Crock Pot Candied Nuts turn simple ingredients into a sweet treat that will be a hit for holiday parties, homemade gifts, or even cozy nights at home. The nuts and cinnamon sugar melt in the slow cooker, filling the kitchen with the most incredible warm and spicy scent. You can package this holiday snack in mason jars with a little ribbon or serve them in bowls during gatherings. Either way, they disappear fast!
Why You’ll Love Crockpot Candied Nuts
Here’s why you’ll want to give my recipe a try!
- Easy recipe: Everything mixes together quickly and cooks on low heat.
- Simple ingredients: Sugar, cinnamon, egg whites, mixed nuts. Nothing fussy.
- Perfect for gifting: Fill mason jars, add a pretty ribbon, and you have great gifts or hostess gifts.
- Warm and festive flavor: Cinnamon sugar nuts taste like classic holiday treats.
- Slow cooker convenience: The crock pot does the work, and you only need a little stir now and then.
Ingredients for Crock Pot Candied
- Mixed nuts: Almonds, cashews, and pecans hold their shape in the crock pot and take on the cinnamon sugar coating evenly.
- White sugar and brown sugar: These melt together into a warm, caramel-like coating that works perfectly in slow cooker recipes.
- Cinnamon: Adds classic holiday flavor and pairs well with all three types of nuts.
- Egg whites: This creates the white mixture that helps the sugar mixture cling to the nuts as they cook.
- Vanilla: A small amount adds warmth without overpowering the cinnamon sugar nuts.
How to Make Crock Pot Candied Nuts
This recipe relies on slow heat, steady coating, and a final cool-down on a baking sheet so the nuts crisp instead of turning sticky.
Step one: Spray the inside of your crock pot with cooking spray so nothing sticks while it cooks on low heat.
Step two: In a large bowl, mix the white sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon until blended. Set aside.
Step three: In a medium bowl, combine egg whites and vanilla. Whisk until the mixture turns a little frothy.
Step four: Add the nuts to the crock pot. Pour the egg white mixture over them and stir until coated.
Step five: Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture across the nuts, then stir again so each nut gets an even layer.
Step six: Cover and cook on low for 3 hours. Give everything a little stir every 20 minutes so the coating melts evenly.
Step seven: When 20 minutes remain, pour in a cup of water. This helps the coating caramelize and prevents the nuts from getting a bit sticky.
Step eight: When the time is up, spread the nuts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place them in a single layer and let them cool at room temperature.
Substitutions and Variations
- Add chocolate chips: Stir them in after cooling for a sweet crunchy mix.
- Use maple syrup: A splash adds a deeper holiday flavor.
- Try peanut butter: Mix a small spoonful into the sugar mixture for a warm, creamy note.
- Mix in potato chips: A handful adds a salty, crunchy twist.
- Try different nuts: Almonds, cashews, pecans, and walnuts all work well.
Crissy’s Tips
- Line the baking sheet: Use parchment paper so the nuts cool without sticking.
- Stir often: Every 20 minutes helps the sugar coating melt evenly.
- Serve warm: The warm setting on the slow cooker keeps them soft for holiday parties.
- Store correctly: Use an airtight container to keep them crunchy.
- Gift them easily: Fill mason jars and tie on a pretty ribbon for homemade gifts.
- Try them with ice cream: A spoonful sprinkled over vanilla is my favorite way to enjoy them.
- Make ahead: They stay fresh for days, which makes them perfect for gatherings.
Storing Slow Cooker Candied Nuts
- Room temperature: Keep in an airtight container for several days.
- Refrigerator: Store in a sealed container if you prefer a firmer texture.
- Freezer: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for longer storage. Thaw at room temperature.
Common Questions
Here are some questions and answers that might help you when making this holiday recipe.
They need time to dry in a single layer on parchment paper. If they stay in a pile, they can get sticky.
Yes. Slow cooker and crock pot both work for this recipe.
Yes. They hold up well, and they make great gifts in mason jars tied with a ribbon.
Yes, as long as your crock pot is large enough and you stir regularly.
Friends, this is the most delicious holiday snack. I will warn you, they are also kinda addictive. You’ve been warned! Merry Christmas!
Easy Holiday Appetizers
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
- Spray the slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, stir together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Set aside.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk the egg whites and vanilla until slightly frothy.
- Add all the nuts to the slow cooker. Pour the egg white mixture over them and stir until the nuts are fully coated.
- 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.
- When 20 minutes of cook time remain, pour 1/4 cup warm water into the slow cooker and stir.
- 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
- Be sure to use the parchment paper, waxed paper, or silicone mat when dumping the nuts out to cool to avoid them sticking to your pan.
Save This Recipe?
Enter your email and we’ll send it straight to you + get all our latest recipes.
Nutrition
Did you make this?
I would love to hear from you! Make sure to leave your review below and follow on Pinterest for more!
