As autumn arrives, I start to miss the cozy flavors of the season. The smell of toasted hazelnuts brings back happy memories of baking with my grandmother. Today, I’m excited to share a quick recipe for candied hazelnuts that you can make in 15 minutes.
These sweet, crunchy treats are great for any fall event. They’re perfect for decorating desserts, adding to salads, or just snacking. Turning plain hazelnuts into a sweet, sugar-coated delight is surprisingly easy. And the results are totally worth it.
Key Takeaways
- Learn how to make delicious candied hazelnuts in just 15 minutes
- Use only 3 simple ingredients: hazelnuts, sugar, and water
- Create a crunchy, sweet coating that adds a delightful texture to any dish
- Versatile recipe that can be used to decorate desserts, salads, and more
- Easy to customize with your favorite flavors or spices
Why These Sweet Hazelnut Treats Are Perfect for Any Occasion
Try the amazing taste and crunch of glazed hazelnut treats, sweet hazelnut snacks, and crunchy hazelnut confections. These candied hazelnuts mix sweetness with nuttiness perfectly. They’re great for any event.
Health Benefits of Hazelnuts
Hazelnuts are full of good stuff like vitamin E, healthy fats, and antioxidants. Eating a serving of these sweet hazelnut snacks boosts your health. They support your overall well-being.
Versatility in Culinary Applications
Candied hazelnuts go well with both sweet and savory dishes. You can add them to salads, baked goods, or enjoy them alone as a crunchy hazelnut confection. They’re perfect for adding a special touch to your cooking.
Time-Saving Benefits
These sweet hazelnut snacks are quick to make, just 15 minutes. They’re ideal for sudden parties or gifts. They last a long time when stored right, making them a top choice for those who love tasty treats.
| Nutrition Facts | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 224 |
| Fat | 5.5g (8.4%) |
| Saturated Fat | 0.4g (2.0%) |
| Carbs | 44.9g (15.0%) |
| Fiber | 0.9g (3.6%) |
| Sugars | 43.7g |
| Protein | 1.3g (2.7%) |
| Sodium | 120.4mg (5.0%) |
“Hazelnuts were consumed by ancient Europeans and Asians over 7,000 years ago, and Italian chocolatiers first combined them with chocolate during the Napoleonic Wars.”
Essential Ingredients for Candied Hazelnuts
To make tasty pralined hazelnuts and caramelized hazelnut delicacies at home, you need a few basic ingredients. You’ll need raw, unsalted hazelnuts, sugar, and a bit of water. You can also add vanilla extract, salt, or cinnamon for extra flavor.
Choose high-quality, unshelled hazelnuts for the best results. The Willamette Valley in Oregon grows most American hazelnuts. Meridian Orchards is the oldest certified-organic hazelnut orchard in the U.S. Stored properly, hazelnuts can last months in the fridge, making them a great pantry item.
For sugar, you can pick white, brown, or coconut sugar, based on your taste. Don’t use liquid sweeteners like maple syrup, as they can make the nuts sticky. With these simple ingredients, you can make delicious pralined hazelnuts and caramelized hazelnut delicacies in your kitchen.
“Hazelnuts can be used in baking as a gluten-free ingredient, and hazelnut dukkah – a blend of hazelnuts, coriander, cumin, and sesame seeds – makes a delightful sprinkle-able condiment for savory dishes.”
Kitchen Tools and Equipment Needed
Preparing the tasty honeyed hazelnut bites and crystallized hazelnut morsels requires the right tools. Having the right kitchen tools and equipment is key. Here are the essentials you’ll need for a smooth candied hazelnut-making process:
Basic Equipment Requirements
- Heavy-bottom pan or saucepan for cooking the sugar mixture
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula for stirring the hazelnuts
- Baking sheet or parchment paper-lined tray for cooling and shaping the candied nuts
Optional Tools for Enhanced Results
For better precision and control, consider these optional tools:
- A candy thermometer to monitor the sugar syrup’s temperature
- A tall work station, like a cake stand or bamboo steamer, for spiky candied nuts
Safety Equipment Considerations
Working with hot sugar requires safety first. Use these protective items:
- Oven mitts to handle the hot pan and baking sheet
- A splatter guard to stop hot sugar from splattering
With the right tools and equipment, you’ll be ready to make perfect honeyed hazelnut bites and crystallized hazelnut morsels in your kitchen.
