Description
Deliciously sweet and crunchy Candied Walnuts coated with a homemade cinnamon-spiced sugar mixture, baked to perfection. Perfect for snacking, topping salads, or adding to desserts.
Ingredients
Scale
Walnut Mixture
- 1 pound shelled walnuts (4 cups)
Candy Coating
- 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
Binder
- 1 large egg white
- 1 tablespoon water
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Heat the Oven: Place the oven rack in the center position and preheat the oven to 300°F (149°C). Line a sheet pan with parchment paper and set aside.
- Make the Candy Coating: In a medium bowl, combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg. Set this sugar and spice mixture aside.
- Prepare the Binder: In a large bowl, whisk together the egg white, water, and vanilla extract until very frothy with medium peaks forming. If the egg whites lose volume or become watery, whisk again before adding the walnuts.
- Coat the Walnuts: Add the walnuts to the frothy egg white mixture and toss to coat evenly. Then add the coated walnuts to the sugar and spice mixture and use a spatula to toss thoroughly until the walnuts are evenly coated.
- Bake: Spread the coated walnuts evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes, until the surface is dry and crisp.
- Cool: Remove from oven and let the walnuts cool completely on the baking sheet until hardened and crisp.
Notes
- Store candied walnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 weeks or freeze for up to 6 months to maintain freshness.
- If egg whites lose volume and liquid collects at the bottom, whisk lightly again before adding nuts to ensure proper coating.
- Use parchment paper on the baking sheet to avoid sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Stir walnuts every 15 minutes during baking to ensure even cooking and prevent burning.
- These walnuts make a perfect topping for salads, oatmeal, or desserts and are great as a sweet snack.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ¼ cup
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
