Description
A quick, easy, and gourmet-style snack made by toasting walnuts in a skillet with brown sugar, butter, fresh rosemary, and a hint of cayenne pepper. Perfect for movie nights, appetizers, or salad toppings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups raw walnut halves (about 220g)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon sea salt (flaky or kosher)
- Optional: ¼ teaspoon black pepper, ¼ teaspoon cinnamon, or ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a small bowl, mix the chopped rosemary, cayenne pepper, and sea salt.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add walnuts in a single layer and toast for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant and slightly golden.
- Reduce heat to medium-low. Add butter and stir until melted and coating the nuts.
- Sprinkle brown sugar over the walnuts and stir constantly until the sugar melts into a glossy, amber-colored glaze (about 2-3 minutes).
- Remove the pan from heat. Immediately sprinkle the spice mixture over the walnuts and stir to coat evenly.
- Pour the walnuts onto the prepared baking sheet. Spread into a single layer and separate any clumps while still warm.
- Let cool completely at room temperature (10-15 minutes) until the sugar hardens.
- Break up any remaining clumps and store in an airtight container.
Notes
Do not walk away while the sugar is melting, as it burns quickly. Use raw walnuts for best texture; pre-roasted walnuts can become bitter. If using dried rosemary, use half the amount (½ teaspoon). Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. If they lose crunch, re-crisp in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 8
- Sodium: 90
- Fat: 14
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 12
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 4
Keywords: candied walnuts, rosemary walnuts, sweet and spicy snack, easy appetizer, homemade nuts, gluten-free snack, party food