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Toffee candied walnuts are the kind of irresistible snack you make once and end up wanting to keep on hand year round. The nuts come out perfectly coated in a caramelized toffee shell with just the right touch of salt. They are ideal for grazing at parties, topping salads, or wrapping up as a homemade gift. If you want easy and crowd-pleasing with the kind of flavor that keeps people reaching for more, this is the treat for you.
These were one of the first snacks I started making with my kids over the holidays and every year someone ends up asking for the recipe. You will not believe how quickly these disappear from the bowl.
Ingredients
- Walnut halves: Choose fresh nuts with even color and nutty aroma for best crunch and taste
- Brown sugar: Brings a classic toffee note and caramelizes perfectly look for dark brown sugar for deeper richness
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and sharpens the nut flavor fine or flaky sea salt both work
- Egg white: Works as the binding agent and gives a glossy finish make sure it is fresh and at room temperature for easiest mixing
- Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and complexity pure vanilla makes a real difference in flavor
- Cinnamon or cinnamon extract: Lends cozy spice if you want a holiday twist use high quality ground cinnamon
- Cayenne pepper: Optional but brings a hit of heat that complements the toffee sweetness well
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Set your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This step ensures even baking and makes cleanup simple
- Mix Sugar and Salt:
- Combine your measured brown sugar and salt together in a small bowl using a fork or whisk. This helps the salt distribute evenly so every nut gets just the right amount of flavor
- Beat Egg White and Vanilla:
- In a large mixing bowl vigorously whisk the egg white together with the vanilla extract until frothy and fully combined. This should take about one minute by hand and creates a sticky base for the sugar to cling to the nuts
- Coat the Walnuts:
- Add your walnuts to the egg white mixture and gently toss using a spatula or your hands so each nut is evenly coated. This layer is what keeps the toffee shell crisp and shiny
- Add the Sugar Mixture:
- Sprinkle your brown sugar and salt combo over the coated walnuts. Toss everything together carefully so each nut gets covered in the sandy mixture. Take your time with this for best texture
- Arrange on Baking Sheet:
- Spread the coated nuts onto the lined baking sheet. Arrange them in a single even layer to avoid clusters and ensure every walnut crisps up beautifully
- Bake and Stir:
- Place the tray on the center rack and bake for twenty to twenty five minutes. Halfway through baking gently stir and re spread the nuts with a spatula so they brown evenly without burning
- Cool and Serve:
- Leave the tray out to cool completely before touching the nuts. The toffee will set as they cool ensuring a brittle crisp shell with maximum crunch
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My favorite part is the aroma while these finish in the oven caramel and toasted walnut scents fill the kitchen and it instantly feels cozy and festive. The first time my dad tried these he couldn’t stop sneaking pieces from the tray before they fully cooled.
Storage Tips
Once the toffee walnuts are fully cooled transfer them to an airtight container or jar. They will stay fresh and crisp at room temperature for about two weeks. For longer storage pop them in the freezer and thaw at room temperature when needed. Avoid sealing them while still warm or they might go soft from condensation.
Ingredient Substitutions
Try pecans cashews or almonds in place of walnuts for a different flavor and texture profile. If you have a nut allergy roasted chickpeas or sunflower seeds will also work. Do you need to avoid or substitute egg white Use aquafaba the liquid from canned chickpeas whipped just like egg white.
Serving Suggestions
Toss these walnuts onto salads for amazing crunch or scatter them over a cheese board for extra decadence. They elevate oatmeal yogurt and dessert parfaits in a flash. For a special touch drizzle a little melted chocolate over cooled nuts for a candy shop style finish.
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One year I made a triple batch for holiday gifts and the kitchen was filled with the smell of toasted sugar and spice for hours. These are the kinds of snacks that make every get together feel just a little more special.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do I achieve even coating on the walnuts?
Whisk egg white and vanilla thoroughly before adding walnuts to ensure every nut gets a light, sticky layer for the sugar mixture to cling to.
- → Can I use other nuts instead of walnuts?
Yes, this method works perfectly with pecans, almonds, cashews or any mixed nuts you prefer.
- → How do I prevent sticking during baking?
Line your baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure easy removal and effortless cleanup.
- → Are there ideas for flavor variations?
Try adding ground cinnamon for a warm note or cayenne for a sweet-spicy combination.
- → How should I store the candied walnuts?
Keep cooled walnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.