How to Candy Nuts
Candied nuts are a delicious holiday treat! Give them out in gift bags, use them as a topping, or enjoy them as a seriously addicting snack.
OVERVIEW
- Skill Level: Beginner
The process of making candied nuts is a simple one. Combine nuts with a mixture of spices, sugars, and egg white. Bake at a slow pace and at a low temperature. This mixture coats the nuts providing flavor to the sweet and salty snack.
The holidays are a popular time to enjoy this festive treat. They’re simple to make and perfect for gifting. Package them in a cute glass jar or treat bag and tie off with a ribbon. Your neighbors, friends, and family will appreciate this thoughtful gift!
Learn the technique to candy nuts and then get creative with it. Use a combination of different nuts and spices to create unique flavors.
Type of Nuts
You can candy any kind of nut! Candied pecans are classic for the holidays but don’t let that limit you. Try using walnuts, cashews, almonds, peanuts, pistachios and hazelnuts. A mixture of different nuts can set your mix apart.
How to make candied nuts
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone baking mat and set aside.
In a small bowl, combine the sugars, salt, and spices. In a separate larger mixing bowl, whisk the egg white, vanilla extract, and water until foamy and frothy. Add the spice mixture to the bowl and mix together. Add the nuts and toss to evenly coat.
Spread the coated nuts onto the prepared baking sheet. Spread out so they are in a single layer.
Bake on 300°F (150°C) for a total of 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes. Let cool and then store in an airtight container. They do not need to be refrigerated.
Storage
Candied nuts stay fresh for 1-2 weeks at room temperature, 2-3 weeks in the fridge, or several months in the freezer. Package in an airtight container, treat bag with ribbon, or zipper bag.
Ways to use candied nuts
Not only are candied nuts a delicious snack but they can be used in so many ways. Toss them into a fresh green salad with apple slices and goat cheese. Top them over a cheesecake, pancakes, or ice cream.
You can also toss them with other snacks such as crackers and raisins to make your own trail mix and granola.
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Candied Nuts
Candied nuts are a delicious holiday treat! You can give them out in gift bags, use them as a topping, or enjoy them as a seriously addicting snack.
Ingredients
- about 400 grams (4 cups) shelled unsalted nuts, *see note below
- 100 grams (½ cup) granulated sugar
- 100 grams (½ cup) brown sugar, dark or light brown
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg or cardamom, optional
- 1 large egg white
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Whisk together in a small bowl the granulated sugar (100 grams/ ½ cup), brown sugar (100 grams/ ½ cup), salt (1 teaspoon), ground cinnamon (2 teaspoons), and ground nutmeg or cardamom (1 teaspoon) if using.
- In a large mixing bowl, whip the egg white (1 large) with the vanilla extract(1 teaspoon) and water (1 tablespoon) until very foamy using a whisk.
- Gently stir the spiced sugar mixture into the egg mixture. Add the nuts (400 grams/ 4 cups) to the bowl and toss evenly to coat.
- Spread the coated nuts evenly onto the baking sheet. Bake for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes.
- Let cool completely before storing in an airtight container or sealed bag.
Notes
*NUTS
Types: Use pecans, walnuts, cashews, pistachios, hazelnuts, almonds and/or peanuts.
Sizes: Whole, halved, or chopped nuts will work depending on your preference.
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One Comment on “How to Candy Nuts”
I love candied nuts and am so excited to try your recipe. My mom has made them and with a traditional cinnamon but then wanted to try other flavors like raspberry, blueberry or toffee without much luck. I’d love to promote your methods to her and wondered if you had any suggestions for doing these candied nuts with other flavors? Thanks so much!