Description
Festive Toffee Candied Walnuts are a quick holiday snack with buttery caramel flavor, glossy crunch, and cozy seasonal appeal. This easy recipe is perfect for dessert boards, homemade food gifts, party bowls, and sweet snack spreads when you need simple holiday food ideas that still feel special.
Ingredients
3 cups walnut halves
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons water
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
1. Line a baking sheet or large plate with parchment paper and set it aside.
2. Add the walnuts to a large skillet over medium-low heat and toast them for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring often, until fragrant. Remove them temporarily from the pan.
3. In the same skillet, add the butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, water, cinnamon, and salt. Stir until the butter melts and the mixture becomes smooth.
4. Let the sugar mixture bubble gently for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring often, until it looks glossy and slightly thickened.
5. Return the walnuts to the skillet and stir well so every piece is fully coated in the toffee mixture.
6. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
7. Quickly spread the walnuts onto the prepared parchment in an even layer, separating them with two forks if needed.
8. Let them cool completely until crisp, then break apart any clusters and serve or store in an airtight container.
Notes
Use fresh walnuts for the best flavor and crunch.
Do not walk away while the sugar mixture cooks because it can darken quickly.
Cool the walnuts completely before storing so the coating stays crisp instead of sticky.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Holiday Snack
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 245
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: festive toffee candied walnuts, candied walnuts, holiday snack, easy recipe, sweet snack, dessert ideas, food ideas, homemade gift, holiday treats, Christmas snacks