This candied nuts recipe is one of the easiest ways to make a quick treat for any get together. Plus, if you’re looking for a great food gift, look no further than these nuts.

I love the smell of candied nuts as you walk past outdoor street vendors or markets. Every time, the smell temps me into buying some so I knew I needed to try to make some of my own. And I’m glad I did – they are so easy!

What ingredients do you need for this recipe?

Sugar
Cinnamon
Water
Mixed nuts – you can also use any single nut like almonds, pecans or walnuts

I personally love giving food as gifts. It’s such a thoughtful thing you can do and anyone can enjoy – we all have to eat, right!?

These candied nuts make an awesome, easy gift. Plus, here are a few other great food gifts if you need some inspiration:

Peppermint fudge
Chocolate turtle Chex mix
Peanut brittle (without needing a candy thermometer!)
and even more ideas here

How do you make candied nuts?

Line a baking sheet (these are my fave) with parchment paper or wax paper. Have 2 forks handy to separate nuts.
Mix the sugar and cinnamon together. Then add the water and bring to a boil, stirring constantly.
Add the nuts and continue stirring over medium heat until they become shiny looking. They will look dry. When the nuts look ½ shiny and ½ dry, that’s when they’re done.
Quickly pour onto the prepared baking sheet and separate with 2 forks.
Allow to cool, then enjoy!

For full instructions, make sure to check out the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Why are my candied nuts sticky?

The trick to getting these nuts to not be sticky is to know just when to take them off of the heat. Use the above picture as a good guide. The nuts look 1/2 dry and 1/2 shiny – that’s when they’re done!

When the holidays roll around, I love all of the smells that fill the house, but I especially love all of the baking smells. These nuts will fill your house with a warm, cinnamon aroma while you patiently wait for them to bake and cool so you can sneak a taste.

Enjoy some holiday baking with this delicious candied nuts recipe!

This recipe can be found in the Holiday Entertaining Made Easy Cookbook available in a digital and print version!

Other recipes you might enjoy:

Candied Nuts Recipe

This recipe for candied nuts is made with only 4 ingredients and are a quick and easy food gift.

3 from 20 votes

Print Rate

Servings: 2 cups

Equipment

Ingredients

1 cup sugar
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/2 cup water
2 cups mixed nuts or any single nut you prefer, like almonds, walnuts or pecans

Instructions

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or wax paper. Have 2 forks handy to separate nuts.
In a heavy-bottomed saucepan or skillet mix the sugar and cinnamon together. Then add the water and bring to a boil, stirring constantly.
Add the nuts and continue stirring over medium heat until they become shiny looking. They will look dry, when they look ½ shiny ½ dry, that’s when they’re done.
Quickly pour onto the prepared baking sheet and separate with 2 forks. Allow to cool, then enjoy!