The Best Candied Walnuts Recipe: 3 Different Ways

By Melissa DiRenzo 
on December 22nd, 2025
In: Recipes

Hey there, it’s Melissa from The Sweet Escape! With New Year’s Eve just around the corner, I’m excited to share a simple yet irresistible recipe idea that’s perfect for the occasion—candied walnuts. Whether you're hosting a lavish bash or keeping things cozy and intimate, snacks are an essential part of ringing in the new year. Nuts, especially candied varieties, are a great option because they’re easy to make in advance, are a crowd-pleaser, and pair beautifully with a variety of wines and cocktails.

Today, I’m sharing three unique variations of candied walnuts that will elevate your snack game: Rosemary Balsamic Walnuts, Maple Cinnamon Walnuts, and Spicy Walnuts. Each one has its own distinct flavor profile, from savory and herby to sweet and spicy, and they’re all super simple to make. The best part? They’re versatile and can be served before dinner, as a snack during a party, or even as a late-night treat to keep everyone satisfied. So, let's get into it!

Recipe #1: Rosemary Balsamic Candied Walnuts

Recipe #1: Rosemary Balsamic Candied Walnuts

Ingredients

  • 2 teaspoons butter
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh rosemary
  • 2 cups walnut halves or pieces
  • flaky sea salt for garnish

Instructions

  1. Melt butter in pan over medium heat. Add sugar, balsamic vinegar and salt and stir occasionally until sugar is all disolved and mixture begins to bubble (about 3-4 min).
  2. Remove from heat then toss in metal bowl with walnuts & rosemary until everything is coated.
  3. Spread evenly in single layer on parchment lined baking pan.
  4. Cook at 350°F, for 15 minutes or until walnuts are golden. Be sure to check & turn half way.
  5. Remove from heat, sprinkle with sea salt and allow to cool until hardened. Separate walnuts and place in serving bowl.

These Rosemary Balsamic Candied Walnuts are a bit of a flavor powerhouse. The combination of the tangy balsamic vinegar and earthy rosemary adds an unexpected twist to your usual candied nuts, and they’re seriously addictive. What’s even better? They’re incredibly easy to make and can be prepped ahead of time so you’re not scrambling when guests arrive. Pair them with a glass of Kendall-Jackson Vintner’s Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon—its bold, rich flavors are the perfect match to balance out the sweetness of the walnuts. Trust me, this pairing will have your guests coming back for more.

Recipe #2: Maple Cinnamon Candied Walnut & Almond Mix

Recipe #2: Maple Cinnamon Candied Walnut & Almond Mix

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Coarse salt
  • 1 cup walnuts
  • 1 cup almonds

Instructions

  1. Melt butter in pan over medium heat.
  2. Add syrup, vanilla, cinnamon & salt and simmer until combined & frothy (about 3 minutes).
  3. Remove from heat then toss in metal bowl with nuts until coated.
  4. Place on parchment lined pan in single layer and cook at 350°F for about 15 minutes or until golden brown. Be sure to check half way and turn at least once.
  5. Remove from heat and allow to cool until hardened. Separate walnuts and place in serving bowl.

This Maple Cinnamon Candied Walnut & Almond Mix is pure comfort in a bowl. The sweetness of the maple syrup combined with the warm cinnamon is like a cozy blanket for your taste buds. It's that classic flavor combination that works no matter the occasion, but I love serving this during the holiday season when everyone’s craving something sweet but not too heavy. Plus, if you’re pouring a glass of Kendall-Jackson Vintner’s Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, the rich fruitiness of the wine pairs beautifully with the warm spices of the nuts. It’s a match made in heaven!

Recipe #3: Spicy Candied Walnuts

Recipe #3: Spicy Candied Walnuts

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (add more to make it more spicy)
  • Coarse salt
  • 2 cup walnuts
  • 1 cup almonds

Instructions

  1. Melt butter in pan over medium heat. Add syrup, vanilla, cayenne pepper & salt and simmer until combined & frothy (about 3 minutes).
  2. Remove from heat then toss in metal bowl with nuts until coated.
  3. Place on parchment lined pan in single layer and cook at 350°F for about 15 minutes or until golden brown. Be sure to check half way and turn at least once.
  4. Remove from heat and allow to cool until hardened.
  5. Separate walnuts and place in serving bowl.

If you’re someone who loves a bit of heat with your sweets, these Spicy Candied Walnuts are a must-try. The cayenne pepper adds just the right amount of kick to balance out the sweetness of the maple syrup, creating a flavor explosion with every bite. And trust me, they’re so addicting! These nuts would be a great snack to serve with your New Year’s Eve festivities, and they pair perfectly with Kendall-Jackson Vintner’s Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. The richness of the wine complements the spice and sweetness, taking your snack time to a whole new level.

Candied walnuts mix

Pairing with Kendall-Jackson Vintner's Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

These candied walnuts are the perfect snack to ring in the new year. Whether you’re serving the savory rosemary balsamic, the sweet maple cinnamon, or the spicy variety, each one pairs beautifully with Kendall-Jackson Vintner’s Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. This rich and bold red wine, with its deep fruit flavors and smooth tannins, complements the nuts' sweetness and enhances the savory and spicy notes, creating a truly memorable flavor experience.

So, pour yourself a glass of this exceptional Cabernet, enjoy the festive atmosphere, and snack away. These walnuts and wine are sure to be the perfect match for a night full of flavor and celebration. Cheers to a delicious and unforgettable New Year’s Eve!

Pairing red wine with candied walnuts