Name: Sweet Candied Walnuts Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound shelled walnuts (4 cups); ½ cup granulated sugar; ½ cup packed light brown sugar; ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon; ½ teaspoon kosher salt or sea salt; ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1 large egg white; 1 tablespoon water; ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

There’s something utterly irresistible about the crunch and sweetness of homemade candied nuts, especially when they’re packed with warm spices. This Sweet Candied Walnuts Recipe gives you perfectly coated walnuts that balance sugary goodness with a hint of cozy cinnamon and nutmeg—trust me, once you try these, you’ll want to sprinkle them on everything!

A close-up view of a white bowl filled with a coarse, light brown sugar mixture, showing its grainy texture. A shiny silver whisk is partially immersed in the mixture, with its thin wires gently resting on the sugar, creating soft swirls and small peaks. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, and the image captures the mixer's delicate motion in the sugar crystals. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Sweet Candied Walnuts Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Sweet Candied Walnuts Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Sweet Candied Walnuts Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Honestly, this recipe has become my go-to when I want a sweet, crunchy treat that’s easy but feels special. The combination of spices with the crispy candied coating on walnuts is just next-level—I’m pretty sure you’ll be hooked as soon as you take that first bite.

Simple Ingredients: You probably already have most of these in your pantry, making it easy to whip up anytime.
Versatility: Use these sweet candied walnuts in salads, desserts, or even on their own as a snack you’ll love.
Perfect Texture: The egg white creates a light, crisp coating without any heaviness or sogginess.
Long Shelf Life: Once made, they keep well for weeks, so you can enjoy them over time without any fuss.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Sweet Candied Walnuts Recipe plays a specific role—the sugars add sweetness and help with caramelization, spices deliver warmth and complexity, and the egg white acts as a binder so the sugar sticks perfectly.

Flat lay of shelled walnuts scattered loosely on a simple white ceramic plate, a small white bowl filled with granulated sugar, another small white bowl containing light brown sugar packed smoothly, a tiny white bowl holding ground cinnamon, a small white bowl with fine kosher salt, a small white bowl with ground nutmeg, one large whole uncracked egg with a clean shell resting beside the bowls, a small white bowl of clear water, and a small white bowl holding a few drops of vanilla extract placed symmetrically around the walnuts, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Walnuts: Choose fresh, shelled walnuts for the best crunch and flavor; I always look for ones without any bitterness.
Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and texture; the fine crystals help form that crunchy shell.
Light Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and a subtle molasses undertone that deepens the flavor.
Ground Cinnamon: Brings warm spice that complements the nuttiness beautifully.
Kosher or Sea Salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and awaken the flavors.
Ground Nutmeg: Adds subtle depth and warmth; a little goes a long way, so measure carefully!
Egg White: The secret to that perfect crisp coating without sogginess; make sure it’s beaten until frothy.
Water: Helps lighten the egg white and improves coating coverage.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances sweetness naturally and rounds out the flavors.

Note: Exact ingredients and measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about this Sweet Candied Walnuts Recipe is how you can tweak it to make it your own. I’ve added a pinch of cayenne for a spicy kick during the holidays, but you can keep it classic or even swap in pecans or almonds if you want to change things up.

Spicy Variation: Adding a bit of cayenne pepper turned out to be a fun surprise that warms up party platters.
Nut Substitutes: Try pecans or almonds for different textures and flavors—they all work wonderfully candied this way.
Sweeteners Swap: If you like a deeper sweetness, try using dark brown sugar or even a touch of maple syrup (just reduce water slightly).
Flavor Twists: Experiment with adding a little orange zest or cardamom for a fresh fragrance that’s a bit unexpected.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Sweet Candied Walnuts Recipe

The image shows a close-up of many small, rough-textured, golden brown candied walnuts with a shiny sugary coating. A silver spoon full of the walnuts is lifted above a pile of more walnuts that fill the frame. Each walnut piece has an uneven, bumpy surface with a slightly darker caramel color in the crevices. The background beneath the walnuts is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Start by positioning your oven rack in the center and preheating the oven to 300°F (149°C). Line a sheet pan with parchment paper—it’s a simple step but makes cleanup so much easier and prevents sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Sugars and Spices

Whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg in a medium bowl. This blend will coat the walnuts, giving that signature sweet, spiced flavor. I like to smell it at this point—makes the kitchen smell amazing!

