Spicy candied walnuts are great for snacking, gifting, and more! The sweet and spicy flavor is so addictive.

spicy candied walnuts this recipe

Spicy Candied Walnuts

Spiced walnuts recipe makes the best holiday treat! It’s great for gifting, snacking, cheese plates and as a topping for salads. It only takes about 15 minutes to make in the oven or the stovetop.

These spicy candied walnuts are a perfect combination of sweet and salty with a hint of cinnamon. You can make a couple of batches of these in no time. All it takes is some spices, pure maple syrup, and walnuts. 

ingredients for spiced walnuts recipe

How to Make Spicy Candied Walnuts

  • Toast the walnuts in the oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Spread the walnuts in an even layer onto a rimmed baking sheet. Place in the oven and roast for 5 minutes. Shake the pan to redistribute the walnuts and return to the oven for 3 minutes longer.
  • Alternatively (toast walnuts on the stovetop): In a large non-stick skillet over medium heat, toast the walnuts, stirring constantly, until they are hot and lightly toasted, about 5 minutes.

walnuts on a baking sheet

  • Make the spice mixture: While the walnuts are toasting, whisk together the sugar, cayenne pepper, ginger, cinnamon, salt, and black pepper. Set aside. 

spice mixture for sweet and spicy walnuts recipe

  • Toss walnuts with maple syrup: Pour maple syrup into a large bowl. Immediately add the hot walnuts to the syrup and toss to coat. 

walnuts in a bowl with maple syrup

  • Toss walnuts with spices: Stir in the spice mixture until the walnuts are evenly coated. Spread the walnuts on a baking sheet in a single layer and cool completely before serving.

walnuts with spice mixture in a bowl

Few Tips

  • Use unsalted, unseasoned walnut, halves, or pieces. You can also use pecans and whole almonds for this recipe.
  • Use a large baking sheet to give the walnuts plenty of room to roast and cool down. Bonus: use parchment paper for easy clean up!
  • While the sugar is still warm there will be stickiness to the walnuts but as they cool down they will harden.

sweet and spicy walnuts recipe

Serving Suggestions

  • Cheese boards: Add spicy candied walnuts to any cheese board. They make a delicious snack!
  • Salads: Perfect way to add sweet and spicy flavor to a crunchy Asian salad.
  • Topping: Use spiced walnuts recipe as a topping for morning oatmeal.
  • Add-In: Want to spice up your granola? Add some spiced walnuts.
  • Gifting: Add candied walnuts into a jar or bag. Add a ribbon and give it away as gifts. 

How to Store 

Let your walnuts cool completely, then store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 2 weeks.

Try Other Seasonal Treats 

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spiced walnuts recipe

Spicy Candied Walnuts

  • Author: Katya
  • Prep Time: 5 mins
  • Cook Time: 10 mins
  • Total Time: 15 mins
  • Yield: 2 cups 1x
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Roasted
  • Cuisine: American
Print Recipe

Description

Spicy candied walnuts are great for snacking, gifting, and more! The sweet and spicy flavor is so addictive.

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 2 cups walnut halves or pieces, unseasoned
  • 3 Tbsp. pure maple syrup
  • 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
  • 1/4 tsp. ground ginger
  • 1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
  • 1/4 tsp. black pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spread the walnuts in an even layer onto a rimmed baking sheet. Place in the oven and roast for 5 minutes. Shake the pan to redistribute the walnuts and return to the oven for 3 minutes longer. Alternatively, in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat, toast the walnuts, stirring constantly, until they are hot and lightly toasted, about 5 minutes.
  2. While the walnuts are roasting, pour maple syrup into a large bowl and set aside.
  3. Whisk together the sugar, cayenne pepper, ginger, cinnamon, salt, and black pepper. Set aside.
  4. Immediately add the hot walnuts to the maple syrup and toss to coat. Stir in the spice mixture until the walnuts are evenly coated.
  5. Spread the walnuts on a baking sheet in a single layer and cool completely before serving.

Notes

  • How to Store: Cool walnuts completely, then store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 2 weeks.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/4 cup
  • Calories: 246
  • Sugar: 14.2 g
  • Sodium: 81.6 mg
  • Fat: 19.1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18.2 g
  • Protein: 4.5 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg

Keywords: candied nuts, snack, seasonal