipe, giving our Sugared Walnuts their deliciously sweet flavor.
- Salt: A pinch of salt will help to balance the sweetness of the sugar and enhance the overall flavor of the walnuts.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: This ingredient will add a rich, creamy texture to our walnuts, making them even more irresistible.
- Vanilla: A touch of vanilla will give our Sugared Walnuts a warm, aromatic flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the sugar.
- Ground Cinnamon: This spice will add a hint of warmth and a subtle depth of flavor to our walnuts, making them even more delicious.
- Walnut Halves: The star of the show! These will be coated in our sugary mixture and then baked to crunchy, caramelized perfection.
Equipment
- Candy Thermometer – You’ll need this to check the temperature of your sugar and milk mixture to bring it perfectly to the softball stage (236 F).
How to Make Sugared Walnuts
Preparation
Start by lining a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the sugared walnuts from sticking to the sheet and make clean-up easier.
Step 1 – Combine the Ingredients
In a saucepan, combine the sugar, salt, cinnamon, and milk. Heat this mixture, stirring constantly, until it reaches a softball stage, which is at 236˚ F.
Step 2 – Add the Vanilla and Walnuts
Once the sugar mixture reaches the softball stage, stir in the vanilla extract. Immediately, pour the hot sugar mixture over the walnuts and stir to coat the walnuts evenly.
Step 3 – Spread the Walnuts
After the walnuts are coated with the sugar mixture, spread them onto the parchment paper to cool. Make sure to spread them out so that they don’t clump together as they cool.
Expert Tip
To ensure that the sugary coating on your walnuts is perfectly crisp and evenly distributed, keep the walnuts warm by heating them in the oven at 225˚ F while you make the coating. This way they will cool down more slowly and you’ll get a more even sugar coat on them.
Recipe Variations
- Orange Flavor: Instead of using cinnamon, try adding grated orange rinds to the sugar mixture for a citrusy twist to your sugared walnuts.
- Sweet and Salty: Increase the salt in the recipe and add a sprinkle of sea salt over the walnuts after coating for a delicious sweet and salty snack.
- Add Chocolate: After the sugared walnuts have cooled, drizzle them with melted dark chocolate for a delicious sweet treat.
What to Serve With
- These sugared walnuts are a delicious snack on their own. Serve them in a bowl at your next gathering and watch them disappear. They also make a great edible gift, simply package them in a mason jar with a ribbon.
- You can also chop them up and use them as a topping for your favorite salads. The added crunch and sweetness take your salad to the next level.
- These sugared walnuts are also a hit at brunch. Serve them alongside some yogurt and fresh fruit for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Make Ahead Instructions
You can simply make these sugared walnuts as directed and store them until ready to enjoy.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, you can. While this recipe calls for walnut halves, you can easily substitute them with other nuts like pecans or almonds. The key is to make sure the nuts are fresh for the best flavor and texture.
In candy making, the term “softball stage” refers to the temperature at which the sugar syrup forms a soft ball when dropped into cold water. For this recipe, it’s 236˚ F. If you don’t have a candy thermometer, you can test the syrup by dropping a small amount into a bowl of cold water. It should form a soft, pliable ball.
It’s best to use sweetened condensed milk for this recipe as it not only adds sweetness but also helps the sugar mixture to adhere to the walnuts. I wouldn’t recommend substituting it with regular milk as the result may not be the same.
Storing and Reheating
- Storing: You can store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 month.
- Freezing: Unfortunately, these sugared walnuts don’t freeze well due to the sugar coating. Freezing can cause the sugar to absorb moisture, leading to a sticky and unpleasant texture once thawed.
More Nut Recipes You’ll Enjoy
Serving Size
- What to Expect: This sugared walnut recipe yields about 3 cups of deliciously sweet and crunchy walnuts.
- How to Scale: If you’re planning to serve a larger crowd or just want to have more of these tasty treats on hand, you can easily double the recipe. Just make sure to use a large enough skillet to coat the walnuts evenly with the sugar mixture. Follow the rest of the instructions as directed, and you’ll have twice the amount of sugared walnuts to enjoy.
Sugared Walnuts
Equipment
- candy thermometer
Ingredients
- 1 Cup granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 6 Tablespoons sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3 Cups walnut halves
Instructions
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Combine the sugar, salt, cinnamon, and milk in a small saucepan.
- Heat the sugar mixture to a softball stage (236˚ F) over medium heat stirring constantly. Once temperature is reached, add the vanilla and immediately carefully pour over the walnuts and stir.
- Spread the walnuts on parchment paper to cool.
