Description
This recipe features three delicious ways to make candied nuts: oven-baked, stovetop glazed, and a classic cinnamon sugar coating. These nuts are perfect for snacking, adding to salads, topping desserts, or gifting. Enjoy crunchy, sweet, and flavorful pecans, almonds, walnuts, or a mixed blend customized to your taste.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 3 cups raw nuts (pecans, almonds, walnuts, or a mix)
Oven-Baked Candied Nuts
- 1 large egg white
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon salt
Stovetop Glazed Candied Nuts
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking sheet: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix egg white coating: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together one large egg white and one tablespoon water until frothy to help the sugar and spices adhere to the nuts.
- Coat the nuts: Add three cups of raw nuts to the egg white mixture and toss until they are well coated.
- Add sugar and spices: Stir in one cup of granulated sugar, two teaspoons ground cinnamon, and one teaspoon salt evenly coating the nuts.
- Bake the nuts: Spread the coated nuts evenly on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the nuts are dry and crisp.
- Cool and separate: Allow the nuts to cool completely on the pan, then break apart any clusters before serving or storing.
- Prepare stovetop glaze: In a large heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat, combine one cup granulated sugar and two tablespoons water. Stir constantly until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Caramelize nuts: Add three cups raw nuts to the skillet and cook, stirring constantly, for 8 to 10 minutes until the sugar caramelizes and turns a deep amber color.
- Finish glaze: Remove from heat, stir in one tablespoon unsalted butter and half a teaspoon salt to enrich the flavor and texture.
- Cool glazed nuts: Quickly transfer the nuts to a parchment-lined surface and separate them with forks or a spatula. Cool completely before storing or serving.
- Storage tips: Store the candied nuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks to maintain freshness and crunch.
Notes
- You can use a variety of nuts such as pecans, almonds, walnuts, or a mix depending on your preference.
- Ensure the sugar is fully dissolved when making the stovetop glaze to avoid grainy texture.
- For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or vanilla extract to the coating.
- Be cautious when handling hot caramel on the stovetop to prevent burns.
- These candied nuts make excellent gifts when packed in decorative jars.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes (oven-baked) or 8-10 minutes (stovetop glazed)
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking and Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: candied nuts, cinnamon nuts, glazed nuts, oven-baked nuts, stovetop nuts, pecans, almonds, walnuts, sweet snacks
