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    Home » Recipes » Christmas

    Easy 5 minute Candied Walnuts

    Published: Dec 12, 2017 · Modified: Feb 16, 2023 by Maria Doss · This post may contain affiliate links · 46 Comments

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    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. 

    square enamel basket filled with CARAMEL WALNUTS

    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.

    easy 5 minute candied walnuts in a glass

    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!

    easy 5 minute candied walnuts

    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! 

    Don't have a sweet tooth? Salt and Pepper Cashews - Crispy, crunchy, salty .....SPICY

    sheet tray with candied walnuts

    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! 

    square enamel basket filled with brown sugar CARAMEL WALNUTS

    More holiday snack recipes : 

    Raw Date and Nut Salami

    No-bake Almond Joy Cups 

    Holiday Peppermint bark

    Homemade Mocha Hot Chocolate

    Spicy Ginger Garlic Pita Chips 

    Easy Baked Shrimp Rolls with Sriracha Ranch 

    Candied Almonds

    or more sweet recipes

    5 Minute Caramel Walnuts

    Easy candied walnuts that takes 5 minutes and has 5 ingredients. They are chewy, crisp, salty and not-too-sweet and tastes divine!!!
    3.6 from 222 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 1 minute
    Cook Time: 5 minutes
    Total Time: 6 minutes
    Servings: 3 Servings
    Calories: 290kcal
    Author: Maria Doss

    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
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    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

    Serving: 3 Serving | Calories: 290kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 29g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 19g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 10mg | Sodium: 277mg | Potassium: 174mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 124IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 40mg | Iron: 1mg

    Nutritional information is based on third party calculations, should be considered estimates and not be construed as a guarantee. Varying factors such as product types, brands purchased, produce, the way ingredients are processed and more change the nutritional information in any recipe.

    Did you make this recipe?Mention @KitchenAtHoskins or tag #kitchenathoskins!

    Some of the links above are affiliate links, which pay me a small commission for my referral at no extra cost to you! Thank you for supporting kitchenathoskins.com

    All contents and images are my original work, unless and otherwise mentioned. Please do not use my recipes or images without linking back to www.kitchenathoskins.com. If you wish to republish a recipe, please rewrite in your own words and don’t forget to include a link back to the original recipe.

     

     

    « Toasted Tortellini Bites
    Christmas Icebox Cookies »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Katherine | Love In My Oven

      December 12, 2017 at 10:24 pm

      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 😉

      Reply
      • Maria Doss

        December 12, 2017 at 11:46 pm

        I know right, God knows (or my scale😀) how much of these I've eaten these last few days. Thank you so much Kathy.

        Reply
    2. Kelly @ Kelly Lynns Sweets and Treats

      December 13, 2017 at 5:03 am

      Candied nuts are divine!! I need to make these to put out for people to munch on at my next party 🙂

      Reply
      • Maria Doss

        December 13, 2017 at 6:42 am

        Thank you Kelly:)

        Reply
    3. Kelsie | the itsy-bitsy kitchen

      December 13, 2017 at 3:16 pm

      I looooove candied nuts! These look just perfect!

      Reply
      • Maria Doss

        December 18, 2017 at 7:28 pm

        Thank you Kelsie:)

        Reply
    4. Ashika | Gardening Foodie

      December 13, 2017 at 6:55 pm

      These look so yummy Maria, It will really make a great movie time snack:)

      Reply
      • Maria Doss

        December 18, 2017 at 7:29 pm

        Thank you Ashika:)

        Reply
    5. Paula Zargaj-Reynolds

      December 18, 2017 at 8:23 pm

      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!

      Reply
      • Maria Doss

        December 18, 2017 at 11:03 pm

        Thank you so much for trying, so glad that you love it:)

        Reply
    6. Stevee

      August 02, 2019 at 12:15 am

      4 stars
      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.

      Reply
      • Maria Doss

        August 02, 2019 at 12:59 pm

        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:)

        Reply
    7. Rose

      July 02, 2020 at 6:06 am

      I burned mine😭

      Reply
      • Maria Doss

        July 02, 2020 at 6:09 am

        Ah, was the video not helpful?? So sorry to hear that

        Reply
      • Sandy

        November 05, 2022 at 3:28 pm

        5 stars
        These are so good. Never thought of doing this with walnuts just pecans.
        Thank you for ideas. Know people will love them.

