5 minute caramel walnuts are chewy, crisp, salty and not-too-sweet !!! Highly addictive candied walnuts are perfect for snacking, holiday gift giving or even topped on salads.
The simplest of recipes. It's so easy, it's ridiculous!
This candied walnuts recipe is perfect for
- Snacking
- Cheese board
- Holiday gift giving
- Topped over ice cream
- Mixed with popcorn
- Salads
- Crostini (like these Persimmon, Goat Cheese and Walnut Crostini )
Endless possibilities and SO ADDICTIVE.
Spicy Ginger Garlic Pita Chips <---- Another flavorful snacking idea. Made with fresh ginger, garlic, cilantro, red pepper flakes and turmeric, this homemade garlic pita chips makes a perfect snack anytime.
What makes this caramelized walnuts so addictive? It is
- Chewy
- Crispy
- Salty
- Not-too-sweet
Perfect blend of flavors.
Few reader feedbacks:
"Just made three batches for Christmas gifts. Outrageously simple to make, but they taste so good everyone will think I slaved in the kitchen with a candy thermometer. Thank you, Maria, for what is sure to become a holiday tradition for me!"
"These taste wonderful.. munch, munch….. "
Main ingredients:
Walnuts, Brown sugar, Butter and Salt. Nothing fancy. No complicated techniques!
How to make caramel walnuts?
The recipe could not be any simpler-
Cook walnuts, brown sugar, water, butter and salt in a non-stick pan, until all moisture evaporates. Transfer to a parchment paper and sprinkle more salt on top (you as much or as little you like). Let cool completely.
Done and DONE. SO easy and so delicious!
Tips and Tricks in making easy caramel walnuts:
Use a non-stick skillet
Add all ingredients into a cold skillet.
Heat should be always high.
Stir occasionally for the first 5 minutes and constantly during the last one minute.
Cook until no moisture remains.
If you love walnuts, then you will love this Orange Walnut Cake or this Carrot Walnut Cake.
Packaging instructions for gift giving:
Wrap brown sugar caramel walnuts in clear cellophane. Tie with a pretty ribbon and you've got yourself a delicious (and easy) homemade holiday favor!
More holiday snack recipes :
5 Minute Caramel Walnuts
Ingredients
- 1 cup walnuts
- ¼ cup + 1 tablespoon golden brown sugar, both packed (do not use dark brown)
- ¼ cup water
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- ⅛ teaspoon + 2 pinches salt
Instructions
- Place a piece of parchment on a dinner plate (approximately the size of the plate) or any other heat proof plate. Set aside.
- Place all ingredients (except two pinches salt) in a medium non-stick skillet.
- Place skillet over high heat and cook (stirring occasionally) for 5 minutes (stirring constantly in the last minute and reduce heat to medium during the last minute), until all moisture evaporates and the nuts get darker, glossy and begins to clump together (refer pictures). It is important to make sure that all the liquid is evaporated before removing from heat.
- Immediately transfer nuts (scraping any remaining caramel off the pan) on the prepared parchment. Spread the nuts, so that they are in a single layer and sprinkle 2 pinches salt evenly on top of nuts. Let cool to room temperature and break apart with your fingers.
- Store nuts in a container for several days <– if it lasts that long.
Notes
Non stick pan is a must.
You could use a small non-stick skillet, cooking time might take an additional 30-45 seconds.
Nutrition
Nutritional information, based on third-party calculations, should be seen as estimates, not guarantees, as various factors like product types, brands, processing methods, and more can alter the nutritional content in recipes.
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Katherine | Love In My Oven
This might be the most scrumptious thing you've posted, Maria!! I LOVE walnuts and I love me some candied nuts. The only problem is I cannot stop eating them once I've made them!! It's worse than chocolate. At least walnuts are good for you 😉
Maria Doss
I know right, God knows (or my scale😀) how much of these I've eaten these last few days. Thank you so much Kathy.
Kelly @ Kelly Lynns Sweets and Treats
Candied nuts are divine!! I need to make these to put out for people to munch on at my next party 🙂
Maria Doss
Thank you Kelly:)
Kelsie | the itsy-bitsy kitchen
I looooove candied nuts! These look just perfect!
Maria Doss
Thank you Kelsie:)
Ashika | Gardening Foodie
These look so yummy Maria, It will really make a great movie time snack:)
Maria Doss
Thank you Ashika:)
Rhonda Wilmot
I can't wait to try the Carmel Walnuts. Caramel walnuts are my favorite. Seeing this a moment ago brightened my day. I'm always willing to try new you again,yrecipes. Thank you so much for this recipe. I can't wait to try them. Thank you again. Rhonda Wilmot
Gloria Lindley
i want to make this but can't afford butter. can i use margarine?
