Orange Cinnamon Sugar Glazed Walnuts are the perfect mix of sweet and savory with a hint of citrusy freshness. This recipe elevates ordinary walnuts into a delightful snack or topping that’s sure to impress. Whether you're snacking, gifting, or garnishing, these glazed walnuts add a touch of gourmet flair.
Walnuts are the main attraction here, providing a rich, buttery texture. Toasting them enhances their natural nuttiness and adds depth. Granulated sugar is the sweetener that caramelizes beautifully, creating that irresistible glaze. Orange juice adds a bright, zesty note that cuts through the sweetness, while ground cinnamon brings warmth and spice for a cozy flavor profile. A touch of salt balances the sweetness, and butter gives the glaze a glossy finish and smooth texture.
These glazed walnuts are fantastic on their own as a snack. Try adding them to a cheese board for a sweet contrast to savory cheeses. They also make a wonderful topping for salads, adding a sweet crunch. For a decadent twist, sprinkle them over vanilla ice cream or yogurt.
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This ensures the walnuts get nice and toasty, which really enhances their flavor. Spread 2 cups of walnuts evenly on a baking sheet. No need for oil here since we're going to glaze them later. Pop them in the oven for about 8 minutes. Keep an eye on them so they don’t burn — you want them just lightly toasted.
While the walnuts are in the oven, grab a medium-sized saucepan and combine 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1/2 cup of orange juice, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Stir them together over medium heat until the sugar has completely dissolved. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
Once the sugar is dissolved, add 1 tablespoon of butter to the saucepan. Stir it in and let the mixture simmer for around 5 minutes. You'll notice it thickening slightly, which is perfect for coating the walnuts.
Take the walnuts out of the oven and immediately pour the glaze over them. Use a spatula to toss the walnuts, ensuring each one is well-coated with the sticky, aromatic glaze.
Finally, spread the glazed walnuts back onto the baking sheet in a single layer, and let them cool completely. This will allow the glaze to set and harden, giving you that delightful crunch.
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