If you’re searching for a snack that’s equal parts comforting and addictive, you’ve just stumbled upon a treasure: this Homemade Cinnamon Sugar Candied Nuts Recipe is an absolute game-changer. The perfect marriage of sweet cinnamon, a hint of caramelized sugar, and the satisfying crunch of toasted pecans and walnuts will make you fall in love bite after bite. Whether you’re after a cozy treat for yourself, a unique gift, or a festive party snack, these homemade candied nuts deliver that warm, nutty sweetness with an inviting aroma that fills your kitchen and your heart.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Homemade Cinnamon Sugar Candied Nuts Recipe plays a starring role, creating that perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. These simple pantry finds work together beautifully, turning ordinary nuts into something truly extraordinary.
- Egg white: Acts as the sugar’s glue to cling effortlessly to the nuts, ensuring a perfect candied coating.
- Sugar (granulated): Provides the sweet classic crunch that caramelizes to a gorgeous golden hue.
- Dark brown sugar (packed): Adds deep molasses notes, enriching the flavor and creating a soft chewiness.
- Ground cinnamon: Infuses warmth and that unmistakable cozy spice that perfectly complements the nuts.
- Pecan halves: Bring buttery richness and buttery texture with every bite.
- Walnuts: Offer a slightly bitter edge that balances the sweetness while packing in hearty crunch.
How to Make Homemade Cinnamon Sugar Candied Nuts Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. This moderate temperature allows the nuts to toast gently while caramelizing the sugar coating without burning, setting the stage for a perfect crunch and golden color.
Step 2: Combine the Sugars and Cinnamon
In a large bowl, toss together the granulated sugar, dark brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. This aromatic sugar mixture is the heart of our homemade cinnamon sugar candied nuts recipe, expertly balancing sweet and warm spice flavors.
Step 3: Whisk the Egg White
In a separate bowl, whisk the egg white with one tablespoon of water until it’s frothy and light. This light coating helps the sugary goodness stick to every nook and cranny of the nuts, creating a beautiful candy shell during baking.
Step 4: Coat the Nuts with Egg White Mixture
Transfer your pecans and walnuts into the frothy egg white mixture and stir well until each nut is fully coated. This step is key to ensuring the sugary spice blend clings evenly and bakes up beautifully crisp.
Step 5: Toss the Nuts in the Cinnamon Sugar
Using a fork or slotted spoon, move your egg-white-coated nuts into the cinnamon sugar bowl. Toss them gently but thoroughly until every nut is dusted and glistening with cinnamon-spiked sweetness.
Step 6: Arrange on Baking Sheet
Spread the coated nuts out on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Make sure to place them in a single layer to avoid steaming and clumping; a little crowding is okay since you’ll break them apart after baking.
Step 7: Bake and Toss Halfway
Bake at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 25 to 30 minutes. Halfway through, remove the nuts briefly and toss them around to ensure even cooking and caramelization. This gives you that irresistible, consistent candied texture on every bite.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Once baked, let your homemade cinnamon sugar candied nuts cool completely on the baking sheet. This cooling step allows the sugary coating to harden into a perfectly crisp shell. Now, they’re ready to snack on or package as a thoughtful homemade gift.
How to Serve Homemade Cinnamon Sugar Candied Nuts Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle some finely chopped fresh rosemary or a pinch of sea salt on your candied nuts to add an herbaceous note or a salty contrast that elevates the natural sweetness. A light dusting of cocoa powder can also provide a lovely chocolatey twist.
Side Dishes
These nuts are a fantastic addition to cheese boards or charcuterie platters where their cinnamon warmth contrasts beautifully with sharp cheeses and savory meats. They also pair wonderfully alongside a creamy vanilla yogurt or atop a crisp green salad for added crunch and flavor complexity.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your homemade cinnamon sugar candied nuts in rustic small bowls for cozy gatherings, or package them in pretty glass jars tied with twine for holiday gifting. You can even sprinkle them on morning oatmeal or a warm bowl of ice cream as a decadent topping everyone will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover candied nuts in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and crunchy for up to two weeks—perfect for snacking or as an effortless, grab-and-go treat.
