Taking just a few ingredients to make, these Maple Cinnamon Candied Walnuts are a healthy snack that is quick and easy to make. Coated in a tasty combination of cinnamon, maple syrup, and coconut oil, they also make great easy gifts or a festive addition to any charcuterie board.
Candied nuts are a favorite of ours in our house. In fact, I think that secretly at least half of the reason Steve loves going to the local St. Charles Oktoberfest every fall is to stock up on several bags of fresh candied nuts from the vendors (obviously, the other half has to do with all of the beer and German festivities). While some candied nut recipes can be time consuming and tricky to make at home, requiring close watch over a hot pot, stirring frequently, these Maple Cinnamon Candied Walnuts are quite the opposite.
With just 6 simple ingredients, these Candied Walnuts are super easy and quick to make. Plus, they are almost impossible to mess up. I make these nuts every holiday season to give as hostess gifts and to pass out to some of my favorite people (Steve’s mom absolutely loves these!).
Another reason I love these Maple Cinnamon Candied Walnuts is because they are a healthy snack option. Compared to some candied nuts, these candied walnuts use less sugar (plus it’s in the form of natural maple syrup instead of refined sugar, so that’s a win). Additionally, walnuts are a healthy snack option, offering a variety of health benefits.
Health Benefits of Walnuts
Walnuts are nutrient rich offering 18 grams of good fat, 4 grams of protein, 2 grams of fiber, nearly 50% of the daily target for manganese, and as well as magnesium, iron, calcium, and B vitamins, in just one ¼ cup serving. Walnuts can help lower cholesterol and are good for brain and gut health. With all of these nutrients, walnuts offer a number of science-backed health benefits.
Benefits of walnuts include:
- Rich in Antioxidants: Walnuts have higher antioxidants than another other common nut, which can help prevent oxidative damage including damage due to LDL cholesterol and some cancers.
- High in Omega-3s: Walnuts are a great source of omega-3 fat, which may help reduce your risk of heart disease.
- Reduce Inflammation: Several plant compounds in walnuts can help reduce inflammation, which is a culprit in many chronic diseases.
- Supports Weight Control: Walnuts are calorie dense, thus helping control appetite and hunger. In addition, studies have shown that you may not absorb all of the calories in walnuts.
- Promotes a Healthy Gut: Walnuts not only help you feel more full, they also nourish the beneficial bacteria that live in your gut, improving gut health and may help reduce the risk of several diseases.
- Lower Blood Pressure: Studies have shown that eating just 1 ounce of nuts daily, as part of a heart healthy diet may help improve blood pressure.
- Supports Healthy Brain Function: The nutrients found in walnuts can help reduce oxidative damage and inflammation in the brain, supporting healthy brain function.
- Reduce Stress and Improve Sleep: As a rich source of fiber, antioxidants, and unsaturated fats, walnuts can help fight stress. Additionally, containing melatonin, they can help induce sleep.
I love all of these health benefits of walnuts, but sometimes I find that eating walnuts on their own, they can be a little dry and bitter. These Maple Cinnamon Candied Walnuts make walnuts delicious, so I can take advantage of all of those health benefits in a tasty snack.
What Can You Do with These Maple Cinnamon Candied Walnuts?
Obviously, we love these Maple Cinnamon Candied Walnuts for snacking! But they are also great for a variety of other recipes and uses.
- Toss some in your favorite salad for extra crunch (they would be great in this Peach, Feta, & Arugula Salad, my Roasted Sweet Potato, Quinoa, and Arugula Salad with Maple Ginger Vinaigrette, or even this Roasted Sweet Potato, Kale, & Quinoa Power Bowl)
- Add some to your oatmeal for crunchy sweetness
- Chop some up to take your add to your chicken salad to the next level (think chicken salad with grapes and walnuts)
- Add a bowl to your next charcuterie board or fruit platter
- Put them in pretty jars and give them as gifts for the holidays (or anytime of year!)
What are some of your favorite ways to use candied nuts?
Quick Maple Cinnamon Candied Walnuts
Ingredients
- 2 cups walnuts
- 2 tbsp coconut oil melted
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- ½ tsp cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°
- Add coconut oil, salt, vanilla, maple syrup, and cinnamon to medium size bowl. Stir to combine.
- Add walnuts and toss to coat evenly.
- On a parchment lined baking sheet, spread walnuts out in an even layer.
- Bake 10 minutes, stir, and bake and additional 5 – 10 minutes. Walnuts should be slightly toasted and coating should begin to bubble slightly.
- Stir after removing from oven and let cool.
- Store in airtight container in the refrigerator.