Candied Walnuts: An Edible Holiday Gift
If you are looking for a great (edible) gift idea during the last minute Christmas frenzy, I've got a quick an easy one for you. Candied nuts made without refined sugars! The girls and I like to make them every year to give as gifts. This year we made them, packaged them in glass jars, placed pretty Christmas fabric and ribbon on them, and gave them as gifts to teachers and friends.
I actually posted this recipe last November, just after I started this blog, before I understood that it is best share one recipe per post. You can view this recipe in my Pear and Hazelnut Salad with Creamy Cranberry Dressing post. Just scroll down, you'll find it.
Happy Holidays to all! Hope your days are Merry and Bright!
Candied Walnuts
These nuts make a fantastic appetizer at a holiday gathering, especially on Christmas Eve. Or package them into glass jars to give as gifts. I like to use the wide-mouth pint-size jars. This recipe also works with other nuts such as pecans. I usually make a few batches of candied walnuts and candied pecans. Sometimes I omit the cinnamon and they are still just as delicious. Watch them carefully so they don't burn. You may need to adjust your oven temp. My kids gobble these up as they cool; it's a wonder I actually ever have any left to give as gifts!
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
- Place all ingredients into a baking dish (I use a 7 x 11-inch glass baking dish). Stir well with a spoon.
- Bake for 12 to 14 minutes, watching carefully so they don't burn.
- As soon as they come out of the oven stir them up so the syrup sticks to the nuts and not the pan. Immediately transfer them to a parchment-lined plate to cool.
Use this recipe in our Meal Planner
About the Author
Alissa Segersten, MS, CN
Alissa Segersten, MS, CN, is the founder of Nourishing Meals®, an online meal-planning membership with over 1,800 nourishing recipes and tools to support dietary change and better health. As a functional nutritionist, professional recipe developer, and author of The Whole Life Nutrition Cookbook, Nourishing Meals, and co-author of The Elimination Diet, she helps people overcome health challenges through food. A mother of five, Alissa understands the importance of creating nutrient-dense meals for the whole family. Rooted in science and deep nourishment, her work makes healthy eating accessible, empowering thousands to transform their well-being through food.Nourishing Meals Newsletter
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Just pulled a batch out of the oven and the kids are munching on them while they do homework. I only used 2T maple syrup and they were plenty sweet. If I gave them as gifts, I might use 3T syrup for those with a sweet tooth. Thank you for another delicious recipe !
i was so excited to try these and they are awesome!! even my "i don't like nuts" kid was gobbling them up! i wasn't sure whether to try raw or roasted nuts, ended up doing raw walnuts and pecans, and roasted unsalted almonds. the coating didn't stick very well to the almonds, but they still taste pretty good. :) thank you!
Would coconut oils work?
I am not clear if the recipe is after you have dehydrated the walnuts? We soaked them overnight, and then tried the recipe, they didn't taste so well, more wet then sticky. We did rinse them before adding to the recipe. Forgive me, as I am a new at learning about baking and cooking. Only wish I had your insight when my kids were younger. Love your blog. Thank you again.
Ali, this looks like such a fun and easy recipe. I cannot wait to give your version a try! And your pictures look beautiful! Also totally loving your awesome list of holiday recipes!! ;)
xo
kim
These are a delicious, easy snack food to make and don't last long in my household! Thanks for the holiday recipe - and thanks for all the great recipes and your hard work on them throughout the year!
That would taste fabulous! I can't wait to make it, my kids and I will surely enjoy it!
Not supposed to put more than one recipe per post? I'm not sure why, but I just did it on my blog today... ooops!
Thank you for sharing such great recipes and ultimately helping my family eat better. Have a Merry Christmas!
Fantastic! I love that you make these with maple syrup =D. What a fabulous list as well! Merry Christmas!