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Candied nuts are a delicious holiday treat! Give them out in gift bags, use them as a topping, or eat them as a seriously addicting snack.

Candied nuts on a sheet tray

What kind of nut?

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 or even pistachios and hazelnuts. A mixture of different nuts can really set your mix apart.

How long do candied nuts last?

Candied nuts make for a great holiday gift. Package them in a clear plastic treat bag with a nice ribbon. They will stay fresh for 1-2 weeks at room temperature, 2-3 weeks in the fridge, or several months in the freezer.

Unbaked candied nuts on a sheet pan

Ways to use candied nuts

Not only are candied nuts a delicious snack but they can be used in so many ways. You can toss them into a salad with fresh apple slices and goat cheese. You can top them onto 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 or granola.

Candied nuts on a sheet pan
Yield: 4 cups

Candied Nuts

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour

Candied nuts are a delicious holiday treat! You can give them out in gift bags, use them as a topping, or eat 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

PREP:

  1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
  2. 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.
  3. 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 or electric mixer.
  4. Gently stir the spiced sugar mixture into the egg mixture. Add the nuts to the bowl and toss evenly to coat the nuts.
  5. Spread the coated nuts evenly onto the baking sheet. Bake for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes.
  6. 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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© Baker Bettie