This post may contain affiliate links. See my disclosure policy.
My easy candied nuts recipe turns mixed nuts into a sweet, crunchy, moreish snack. They’re addictive and made with 5 wholesome ingredients!
Looking for more elegant snacks? Try my banana chips, peanut butter crackers, candied pecans, and candied almonds next.
Growing up, my friends and I would always sneak candied nuts by the handful when my mom wasn’t looking. It turns out she always knew. Go figure…
Anyway, store-bought glazed nuts may taste great, but they’re loaded with corn syrup and other additives. That’s why I started making them from scratch, and now MY mom is the one sneaking them behind my back!
Table of Contents
Why I love this recipe
- Make them diet-friendly. Swap the sugar for sweetener, and bam! You have low-carb, sugar-free caramelized nuts.
- Make them on the stovetop or oven. I prefer the stove top method, but when time is of the essence, I’ll make them in the oven.
- Fun to customize. Use whatever nuts you want, and add different spices to change every batch’s flavor.
- They’re great room temp or warm. Like warm nuts, these are fabulous when served warm.
Ingredients needed
- Nuts. I chose to use a combination of almonds, cashews, pecans, and peanuts, but you can use any mixed nuts of your choice. Just note if you use small nuts (like pistachios), you’ll want to check on them often so they don’t burn.
- Sugar. I used white sugar, which gives the nuts a firmer crunch, but if you want them to be softer, use brown sugar.
- Cinnamon. A must for sweet glazed nuts!
- Vanilla extract. Another essential flavor addition.
- Sea salt. Helps balance the sweetness.
- Water. Mixed with the sugar to act as the glaze.
How to make candied nuts
I’ve included step-by-step photos below to make this recipe easy to follow at home. For the full printable recipe instructions and ingredient quantities, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Step 1- Make the syrup. Heat a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add all of the ingredients (except the nuts) and mix to combine. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
Step 2- Add the nuts. Once the sugar has dissolved, add the nuts and mix to combine. Continue stirring frequently until the nuts are fully coated and the sugar begins to crystalize.
Step 3- Cool. Remove the pan from the heat and allow it to sit for 1-2 minutes. Using a wooden spoon, stir the nuts to break up large clusters. Transfer them to a plate to cool completely.
Can I bake these in the oven?
Yes, you can bake these nuts, but I suggest using egg whites to help them caramelize in the oven. Here’s how to do it:
Preheat the oven to 250F/120C degrees. In a large bowl, whip 2-3 egg whites with water, then add the nuts and toss to coat. Then, toss the nuts in the cinnamon sugar mixture. Transfer them to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for an hour (stirring every 20 minutes) or until crisp and caramelized.
Arman’s recipe tips
- Make them sugar-free. Use a sugar-free sweetener. I prefer allulose as it crystalizes the most like real sugar.
- Use different spices. Don’t stop at cinnamon! Try nutmeg, cardamom, pumpkin spice, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper for some heat.
- Add a splash of bourbon. The alcohol will cook off, leaving behind sweet notes of caramel and vanilla.
Ways to use candied cinnamon sugar nuts
There is no end to what you can do with glazed nuts. Here are some ideas:
- Portion them in cute jars to give as holiday gifts.
- Break them up on top of spinach salad with warm bacon dressing.
- Sprinkled on almond milk ice cream or healthy pumpkin pie for extra crunch.
Storage instructions
To store: Caramelized nuts can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks or in the refrigerator for up to one month.
To freeze: Freeze them in a freezer-safe container for up to two months.
Frequently asked questions
Glazed nuts made with sugar remain sticky if they haven’t been cooked long enough. If you’re using a sugar-free sweetener, you may need to leave the nuts out to dry for a few hours until they fully harden.
More sweet treats you’ll enjoy
Candied Nuts
Ingredients
- 3 cups nuts I used cashews, pecans, almonds and peanuts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
- Heat a large frying pan or deep pot on medium heat. When hot, add the sugar, salt, cinnamon, and water and mix until fully combined. Allow to heat up, stirring occasionally.
- When the sugar has completely melted, add the nuts and mix until fully incorporated. Watch over the pan and continue stirring often until most of the sugar has been coated and beginning to crystallize.
- Remove pan from the heat and allow to sit for 1-2 minutes. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, stir the nuts once more to avoid overly large clusters and set on a plate or chopping board to cool completely.
Notes
Nutrition
Originally updated February 2023, updated and republished August 2024
So easy, and soooooooo good!
First time making this very easy recipe! I used brown sugar instead. Cooked on medium low heat once mixture came to a boil. My family likes spice, so I added 1T cayenne, 1/2 T nutmeg. Absolutely delicious!
I’ve been trying a few nuts recipes and this one is absolutely the best! Delicious and quick. Lovely clusters.