Step-by-Step Preparation Method
Making candied hazelnuts is simpler than you might think. Just follow a few easy steps and be patient. You’ll soon have a tasty treat ready. Here’s how to do it:
- First, melt sugar over low heat in a heavy-bottomed pan. Stir it gently until it’s fully melted and turns a nice caramel color.
- After the sugar melts, add the hazelnuts to the pan. Stir them well to coat them evenly. For a spiky look, dip nuts on skewers and let excess caramel drip off.
- Then, put the coated nuts on a baking sheet covered with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Spread them out to prevent sticking.
- While the nuts cool, stir them now and then. This keeps them from sticking together and losing their spiky shape.
Getting the perfect crystal formation is all about controlling temperature and being patient. By following these steps, you’ll make delicious candied hazelnuts or sugar-coated hazelnuts. They’ll taste amazing and impress everyone.
“Artusi goes through up to 15 pounds of hazelnuts a week for the candied hazelnuts recipe.”
Tips for Achieving Perfect Crystal Formation
To make perfect glazed hazelnut treats or sweet hazelnut snacks, you need to control the temperature well. It’s also important to know how sugar acts when making candy. The secret to getting those perfect crystals is to watch the temperature and humidity closely.
Temperature Control Guidelines
It’s important to keep the heat low and steady when melting sugar. This prevents burning and helps sugar caramelize evenly. Use a candy thermometer to track the sugar’s stages. The thread stage is at 230°F, soft ball at 235-245°F, hard ball at 250-265°F, and hard crack at 300-310°F.
Humidity Considerations
In humid places, don’t add water to the sugar mix. Water can mess up the crystal formation, making the texture bad. Try to keep your work area’s humidity low for the best crystal formation.
Timing Recommendations
Let the sugar-coated nuts cool for a while. Then, drop them from a height to help crystals form. Be patient, as rushing can ruin the texture.
Mastering temperature control, humidity, and timing will help you make amazing glazed hazelnut treats. They will impress your family and friends.
Storage and Shelf Life Guidelines
Enjoying crunchy hazelnut confections or pralined hazelnuts is best when stored right. To keep your treats fresh and tasty, follow these tips:
For short-term storage, use an airtight container at room temperature. This keeps them crunchy and flavorful for up to a month. For longer storage, refrigerate or freeze them.
Refrigerated treats stay good for weeks, while frozen ones last up to six months. The secret to long storage is keeping them dry. Store them in a cool, dry spot to avoid softening or stickiness.
| Storage Method | Shelf Life |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature (Airtight Container) | Up to 1 month |
| Refrigerated | Several weeks |
| Frozen | Up to 6 months |
By storing your treats correctly, they’ll stay fresh and delicious. Enjoy them whenever you want, knowing they’re always ready to please your taste buds.
Creative Ways to Use Candied Hazelnuts
Make your dishes stand out with candied hazelnuts. Their crunchy texture and buttery taste add elegance and indulgence. They’re perfect for both sweet and savory dishes.
Dessert Applications
Top ice cream, cakes, or pies with candied hazelnuts for a nice crunch and sweetness. Mix them into muffin or scone batter for a tasty surprise. Crushed nuts are great on tarts, cheesecakes, or crumbles for extra crunch.
Savory Dish Incorporations
Candied hazelnuts can also enhance savory dishes. Add them to salads for a sweet and crunchy element. Use them as a coating for chicken or fish for a caramelized flavor. They’re also great on roasted veggies, cheese boards, or in cocktails for a fancy touch.
Gift-Giving Ideas
Give candied hazelnuts as a thoughtful gift in a mason jar or decorative box. Add a personal touch with a label or ribbon. They’re a hit with their rich flavor and festive look.
Discover the versatility of candied hazelnuts to take your dishes to the next level. They’re perfect for desserts, savory dishes, or homemade gifts. Their unique taste and texture will impress everyone.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Making the perfect candied hazelnuts can sometimes be tricky. But with the right tips, you’ll soon have delicious, crystallized hazelnut morsels. Let’s tackle some common problems you might face.
Soft, Chewy Nuts
If your candied hazelnuts are soft and chewy, you might have taken them off the heat too soon. Wait until most moisture is gone. This will give them the crisp, crystallized texture you want.
Grainy, Crystallized Texture
A grainy texture can happen if sugar crystallizes while melting. Use clean, dry tools and stir gently. This helps prevent early crystallization.
