These easy candied walnuts are simple, crunchy, and made with just a few ingredients. They’re a sweet homemade Christmas gift that’s perfect for friends, neighbors, teachers, and anyone who could use a little edible holiday cheer.

Jar of candied walnuts tied with red baker’s twine, sitting on printable Christmas gift tags with a roll of twine beside it.

I love giving homemade gifts. There’s something so special about knowing someone took the time to create something yummy just for you! These candied walnuts fit the bill perfectly — naturally gluten-free, made with only three ingredients, and ready in about ten minutes from start to finish.

For an easy (and mostly healthy!) gift idea, scoop them into pretty Ziplock treat bags or pack them into a mason jar with a ribbon and a cute gift tag tied around the lid. Simple. Sweet. Thoughtful.

Fun Little Walnut Fact

Here’s a fun nugget: walnuts are loaded with good-for-you fats and antioxidants — which basically means these candied walnuts are a holiday treat with benefits.

Simple ingredient shot for candied walnuts with sugar, butter, and a small pile of toasted walnuts.

Small jar of homemade candied walnuts with a red gingham lid, twine, and kraft gift tag on top of printable Christmas gift tags.

Easy Candied Walnuts

A quick and easy candied walnut recipe made with just a few simple ingredients. Lightly sweet, perfectly crunchy, and ready in about 10 minutes — a delicious snack or homemade Christmas gift!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

1 cup walnuts, halves or pieces
1/3 cup white granulated sugar
1 tbsp butter, unsalted
1 tsp water
pinch salt
dash cinnamon

Instructions

Toast the Walnuts

Heat a stainless-steel or cast-iron skillet over medium-low heat.
Add the walnuts (nothing else).
Stir often until they smell toasty and warm—about 2–4 minutes.
Remove to a bowl and set aside.

Melt the Butter & Sugar

Reduce heat to medium-low.
Add the butter to the skillet and let it fully melt.
Add the sugar and 1 teaspoon water (this keeps it from scorching).
Stir constantly with a silicone or wooden spatula. The sugar will look damp → sandy → glossy → melty & bubbling. This takes about 2–3 minutes.
Add salt or cinnamon/vanilla now if you’re using them.
(If it starts to darken too fast, turn the heat down. Stainless runs hot.)

Add the Walnuts (Now the magic happens.)

Pour the toasted walnuts into the melted sugar mixture.
Stir, stir, stir until every nook and cranny is coated—about 2–3 minutes. Don’t walk away. Sugar waits for no one.

Cool & Separate

Transfer nuts to a sheet of parchment or a silicone baking mat.
Use two forks to separate them quickly before they harden.
Let cool for 10 minutes.
Snack freely. Taste-test often. Quality control—of course.

Notes

White sugar melts better than brown for stovetop candying.
If the mixture looks grainy, give the water a chance to help it melt.
If things ever smell burnt, immediately reduce heat—stainless heats fast.
Store in an airtight jar and they’ll stay fresh for a week…
or an hour if you’re like the rest of us.

If you plan on gifting these candied walnuts this Christmas, be sure to grab my free printable gift tags in the Freebie Library! They add the sweetest finishing touch to any homemade treat. Whether you’re sharing them with neighbors and teachers or sneaking a little handful for yourself while wrapping presents, I hope these bring a bit of joy, crunch, and holiday cheer straight to your kitchen.