Quick Toffee Candied Walnuts Recipe
Introduction
Quick Toffee Candied Walnuts are a delightful treat with a perfect balance of sweetness and crunch. Ready in just 15 minutes, they make a fantastic snack or a delicious topping for salads and desserts.

Ingredients
- 2 cups walnut halves
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- Pinch of sea salt
- 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
- Step 1: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Set aside and pre-measure all ingredients to ensure smooth workflow.
- Step 2: In a heavy-bottomed skillet, combine sugar, butter, water, and optional cinnamon. Stir over medium heat until the mixture is glossy and bubbling.
- Step 3: Add walnuts and stir constantly for 5–7 minutes, ensuring every piece is coated evenly.
- Step 4: Remove from heat, stir in vanilla extract and a pinch of sea salt.
- Step 5: Quickly spread the coated walnuts onto the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Let cool.
- Step 6: Once hardened, break apart the walnuts and store in an airtight container.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
- Substitute pecans or almonds if desired for a different nutty twist.
- Make sure to spread the nuts quickly to prevent clumping as the toffee hardens fast.
Storage
Store the candied walnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. Keep them away from humidity to maintain crunchiness. To refresh slightly softened nuts, warm them briefly in a low oven before serving.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other nuts for this recipe?
Yes, pecans, almonds, or even macadamia nuts can be substituted with similar results. Adjust cooking times slightly depending on the size and oil content of the nuts.
How do I prevent the toffee from burning?
Use medium heat and stir constantly to ensure even cooking. Remove the pan from heat as soon as the sugar mixture turns glossy and bubbly to avoid burning.
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Quick Toffee Candied Walnuts Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Quick Toffee Candied Walnuts are a deliciously crunchy and sweet treat made with simple ingredients like walnuts, sugar, butter, and vanilla. This recipe takes just 15 minutes to prepare, coating walnut halves in a glossy toffee glaze infused with a hint of cinnamon and sea salt for a perfect balance of flavors. Ideal for snacking or adding to salads and desserts.
Ingredients
Walnuts
- 2 cups walnut halves
Toffee Coating
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- Pinch of sea salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Workspace: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Pre-measure all ingredients to ensure a smooth workflow during cooking.
- Make the Toffee Mixture: In a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat, combine the granulated sugar, unsalted butter, water, and optional ground cinnamon. Stir consistently until the mixture becomes glossy and starts bubbling, indicating the sugar has dissolved and caramelizing.
- Coat the Walnuts: Add the walnut halves to the skillet. Stir constantly for about 5 to 7 minutes to ensure every walnut is evenly coated with the hot toffee mixture and begins to harden slightly.
- Flavor and Season: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of sea salt to add depth and balance to the sweetness.
- Cool the Candied Walnuts: Quickly spread the coated walnuts in a single layer onto the prepared baking sheet. Allow them to cool completely until the toffee hardens and the nuts become crunchy.
- Store: Once hardened, break apart any clusters and store the toffee candied walnuts in an airtight container to maintain their crispiness and freshness.
Notes
- Use a heavy-bottomed skillet to ensure even heat distribution and prevent burning.
- The pinch of sea salt enhances the flavor by balancing the sweetness.
- You can omit the cinnamon if you prefer a simple toffee flavor.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.
- Be cautious while stirring the hot sugar mixture to avoid burns.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: toffee candied walnuts, quick candied walnuts, sweet walnuts recipe, easy snack, homemade candied nuts

