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Delicious spicy candied walnuts in a bowl

Spicy Candied Walnuts

Spicy Candied Walnuts are a sweet and hot snack with a shiny sugar coat and a warm spice kick, perfect for salads, cheese plates, or as a standalone snack.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 10 servings
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 200
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main ingredients
  • 2 cups walnuts Use raw walnuts for the best candy coating.
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper Adjust to taste for milder or hotter flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the granulated sugar, water, salt, cayenne pepper, and cinnamon. Stir until sugar dissolves.
  3. Add the walnuts and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently until the walnuts are well coated.
  4. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
  5. Spread the walnuts in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
  6. Bake for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown.
  7. Allow to cool completely before serving.

Notes

For best results, stir the nuts well while cooking so the sugar coats them evenly. Watch the oven closely to prevent burning; stir every 5 minutes. Store cooled walnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks or in the fridge for up to a month.