Cinnamon Honey Roasted Walnuts
A simple, crunchy, and naturally sweet snack, Cinnamon Honey Roasted Walnuts combine the warmth of cinnamon with the natural sweetness of honey. High in protein, fiber, and healthy fats, this snack is perfect for quick bites, salad toppings, or gift-worthy treats. Ready in under 30 minutes with just four ingredients!
Equipment
- 1 large mixing bowl
- 1 tablespoon (for measuring)
- 1 teaspoon (for measuring)
- 1 Baking Sheet
- Parchment paper
Ingredients
- 1 cup raw walnut halves
- 3 tablespoons raw honey
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven for Perfect Toasting: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature is ideal for gently toasting walnuts without burning them, allowing the natural oils to release and the nuts to become golden brown. While the oven warms, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup. Proper preparation at this stage guarantees even roasting and flawless results.
- Prepare the Honey Cinnamon Glaze: In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of raw honey, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Stir thoroughly until the honey and cinnamon are fully integrated into a smooth, fragrant glaze. The honey not only adds sweetness but also helps the cinnamon and salt adhere evenly to the walnuts, giving them a balanced and aromatic flavor profile.
- Coat the Walnuts Evenly: Add 1 cup of raw walnut halves to the prepared glaze. Using a spoon or spatula, gently toss the walnuts until each piece is fully coated with the honey-cinnamon mixture. Take your time here—ensuring every walnut is evenly covered will create a consistent flavor and prevent some nuts from being overly sweet while others remain bland.
- Arrange Walnuts on Baking Sheet: Transfer the coated walnuts onto the parchment-lined baking sheet. Spread them in a single layer, making sure none overlap or pile on top of each other. Proper spacing is crucial: it allows the heat to circulate evenly around each walnut, resulting in a uniform golden-brown color and preventing them from sticking together.
- Roast Walnuts to Perfection: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Roast the walnuts for 10–20 minutes, stirring them every 5 minutes to ensure even toasting. Keep a close eye during the last few minutes, as nuts can quickly turn from golden brown to burnt. You’ll know they’re ready when they release a rich, nutty aroma and appear lightly caramelized on all sides.
- Cool for Crunchy Texture: Once roasted, remove the walnuts from the oven and transfer them to a cooling rack or a clean plate. Allow them to cool completely before eating. Cooling is essential—it helps the honey coating set and gives the walnuts their signature crunchy texture. Resist the temptation to taste them immediately; warm nuts may seem soft but will firm up as they cool.
- Store or Serve Your Walnuts: After cooling, your cinnamon honey roasted walnuts are ready to enjoy! Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks, or refrigerate for three to four months. For longer storage, place them in a freezer-safe container—they’ll keep fresh for up to a year. Always keep walnuts away from strong-smelling foods to maintain their natural aroma and flavor.
- Optional Serving and Use Suggestions: These walnuts are versatile! Sprinkle them over salads, oatmeal, yogurt, or roasted vegetables for added texture and flavor. They also make a perfect on-the-go snack, a delightful gift for friends, or a crunchy topping for desserts. Enjoy the balance of sweet, spicy, and nutty flavors anytime!
Notes
- Even Coating is Key: Ensure the honey-cinnamon mixture fully covers each walnut for a consistent flavor. Uneven coating can leave some nuts too sweet or bland.
- Single-Layer Roasting: Spread the walnuts in a single layer on the baking sheet to prevent sticking and ensure even browning.
- Stir Occasionally: Flip and stir the nuts every 5 minutes during roasting to avoid burning and achieve a uniform golden color.
- Watch the Time: Nuts can go from perfectly toasted to overdone quickly. Keep a close eye during the last 5 minutes of baking.
- Cool Completely: Allow the walnuts to cool fully before storing or serving to achieve the ideal crunch and let flavors meld.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet version, reduce the honey slightly or add a touch more cinnamon for extra spice.
