Imagine a treat so addictively delicious that you'll find yourself sneaking handful after handful - these Buttered Toffee Candied Nuts are about to become your new obsession! With a perfect balance of sweet caramel, warm cinnamon, and perfectly toasted nuts, this recipe transforms ordinary mixed nuts into a gourmet delicacy that will have everyone begging for more. Whether you're looking for a show-stopping party snack, a homemade gift, or just a decadent treat to satisfy your sweet tooth, these candied nuts are guaranteed to make your taste buds dance with joy.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 3 cups
Ingredients
- 2 cups mixed nuts
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare a large baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Set aside to ensure a non-stick surface for cooling the nuts.
- In a large, heavy-bottomed skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Watch carefully to prevent burning and ensure even melting.
- Add brown sugar and granulated sugar to the melted butter. Stir continuously with a wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula to combine the sugars and butter into a smooth mixture.
- Continue cooking the sugar and butter mixture, stirring constantly, until it begins to bubble and turn a rich caramel color. This should take approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add the mixed nuts to the caramel mixture, stirring quickly to ensure all nuts are evenly coated. Reduce heat to medium-low to prevent burning.
- Sprinkle salt, cinnamon, and vanilla extract over the nuts. Stir thoroughly to distribute the seasonings evenly across all the nuts.
- Cook the nuts for an additional 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even caramelization. The nuts should develop a glossy, sticky coating.
- Immediately transfer the hot candied nuts to the prepared baking sheet, spreading them in a single layer to prevent clumping.
- Allow the nuts to cool completely at room temperature. As they cool, the toffee coating will harden and create a crisp, sweet shell around each nut.
- Once fully cooled, break apart any clusters and store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.
Tips
- Choose a variety of high-quality nuts for maximum flavor complexity - a mix of almonds, pecans, and cashews works wonderfully.
- Use a heavy-bottomed skillet to prevent burning and ensure even caramelization.
- Stir constantly during the caramelization process to prevent sugar from crystallizing or burning.
- Work quickly when coating the nuts to ensure even distribution of the toffee mixture.
- Use parchment paper or a silicone mat for easy cleanup and preventing sticking.
- Allow nuts to cool completely to achieve that satisfying crisp toffee coating.
- Store in an airtight container to maintain crunchiness and freshness.
- For a gourmet twist, experiment with adding a pinch of sea salt or a dash of cayenne for extra complexity.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 20mg