Step 3: Whip the Egg Whites Until Frothy

In a large bowl, whisk the egg white, water, and vanilla extract until you see medium peaks form and the mixture is very frothy. This is key because the egg white creates the perfect light coating. If your egg white looks liquidy again while coating, just whisk lightly one more time before adding nuts.

Step 4: Coat the Walnuts Thoroughly

Add the walnuts to the frothy egg white mixture and toss well until every nut is evenly coated. Then transfer these coated walnuts to the sugar-spice bowl. Using a spatula, gently mix so every walnut is covered with that delicious sweet mixture.

Step 5: Bake and Stir

Spread the coated walnuts in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to prevent burning and to help them crisp up evenly. Watch for the coating to dry and look crisp—that’s when you know they’re ready!

Step 6: Cool Completely and Enjoy

Let the candied walnuts cool fully on the pan—they’ll harden as they cool, so resist the urge to taste them hot! Once cooled, they’re perfect for snacking, topping, or gifting.

Top Tip

After making these Sweet Candied Walnuts multiple times, I’ve learned a few tricks that really help ensure perfect results every time—these made all the difference for me!

Whisk Egg Whites Well: Don’t skip the frothing step—without fluffy egg whites, the sugar won’t stick properly, and you’ll lose that crisp texture.
Stir Frequently: I always set a timer to stir every 15 minutes so the coating doesn’t burn, and the walnuts toast evenly.
Use Fresh Walnuts: Older walnuts can taste bitter; fresh ones make the flavor shine, so always check your nuts before candying.
Cool on Parchment: Cooling on parchment stops sticking and lets the coating harden perfectly without breaking.

How to Serve Sweet Candied Walnuts Recipe

Garnishes

I love throwing these candied walnuts on top of green salads with goat cheese and dried cranberries—they add such a delightful crunch and touch of sweetness. They’re also fantastic as a garnish on creamy desserts like panna cotta or cheesecake for texture.

Side Dishes

Serve alongside roasted vegetables or a fresh spinach salad to boost flavor and add texture contrast. They pair incredibly well with dishes featuring strong flavors like blue cheese or roasted root veggies.

Creative Ways to Present

I’ve used these candied walnuts as a crunchy topping on homemade ice cream bars and even on a cheese board where they look gorgeous and taste amazing paired with sharp cheeses and honey.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store my leftover candied walnuts in airtight containers at room temperature, and I’ve found they stay crisp and flavorful for up to three weeks—perfect for making ahead for parties or gift-giving.

Freezing

Freezing these works surprisingly well! Just pop them in a freezer-safe bag or container, and they’ll keep up to six months. When you thaw them, they still maintain their great crunch.

Reheating

If you want to refresh the crispiness after storage, just spread them on a baking sheet and warm in a low oven (about 250°F) for 5–10 minutes. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning—this brings back that freshly baked texture.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other nuts instead of walnuts?

Absolutely! Pecans, almonds, or even cashews can be candied using this exact recipe. Just keep in mind that different nuts have slightly different roasting times, so watch them closely.

Why do we use egg whites in the recipe?

Egg whites act as a binder that helps the sugar and spices stick to the walnuts. Whipping them until frothy creates a light coating that crisps up nicely without making the nuts soggy.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! This Sweet Candied Walnuts Recipe is naturally gluten-free since it doesn’t use any wheat-based ingredients. Just ensure your spices and other ingredients are labeled gluten-free if you’re particularly sensitive.

How long do candied walnuts stay fresh?

Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, candied walnuts stay fresh and crunchy for about 3 weeks. You can also freeze them for up to 6 months without losing quality.

Final Thoughts

I remember the first time I made this Sweet Candied Walnuts Recipe—I was blown away by how simple ingredients transformed into something so much more than just nuts with sugar. These are a fantastic way to add a little extra magic to everyday snacks or to elevate your holiday dishes. Give it a try; I’m confident you’ll find endless ways to enjoy these crunchy, sweet gems.