These crunchy candied walnuts are easy, quick and so delicious that you better hope that some of them make it out of the kitchen before you snack them all down! They are great as grab-and-go snacks, as a salad topping or with desert. They also make an amazing gift bag for the holidays. I guarantee your friends and family will love them!
Place a sheet or parchment paper or empty sheet pan out (to transfer candied walnuts onto once done cooking). You will want to set this up ahead of time as the transfer process is quick.
In sauté pan or skillet, on high heat, combine butter, sugar and walnuts.
Stir constantly for about 2 minutes until butter melts. Keep stirring.
Add 1 tablespoon of water. It should sizzle and star to bubble causing the sugar to melt.
Keep stirring for another 2-3 minutes until the nuts are thoroughly coated in sugar mixture.
Remove from heat and quickly transfer coated nuts onto parchment paper or empty sheet pan and separate them with a spoon or spatula while hot so they don’t clump
Let cool for about 5 minutes.
Try not to eat them all in one sitting!
Notes
Possible Variations:
Sweetener: Brown sugar, coconut sugar, maple syrup, granulated stevia or monk fruit. Note: I have not tried this recipe with alternative sweeteners so you will want to research ratios.
Nut: Pecans, Brazil nuts, almonds, hazelnuts or pistachios (to name a few).
Seasonings/Flavoring: Cinnamon, chai or pumpkin pie spice (nutmeg, ginger, cinnamon), cayenne powder, vanilla extract.