Sticky, Clumped Nuts
Sticky, clumped candied hazelnuts can be a problem. Gently separate them while they’re warm. Using damp hands can also stop them from sticking together.
Consistency is crucial for candied hazelnuts. With practice and these tips, you’ll make perfect, crystallized treats. They’ll impress everyone and satisfy your taste buds.
Alternative Sugar Coating Methods
Looking to try something new with sugar-coated hazelnuts? There are many ways to coat them differently. You can try baking them in the oven with egg white, sugar, and spices. Bake at 250°F (120°C) for about an hour, stirring every 15 minutes. This method creates a crunchy, sweet coating.
Want a healthier option? Use coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like erythritol or stevia. Coconut sugar adds a nutty flavor, while sugar substitutes offer sweetness without extra calories.
- Oven-Baked Coating: Mix hazelnuts with beaten egg white, sugar, and spices like pumpkin pie spice or cayenne pepper. Bake at 250°F (120°C) for around 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes.
- Healthier Options: Use coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like erythritol or stevia for a lower-calorie alternative.
Try different spice blends to give your sugar-coated hazelnuts unique flavors. You can use cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, or chili powder. Get creative and find the perfect mix for your taste.
| Coating Method | Ingredients | Baking Time | Shelf Life |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oven-Baked | Hazelnuts, egg white, sugar, spices | 1 hour | Up to 1 month |
| Coconut Sugar | Hazelnuts, coconut sugar | 20-25 minutes | Up to 2 months |
| Sugar Substitute | Hazelnuts, erythritol, stevia | 20-25 minutes | Up to 2 months |
Remember, experimenting with different coatings is all about finding what you like. Enjoy making your own sugar-coated hazelnuts or glazed hazelnut treats!
Conclusion
Candied hazelnuts are a sweet treat you can make at home. They need just a few ingredients and a quick cooking time. You can enjoy them alone, add them to desserts, or give them as gifts. They’re sure to impress everyone.
Hazelnuts are not only tasty but also good for you. They’re great in both sweet and savory dishes. With the right steps, your candied hazelnuts will be perfect every time. They’ll have a nice crunch and a sweet coating.
Why not make candied hazelnuts today? Enjoy their rich flavor and crunchy texture. Let your creativity shine by using them in your cooking and baking. They’re perfect for any occasion.
FAQ
What are the key ingredients for making candied hazelnuts?
To make candied hazelnuts, you need just three things: hazelnuts, sugar, and water.
What are the benefits of candied hazelnuts?
Candied hazelnuts are packed with vitamin E and healthy fats. They’re great for both sweet and savory dishes. Plus, they keep well when stored right.
How long does it take to make candied hazelnuts?
You can whip up candied hazelnuts in just 15 minutes. It’s perfect for quick gifts or parties.
What equipment is needed to make candied hazelnuts?
You’ll need a heavy-bottom pan, a wooden spoon, and a baking sheet. You might also use a candy thermometer and safety gear like oven mitts and a splatter guard.
How do you create spiky candied hazelnuts?
For spiky nuts, dip skewered hazelnuts in sugar and let excess drip off. Cool them on a lined baking sheet or hang them to form spikes.
How should candied hazelnuts be stored?
Store candied hazelnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a month. For longer, refrigerate them for weeks or freeze for six months.
How can candied hazelnuts be used?
Use candied hazelnuts to top desserts, add to salads, coat meats, or as gifts. They’re perfect for both sweet and savory dishes.
What are some common issues that can arise when making candied hazelnuts?
Issues like soft nuts, grainy texture, and sticking can happen. Fix these by controlling temperature, avoiding sugar crystallization, and using the right handling techniques.
Are there any alternative methods for coating hazelnuts?
Yes, you can oven-bake them. Mix hazelnuts with egg white, sugar, and spices, then bake at a low temperature. This method is healthier, especially with coconut sugar or sugar substitutes.
Source Links
- Caramelized Hazelnut Crunch Clusters With Ginger – https://lowhistamineeats.com/caramelized-hazelnut-crunch-clusters/
- Persimmon Salad with Candied Hazelnuts – https://www.garlicandzest.com/persimmon-pomegranate-salad/
- Recipe: Hazelnut-Rosemary Brittle – https://www.thekitchn.com/recipe-hazelnut-rosemary-brittle-229193