        Reply
    8. Arya

      October 08, 2020 at 6:06 pm

      Why not use dark brown sugar? It’s the only kind of brown I have, would white or palm sugar do?

      Reply
      • Maria Doss

        October 09, 2020 at 12:06 am

        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:)

        Reply
    9. Kimberly

      December 04, 2020 at 2:45 am

      Can these be made using only white sugar?

      Reply
    10. Heather

      December 21, 2020 at 3:45 pm

      5 stars
      Quickest recipe I’ve ever tried. Tasty ! Making them for my bosses birthday, she likes walnuts.

      Reply
      • Maria Doss

        December 22, 2020 at 5:35 am

        Hi Heather, that sounds wonderful, wishing you a wonderful holiday:)

        Reply
    11. Catriona’s Candies

      June 15, 2021 at 11:53 pm

      Can I double the recipe?

      Reply
      • Maria Doss

        June 19, 2021 at 1:20 am

        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

        Reply
    12. Dee

      July 21, 2021 at 2:19 pm

      Hi, Should the walnuts be raw or toasted before adding into skillet?

      Reply
      • Maria Doss

        July 22, 2021 at 2:11 pm

        Hi Dee, Please use raw walnuts, Maria

        Reply
    13. April Dore

      July 21, 2021 at 7:17 pm

      This recipe looks amazing! Is it possible to substitute other nuts like pecans (my DL doesn't like walnuts)?

      Reply
      • Maria Doss

        July 22, 2021 at 2:10 pm

        Hi April, Absolutely! Replace raw pecans instead of walnuts, Maria

        Reply
    14. Elaine

      September 17, 2021 at 11:25 pm

      Can these be made without the extra salt?

      Reply
      • Maria Doss

        September 19, 2021 at 2:51 pm

        Hi Elaine, Of course! But, the salt when paired with the sweet walnuts elevates the taste, Maria

        Reply
    15. Peg

      November 20, 2021 at 12:30 am

      Can this recipe be made sugar free?

      Reply
      • Maria Doss

        November 21, 2021 at 2:26 pm

        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

        Reply
    16. Karen Landers

      November 20, 2021 at 4:51 am

      These are so easy and simply delish!!!

      Reply
      • Maria Doss

        November 21, 2021 at 2:26 pm

        That sounds wonderful, Maria

        Reply
    17. Zuleika

      November 21, 2021 at 2:54 pm

      Awesome time and labor savings! Thank you.

      Reply
      • Maria Doss

        November 29, 2021 at 5:50 pm

        That sounds wonderful, Maria

        Reply
    18. MaryAnn Olleck

      January 11, 2022 at 1:43 am

      I'm just wondering, are these sticky? Or are they dry and don't stick together.

      Reply
      • Maria Doss

        January 12, 2022 at 2:04 am

        Hi MaryAnn, They tend to stick together when hot and then get dry after cooling completely. Hope it helps, Maria

        Reply
    19. Lenzi

      March 16, 2022 at 12:30 am

      Mine burned! Uhhh:-(

      Reply
    20. Jan

      April 19, 2022 at 6:03 pm

      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!

      Reply
    21. Angela

      November 14, 2022 at 4:42 am

      5 stars
      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!

      Reply
      • Maria Doss

        November 14, 2022 at 7:29 am

        Glad you liked it hun, have a wonderful week - Maria

        Reply
    22. Patti

      November 26, 2022 at 5:11 pm

      5 stars
      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.

      Reply
      • Maria Doss

        November 28, 2022 at 6:26 am

        Glad you loved them - Maria

        Reply
    23. Donna

      November 27, 2022 at 2:22 am

      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

      Reply
      • Maria Doss

        November 28, 2022 at 6:24 am

        Love the twist, a bit of heat is always a good idea. Have a great day - Maria

        Reply
    24. Candy wayman

      December 23, 2022 at 8:38 am

      5 stars
      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💕

      Reply
      • Maria Doss

        January 06, 2023 at 1:37 am

        Happy to hear hun - Maria

        Reply

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    Maria Doss
    Maria Doss

    I am Maria Doss, the recipe creator, photographer and writer behind Kitchen at Hoskins. Here you'll find lots of creative recipes that use clever techniques or flavor profiles. It might intertwine two cuisines together to create a perfect blend or use an innovative technique.
    About Maria ->

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