Spiced Walnuts are a must-have during the holidays, and these walnuts are a favorite to have around the house. Sweet and spicy thanks to brown sugar, cinnamon, cayenne pepper and allspice!
These spiced nuts disappear quickly, so be prepared to make multiple batches. Not many folks can resist that sweet crunchy goodness!
This recipe is easy to make and takes little time to whip up, so if you need something quick, this recipe will get you in a pinch.
Plus, who doesn't love a house that smells like Christmas spices? That sounds like heaven to me!
Ingredients for Spiced Nuts
Basic ingredients you need for this recipe: nuts, egg white, spices and sugar.
This isn't a candied walnut recipe where you have clusters of sugar on the nuts. This is truly a spiced nuts recipe that highlights the spices along with the rich nutty flavor of the walnuts.
They aren't overly sweet or overpowering in spice - just the right amount of sugar and spice 😉
They also make a great gift to give during the holiday packaged in a jar with a ribbon!
How to Make Spiced Nuts
In 3 steps, you can make spiced nuts!
- Whisk an egg white until foamy. Add in the walnuts and mix in with the egg white.
- Mix the spices and sugar together. Coat the walnuts with all the deliciousness!
- Spread on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes - done!
Oh wait! There's one step I forgot to include......a secret ingredient I guess you could say!
OJ
That's right orange juice! Add a splash of OJ into the mix of walnuts for added sweetness and a hint of citrus.
I love adding citrus to spiced foods. Since this recipe isn't overly sweet, I find a little fruit juice is perfect. Add it in after mixing all the sugar and spices into the walnuts, and it's ready for baking!
When the walnuts bake in the oven, they will stay a bit soft even when they're done. Once you take them out of the oven they harden and crisp up, so don't be fooled if you think they aren't done because they haven't crisped up yet!
Although, it's easy to think they need more time! Once they sit out on the counter for about 10 minutes, you'll notice they harden and develop more of a roasted texture.
Pop one in your mouth and savor the deliciousness!
Serving Suggestions
These holiday nuts are perfect to have in a candy dish around the house for guests to nibble on or for your enjoyment!
Highly recommend giving them as gifts in jars for an easy and yummy gift. Plus, it's inexpensive! You can make a huge batch and portion them out for multiple gifts.
You can also toss them on a salad or top your oatmeal with them. They're a great way to add sweetness, spice and crunch to a meal!
Recipe Tips & FAQs
Store in an airtight container for up to a week. They'll last long in the refrigerator and for a few months in the freezer.
Of course! Mix it up with pecans or almonds!
Easy Spiced Walnuts Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 cups raw walnuts
- 1 egg white
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoons allspice
- ¾ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325 degrees Fareinheight.
- Whip the egg into a foam and coat the walnuts.
- Mix the sugar, allspice, cinnamon, cayenne pepper and salt together. Sprinkle over egg white coated walnuts and mix well.
- Add the orange juice and mix well.
- Spread the walnuts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20 minutes. Flip the walnuts halfway at the 10 minute mark to help them toast and crisp up on each side.
Notes
- The walnuts will be soft when they bake in the oven. Once you take them out to sit on the counter, they'll harden and crisp up!
- Give as a holiday gift in jars with ribbon.
Nutrition
(Nutrition values are calculated by third-party software and an estimate that can vary based on product brands and cooking methods.)
RT Casalenda
I greatly appreciate two points you made in your instructions.
#1) using another nut, are used almonds.
#2) most importantly the comment about thinking they need extra time. I wish I would’ve read it prior to me doing another nut recipe. The extra five minutes went from really good to a burnt flavor
They turned out amazing
Monica Nedeff
Thanks for the comment! It is crazy how 5 minutes can cause food to go from perfect to burnt – but glad to hear they turned out well!