Cinnamon Sugar Walnuts

IMG_0631

Do you make homemade Christmas gifts?

IMG_0610

Last year, my family decided to send more money to Jovenes (the orphanage we support in Honduras) and make as many Christmas gifts that we could.

Nick and I ended up putting together a basket for each “family” that had all kinds of goodies!

We made:

  • cinnamon sugar walnuts
  • sweet and spicy pecans
  • sugared cranberries
  • homemade chocolate covered toffee
  • chocolate dipped pretzels

And I was thinking the other day – I never posted those recipes! I think the time just got away from me during the holiday season, and I haven’t thought about them since. Until now.

Holiday baking is back on my mind.

So I’m finally going to share my cinnamon sugar walnut recipe!

IMG_0622

Cinnamon Sugar Walnuts

The warm, toasted cinnamon sugar coating makes these walnuts irresistible. Make sure to bake until the nuts are just toasted – the heat brings out the flavor of the walnuts and cinnamon, filling your kitchen with an incredible smell.

  • 2 cups walnuts
  • 2 Tbsp sugar
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • pinch of salt
  • 1-2 Tbsp neutral oil or melted butter
  1. Preheat oven to 375.
  2. Line baking dish with foil and spread out walnuts.
  3. Pour oil/melted butter over nuts and add cinnamon, sugar, and salt.
  4. Toss to coat.
  5. Bake for 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway through.
  6. Let cool completely before packaging.

IMG_0632

These would look great in a jar and tied with simple ribbon or tossed into a holiday printed bag.

I’d love to serve these at a holiday party, too – having a sweet roasted nut and a savory one would be a great appetizer or snack to have out for family and visitors.

Plus, homemade = cheaper and healthier, and I’m always up for that.

18 comments

  1. These nuts are so simple to make but probably one of the best things I have ever eaten. Great in salads as well!

  2. Yum… I love cinnamon sugar nuts!

  3. These look like wonderful munchies and would make for a very thoughtful gift. Thanks for sharing.

  4. Oo those walnuts sound fancy & delish! I like making layered cookie jars for gifts, people love em!

  5. Ooh, I love this idea! I think this year since I have my own oven I’ll be making quite a few treats for friends and family’s Christmas baskets!

  6. oh my gosh- my Mom made something like this one time and I could NOT stop eating them! Dangerously delicious ;)

  7. brandi! i just caught up on all your posts, and it seems you have had quite a doozy of a couple weeks. i hope things are going well and best of lucky buying that house this weekend (!!!)

    these walnuts look like they could be my downfall. i don’t think i could eat just a handful. regardless, they are on my to make list.

    also, i think i may have the best idea EVER, and i am going to e-mail you about it.

    hearts,
    holly

  8. These sound perfect. The 1st time I had candied nuts was off a street vendor in NYC and they.were.amazing. I’ll have to try these when I get back home!

  9. Great idea! I think baked goods will be something I give out this Christmas since I’m on a super strict budget.

  10. Ooh I make a very similar recipe, but I use an egg white instead of butter. YUM! :)

  11. I love homemade gifts! I’m putting the walnuts on “my list!”

  12. People love nuts like these at the holidays. Love cinnamon, so I’ll be giving these a try!

  13. fabulous! i usually do christmas cookies to some of my friends… which means i better get brainstorming :)

  14. Great gift ideas, Brandi!

    Once upon a time when I was in grad school I baked lots of desserts and gave my friends dessert samplers. There were mini pound cakes, cookies, and other stuff.

    I think I’m going to have to try your recipe though, it looks good!

  15. ooo im going to bookmark this and make it for friends this holiday!!!

    thanks BRANDI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    HAPPY MONDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  16. I love this idea and recipe for Xmas gifts! Thanks! It would be great to blend it for a nut butter, too!

  17. How far in advance can these be made?

Comments are closed.