Freezing
If you want to keep these gems longer, freeze your candied nuts in a sealed freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll maintain their flavor and crunch for up to three months. Just thaw them at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating
To refresh their crispness, warm your candied nuts in a low oven (about 250 degrees Fahrenheit) for 5 to 7 minutes. This brings back that glorious crunch and toasty aroma that makes this Homemade Cinnamon Sugar Candied Nuts Recipe so addictive.
FAQs
Can I use other nuts besides pecans and walnuts?
Absolutely! Almonds, cashews, and even pistachios work wonderfully with this recipe. Just adjust baking time slightly since smaller nuts might toast faster.
Do I have to use egg white in the recipe?
The egg white acts as a binder for the sugar coating, but if you prefer, you can use aquafaba (chickpea water) as a vegan substitute to achieve a similar frothy effect.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! All ingredients in this Homemade Cinnamon Sugar Candied Nuts Recipe are naturally gluten-free, making it an inclusive snack for most diets.
How sweet are these nuts? Can I reduce the sugar?
You can adjust the sugar amounts slightly if you want a less sweet version, but keep in mind that sugar is responsible both for flavor and that satisfying crunchy texture.
Can I add spices or flavors to customize the nuts?
Definitely! Feel free to add nutmeg, cloves, or even a pinch of cayenne for heat. Vanilla extract or a splash of bourbon also adds fantastic depth and warmth.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about making your own treats at home, and this Homemade Cinnamon Sugar Candied Nuts Recipe is one you’ll want to keep coming back to. It’s simple, rewarding, and fills your home with a tempting aroma that welcomes friends and family as warmly as the sweet, crunchy nuts themselves. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite snack that’s perfect for every season!
Print
Homemade Cinnamon Sugar Candied Nuts Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This homemade candied nuts recipe features a sweet and crunchy coating of cinnamon, granulated sugar, and dark brown sugar enveloping toasted pecans and walnuts. These nuts are perfect for snacking, topping salads, or adding a delightful crunch to desserts. The nuts are lightly coated with frothy egg whites, toasted in the oven at a low temperature to achieve the perfect balance of sweetness and texture.
Ingredients
Coating Mixture
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup dark brown sugar, packed
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Nut Mixture
- 1 large egg white
- 1 tablespoon water
- 16 ounces pecan halves
- 8 ounces walnuts
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the nuts evenly and gently.
- Prepare Sugar Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the granulated sugar, dark brown sugar, and ground cinnamon, mixing them thoroughly to create the sweet cinnamon coating.
- Whisk Egg White: In a separate bowl, add the egg white and 1 tablespoon of water. Whisk vigorously with a whisk or hand mixer until the egg whites become very frothy, which will help the sugar mixture adhere to the nuts.
- Coat Nuts: Add the pecans and walnuts into the frothy egg white mixture and stir well until all nuts are evenly coated.
- Toss in Sugar Mixture: Using a fork or slotted spoon, transfer the nuts to the bowl with the sugar and cinnamon mixture. Toss well so that the nuts are completely covered with the sweet coating.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Spread the coated nuts in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Although some nuts may touch, ensure they are not stacked to bake evenly.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring or tossing the nuts halfway through to ensure even caramelization and to prevent burning.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the nuts from the oven and allow them to cool completely on the baking sheet. Once cool, break apart any clumps and serve or store in an airtight container for later enjoyment.
Notes
- Use parchment paper on your baking sheet to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Be sure to toss the nuts halfway through baking to ensure even toasted coverage and prevent burning.
- Store cooled candied nuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.
- Feel free to substitute or mix in other nuts such as almonds or pecans based on preference.
- For a vegan version, you could try using aquafaba (chickpea water) whipped to frothy peaks instead of egg white.
