This quick and easy method allows you to create delicious, sweet glazed nuts with a foolproof result! Sprinkle these Easy Glazed Nuts on salads, add them to charcuterie boards, or pack them into mason jars for gift giving.
I’ve tried many methods of creating glazed nuts over the years and in the process have come up with my own. And, this is it friends. It works perfectly for me each and every time.
You want to know how to take a basic green salad to a great place? Add a nice handful of these Easy Glazed Nuts. A little feta or blue cheese won’t hurt one bit either.
I also like to add a small bowl of Glazed Nuts to a charcuterie platter. They are also wonderful mixed in with some crunchy, salty items like popcorn and pretzels for a quick snack mix.
How to Make Easy Glazed Nuts
I highly recommend starting with lightly toasted nuts. Pecans and walnuts are my favorites. Once toasted, the rest of the process all happens all in one skillet on the stove in under 5 minutes.
To toast the nuts, just place them on a rimmed baking sheet and pop them in a 350 degree F oven for about 5 minutes. That’s it. While this step is not required, toasting the nuts brings out so much flavor and ensures a nice, crunchy result. I think this easy step is SO worth it.
Transfer the toasted nuts to a small non-stick skillet. Sprinkle sugar evenly over the nuts and add 1 tablespoon of cold butter, cut into small pieces.
Turn the heat under the skillet to MEDIUM-LOW and cook, stirring occasionally, until the butter has completely melted and sugar is almost completely melted. Add 1 tablespoon of water and increase the heat under the skillet to MEDIUM and cook, stirring constantly, for two to three minutes, shaking the pan occasionally, until the water cooks completely off, the sugar has completely dissolved, and the buttery sugar mixture is mostly sticking to the nuts.
Pour the nuts out on to a sheet of wax paper or foil and use a wooden spoon to separate them a little so they don’t all stick together as they cool.
How to Store Nuts
If you buy your nuts in bulk from Costco, like me, it’s important that you store them properly to keep them fresh. Nuts contain a high level of oil and if stored improperly they can become rancid. To avoid this, store them in the refrigerator or freezer and they will keep well for up to a year or even more! Here are more great tips on buying and storing nuts from Real Simple.
Once glazed, however, I recommend transferring them to an airtight container and storing them in a cool, dry place. I keep a mason jar of these nuts in my pantry to make it easy to dress up a salad any old time.
If stored properly these Easy Glazed Nuts will keep well for up to a month. Although, I have to say, they never last that long around here!
Easy Glazed Nuts
Ingredients
- 1 cup pecans or walnuts
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon cold butter
- 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Spread the nuts out evenly over a small baking sheet. Bake for 5 minutes, or until nuts are fragrant and toasted.
- Remove the nuts from the oven and spread them out evenly across the bottom of a 10-inch non-stick skillet. Sprinkle the sugar evenly over the nuts. Cut the butter into 6 little pieces and scatter them over the top. Turn the heat under the skillet to MEDIUM-LOW. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the butter has completely melted and sugar is almost completely dissolved. Add water. Increase heat to MEDIUM and cook, stirring constantly, for two to three minutes, shaking the pan occasionally, until the water cooks completely off, the sugar has completely dissolved, and the buttery sugar mixture is mostly sticking to the nuts. Pour the nuts out on to a sheet of wax paper or foil. Use a wooden spoon to separate them a little so they don't all stick together as they cool.
- Allow the glazed nuts to cool completely before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated using generic ingredients, and is an estimate not a guarantee. For more accurate results, please refer to the labels on your ingredients at home.
Do you have any suggestions for a vegan friendly option – in other words something other than butter?
Hi Deb. You might try replacing the butter with cold (firmed up) coconut oil or a non-dairy butter substitute. If you try it, I’d love to hear how it works out for you.
Perfect crispy glazed nuts! I added some cinnamon, salt and Togarshi (for a little heat) and they are delicious! Thank you!
You’re welcome! Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment. 🙂