Crock Pot Candied Nuts transform simple pantry staples into a warm, spiced snack that’s perfect for holiday parties, hostess gifts, or cozy nights at home. As the nuts cook in the slow cooker, the cinnamon-sugar aroma fills the kitchen. Package them in mason jars with ribbon or serve in bowls at gatherings — they vanish quickly.
Why You’ll Love Crockpot Candied Nuts
These candied nuts are easy to make, require just a few ingredients, and deliver cozy, festive flavor with minimal effort.
- Simple and hands-off: Mix the ingredients and let the slow cooker do the work.
- Few ingredients: Granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, egg whites, vanilla, and mixed nuts.
- Great for gifting: Pack into mason jars for homemade presents or hostess gifts.
- Warm flavor: Cinnamon and caramel notes make them a holiday classic.
- Convenient: Stir occasionally and the slow cooker yields even, crunchy results.
Ingredients for Crock Pot Candied Nuts
- Mixed nuts: Almonds, cashews, and pecans hold up well and take on the coating evenly.
- Granulated and brown sugar: These combine into a warm, caramel-like coating.
- Cinnamon: Adds classic holiday warmth.
- Egg whites: Help the sugar mixture adhere to the nuts.
- Vanilla: A touch enhances the overall flavor.
How to Make Crock Pot Candied Nuts
This method uses low, steady heat and a final cool-down on parchment so the nuts crisp instead of staying sticky.
Step one: Spray the inside of the slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray.
Step two: In a large bowl, mix granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon until combined. Set aside.
Step three: In a separate bowl, whisk the egg whites and vanilla until slightly frothy.
Step four: Add the nuts to the slow cooker, pour the egg white mixture over them, and stir until evenly coated.
Step five: Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the nuts and stir again so each nut has a light coating.
Step six: Cover and cook on low for 3 hours, stirring every 20 minutes to ensure an even coating and prevent burning.
Step seven: With about 20 minutes left, add 1/4 cup warm water and stir. This helps the sugars caramelize and keeps the nuts from becoming overly sticky.
Step eight: When cooking is complete, spread the nuts in a single layer on a parchment- or silicone-lined baking sheet and let cool at room temperature until dry and crisp.
Substitutions and Variations
- Chocolate chips: Stir in after the nuts cool for a melty, sweet contrast.
- Maple syrup: Replace some sugar or add a splash for deeper, maple-forward flavor.
- Peanut butter: Fold in a small spoonful with the sugar for a creamy, nutty note.
- Potato chips: Toss a handful in after cooling for a sweet-salty crunch.
- Different nuts: Walnuts or macadamias can be used depending on preference.
Crissy’s Tips
- Line the baking sheet: Parchment or a silicone mat prevents sticking while cooling.
- Stir regularly: Every 20 minutes keeps the coating even and prevents scorching.
- Serve warm: Use the slow cooker’s warm setting for parties to keep nuts slightly soft.
- Store airtight: Keep in a sealed container to retain crunch.
- Gift-ready: Pack into mason jars and tie with a ribbon for easy homemade gifts.
- Try over ice cream: A spoonful adds crunchy, spiced texture to vanilla ice cream.
- Make ahead: They keep well for several days, making them ideal for entertaining.
Storing Slow Cooker Candied Nuts
- Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to several days.
- Refrigerator: Keeps them firmer; store in a sealed container.
- Freezer: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for longer storage; thaw at room temperature.
Common Questions
Answers to frequent questions that help you achieve the best results.
Spread the nuts in a single layer and allow them to dry fully on parchment. Piling them up while still warm traps moisture and causes stickiness.
Yes. Slow cooker and crock pot are interchangeable terms for this recipe.
Yes. Once cooled and stored in an airtight container or jars, they travel and gift well.
Yes—just ensure your slow cooker has enough space and stir frequently so the coating cooks evenly.
These candied nuts are an irresistible holiday snack—sweet, spiced, and a little addictive. Enjoy and happy holidays!
Easy Holiday Appetizers
- Pumpkin Spice Snack Mix
- Bacon-Wrapped Water Chestnuts
- Crock Pot Meatballs
Crock Pot Candied Nuts
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 2 egg whites
- 3 teaspoons vanilla
- 2 cups almonds
- 2 cups cashews
- 2 cups pecans
Instructions
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Spray the slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray.
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In a large bowl, stir together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Set aside.
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In a separate small bowl, whisk the egg whites and vanilla until slightly frothy.
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Add all the nuts to the slow cooker. Pour the egg white mixture over them and stir until the nuts are fully coated.
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Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the nuts and stir again until everything is well coated. Cover and cook on low for 3 hours, stirring every 20 minutes.
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When 20 minutes of cook time remain, pour 1/4 cup warm water into the slow cooker and stir.
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When the cooking time is complete, spread the nuts onto a parchment-lined or silicone-lined baking sheet and let them cool until dry.
Notes
- Use parchment paper or a silicone mat when spreading the nuts to cool to prevent sticking.
Nutrition
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Calories: 255kcal
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Carbohydrates: 24g
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Protein: 6g
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Fat: 17g
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Fiber: 3g
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Sugar: 18g
Nutrition values are estimates and should not replace professional medical advice. Number of servings is approximate and will vary by portion size.