I remember going to a Christkindlmarket in Chicago during the Christmas season and having warm candied nuts. So I decided to make these candied nuts to take me back to that time.
In this tutorial, I used pecans, walnuts, almonds, and hazelnuts, but you can choose whatever you like (this is what I had on hand, so I just went all out, ha!). Sometimes I will only use almonds, and at other times I will use pecans.
I find that using brown sugar instead of white granulated sugar, they are not too sweet and add a warmness to them.
You are going to enjoy this recipe and anyone you share it with, yum!
Okay, ready? Let’s get these nuts started
Candied Nuts
Description
A delicious, crunchy, slightly sweet confection! This is a great addition to an appetizer table, part of a charcuterie board, a gift idea, or simply make a batch and enjoy them at any time.
Ingredients
Instructions
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You will need a mixer, a sheet pan (I used a half-sheet pan), parchment paper or *silicone mat, and a heat-resistant spatula or a wooden spoon.
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Preheat oven to 300°F. Line a baking sheet pan with *parchment paper and spray it with non-stick cooking spray. Have all your ingredients and tools ready.
*You can use a silicone baking mat in place of the parchment paper and spray with non-stick cooking spray.
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Place nuts in a large bowl and set aside.
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With an electric hand mixer, whip the egg whites, water, and vanilla extract on medium-high.Â
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Mix until you reach stiff peaks. This can take between 3-5 minutes.
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Once you have reached stiff peaks, stop the mixer and add the brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
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Use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently fold until combined.
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Pour mixture over the nuts.
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Stir until completely coated.
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Pour mixture into prepared baking sheet pan.
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Spread nuts evenly.
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 Place in the preheated oven on middle rack and bake for approximately 45 minutes. Every 15 minutes put on oven mitts get your heat proof spatula or wooden spoon and carefully stir the nuts.
Stirring every 15 minutes will help keep nuts separated if not you may end up with toffee brittle (which wouldn't be so bad, ha!)
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After 45 minutes remove from the oven, let it cool for about 10-15 minutes and give it a stir to keep them nuts lo0se. Then let them cool completely.
You can enjoy some before they completely cool, but be sure they are at least warm to the touch.
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Once completely cooled, you can fill jars for gift giving, snack on them or store for later.
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