Maria Doss
Yes, you can - Maria
Paula Zargaj-Reynolds
Just made three batches for Christmas gifts. Outrageously simple to make, but they taste so good everyone will think I slaved in the kitchen with a candy thermometer. Thank you, Maria, for what is sure to become a holiday tradition for me!
Maria Doss
Thank you so much for trying, so glad that you love it:)
Gwen Katchis
Made these today they are really good , got family coming for lunch tomorrow so I shall make another batch .
Stevee
THese taste wonderful.. munch, munch..... But how do you keep them shiny? Mine turned sugary when they cooled. However I did add a bit of whiskey..... and some maple flavoring.
Maria Doss
My guess would be that the heat was very high and the brown sugar didn't have an opportunity to melt fully before the moisture could evaporate. Stovetops vary in sizes. I will suggest you cook in medium heat next time, so the sugar will melt and turn glossy along with the butter. Hope it helps:)
Rose
I burned mine😭
Maria Doss
Ah, was the video not helpful?? So sorry to hear that
Sandy
These are so good. Never thought of doing this with walnuts just pecans.
Thank you for ideas. Know people will love them.
Arya
Why not use dark brown sugar? It’s the only kind of brown I have, would white or palm sugar do?
Maria Doss
Hi Arya, Dark brown sugar has more molasses when compared to light/golden brown sugar, which did not yield the best caramel taste. However, if you have only dark brown sugar, then I will using a mixture of (3 to 4 tablespoons) dark brown sugar and remaining plain white sugar in the recipe. Hope it helps:)
Kimberly
Can these be made using only white sugar?
Heather
Quickest recipe I’ve ever tried. Tasty ! Making them for my bosses birthday, she likes walnuts.
Maria Doss
Hi Heather, that sounds wonderful, wishing you a wonderful holiday:)
Catriona’s Candies
Can I double the recipe?
Maria Doss
Hi Catriona, Yes if using a very large non-stick pan (please note that it might take longer than 5 minutes). Otherwise, we recommend not doubling the recipe, Maria
Dee
Hi, Should the walnuts be raw or toasted before adding into skillet?
Maria Doss
Hi Dee, Please use raw walnuts, Maria
April Dore
This recipe looks amazing! Is it possible to substitute other nuts like pecans (my DL doesn't like walnuts)?
Maria Doss
Hi April, Absolutely! Replace raw pecans instead of walnuts, Maria
Elaine
Can these be made without the extra salt?
Maria Doss
Hi Elaine, Of course! But, the salt when paired with the sweet walnuts elevates the taste, Maria
Peg
Can this recipe be made sugar free?
Maria Doss
Hi Peg, I'm sorry to say none of our readers have tried it with sugar free brown sugar, so we are not sure if it will really work, Maria
Karen Landers
These are so easy and simply delish!!!
Maria Doss
That sounds wonderful, Maria
Zuleika
Awesome time and labor savings! Thank you.
Maria Doss
That sounds wonderful, Maria
MaryAnn Olleck
I'm just wondering, are these sticky? Or are they dry and don't stick together.
Maria Doss
Hi MaryAnn, They tend to stick together when hot and then get dry after cooling completely. Hope it helps, Maria
Lenzi
Mine burned! Uhhh:-(
Jan
I don't know if my oven is hotter than yours or it's because I used a large skillet, but mine started burning two minutes in. I ended up with a cup of black, inedible walnuts. Nuts!
Angela
Such a simple recipe, and I had to triple the recipe because it is so addicting! I’ll definitely be making these often. Thank you!
Maria Doss
Glad you liked it hun, have a wonderful week - Maria
Patti
Thank you, Maria. These are the easiest ones I have made. Made them 3 times in the last week and have plans for making some as gifts. Deliciously addictive.
Maria Doss
Glad you loved them - Maria
Donna
My first time trying your recipe!! Im sure that it is great as is but I wanted some heat on mine!! I added 1/2 tsp ground cayenne pepper and to the 1/4 cup of water added 1 tablespoon of hot sauce (Texas Pete). They turned out perfect!! Thank you
Maria Doss
Love the twist, a bit of heat is always a good idea. Have a great day - Maria
Candy wayman
This is my third year of making these as gifts for my peeps and they are loved and requested again and again throughout the year. I use spices (cinnamon,nutmeg,ginger and cloves ) but otherwise follow the recipe and it never ever fails!!! Thank you , thank you from the bottom of all of our hearts💕
Maria Doss
Happy to hear hun - Maria
Brenda
After making, can these be frozen? I like to make ahead for holidays.
Maria Doss
Hi Brenda, Yes these can be frozen. Just leave it at room temperature for a few hours to defrost - Maria