Spicy Candied Walnuts are the perfect combination of saltiness, sweetness, and just the right amount of heat. These are the perfect snack to have on hand for the Holidays.
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Crunchy snacks like these walnuts and my Crunchy Caramel Snack Mix are so satisfying. So much flavor and a variety of textures in each handful make both of these super easy recipes simply irresistible.
Why This Recipe Works
During the holiday season, I suggest making a double batch or even triple batch of this great snack so you can give these spiced walnuts to friends and family. Add some walnuts to a mason jar and tie a ribbon around the jars and you have some great gifts ready to go.
Not only are these nuts great for gifts, but these crunchy nuts are a wonderful party appetizer. Everyone will love how their taste buds hop from sweet, to salty, to spicy with every bite.
Let’s Gather the Ingredients
- Walnuts: Pecans can be used if you prefer.
- Brown sugar: light or dark brown sugar can be used
- Cinnamon
- Cayenne Pepper: Add more or less to adjust your preference.
- Salt: sea salt or kosher salt
- Egg white
- Vanilla extract
How to make Spicy Candied Walnuts
- Step 1: Add walnuts, egg white and vanilla to a large bowl. Use a rubber spatula to mix and coat the walnuts well.
- Step 2: Add brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt to a separate bowl. Mix.
- Step 3: Transfer the sugar mixture to the bowl with the walnuts. Then use a spatula to mix and coat the walnuts.
- Step 4: Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and spread out the candy-coated walnuts on the baking tray in a single layer. Bake, stir the nuts around the tray, and finish baking.
Recipe Tips
- If you don’t have walnuts, you can make this candied walnut recipe using pecans or almonds instead.
- Serve these candied, golden brown nuts with fresh fruit, like apple slices and grapes. Or on your favorite charcuterie boards with slices of sliced meats and cheeses.
- Keep a close eye on the nuts in the oven, they can go from perfectly good and delicious candied spicy walnuts to burnt nuts in a matter of just a few minutes.
- When you pull these nuts out of the oven, they may appear a bit softer or less crunchy than you would expect. Avoid the temptation to pop the nuts back in the oven since they’ll get a bit more crispy and crunchy as they cool on the pan. If you put the tray back in the oven, you risk burning them.
- These spiced candy nuts would be incredible on a salad. I would suggest trying a handful or two of these spicy walnuts on your fruit and walnut salads, on top of a fresh made Grilled Chicken Avocado Caesar Salad, a Grilled Shrimp Cobb Salad.
- Buy Walnuts when they are on sale and keep them in the freezer for freshness.
