Spiced And Sugared Walnuts
Sweet and spicy toasted walnuts coated in a cinnamon-mace-ginger blend, perfect as a snack, topping, or gift, offering warm, aromatic flavors with a crunchy texture.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place walnuts on a cookie sheet in a 325°F oven.
- Toast for 15 minutes and then cool.
- Combine sugar and spices in a 2-quart pan.
- Add water to the pan.
- Heat to boiling with the lid on.
- Boil for 3 to 4 minutes, then uncover and boil to soft ball stage (236°F).
- Add butter and orange peel to the mixture.
- Stir until creamy, then add toasted walnuts and stir until coated.
- Turn out onto a cookie sheet lined with wax paper.
- Separate the walnuts as soon as you can handle them.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or a splash of vanilla extract to the sugar mixture. If you're looking for a healthier option, you can substitute half of the sugar with honey or maple syrup for a different sweetness profile. Be sure to stir continuously while coating the walnuts to achieve an even distribution of the spiced sugar.
Serving Suggestions
These spiced and sugared walnuts make a delightful snack on their own but also pair beautifully with a cheese platter or as a topping for salads. They can be mixed into trail mix or served alongside a Malted Milk Drink for a sweet treat. Consider using them as a garnish for desserts like ice cream or yogurt.
Storage & Reheating
Store the spiced and sugared walnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. To keep them crunchy, avoid refrigeration, as moisture can make them soggy. If you need to reheat them, place them in a preheated 350°F oven for a few minutes to regain their crispiness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spiced And Sugared Walnuts contains roughly 256 calories, with 3g protein, 30g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (48% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (22% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1011mg per serving (44% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other nuts instead of walnuts?
Yes, you can substitute walnuts with pecans or almonds for a different taste and texture. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly based on the type of nut you choose. Always toast the nuts to enhance their flavor before coating them with the spiced sugar mixture.
How do I know when the sugar mixture reaches the soft ball stage?
To check for the soft ball stage, use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature, aiming for 236°F. Alternatively, you can drop a small amount of the syrup into cold water; if it forms a soft ball that can be flattened between your fingers, it’s ready to add the butter and walnuts.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the spiced and sugared walnuts ahead of time and store them as mentioned. They make a great addition to holiday gift baskets or can be served at parties. Just make sure to cool them completely before storing to maintain their crunch.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).