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
Scale
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
