Looking for a snack that you’ll love and that is something you can feel good about munching on? This Spiced Walnuts Recipe is the perfect blend of sweet, salty, and spicy—and in addition to being delicious, it’s packed with good things for our body and brain.

Walnuts are more than just a crunchy snack. They’re rich in plant-based omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory compounds that support our overall health. 

Regular walnut consumption has been linked to improved memory, reduced inflammation, and better heart and brain health, something that is especially important as we age.

You can snack on these spiced walnuts alone, or toss them into a salad or with roasted veggies for a treat. And they are super easy to make. 

What You Need To Make Spiced Walnuts

A crave-worthy snack that’s perfect for gifting, sharing, or sprinkling on salads and side dishes. This recipe transforms humble walnut pieces into a delicious treat using just a few pantry staples.

Walnut Pieces

What makes walnuts so special? They’re among the few nuts with omega-3 fatty acids that play a key role in brain function and reducing inflammation. They also contain polyphenols (a type of antioxidant) which help protect your cells from oxidative stress, an underlying factor in many chronic diseases and chronic inflammation.

Adding a handful of walnuts to your day is a simple (and tasty!) way to support your long-term heart and brain health. You can read more about walnuts and their brain boosting benefits in my Top 5 Nuts for Brain Health post, too!

Maple Syrup

This sweet syrup is great for adding some natural sweetness to this recipe. Yes, it is sugar (just like table sugar), so a little goes a long way. But maple syrup also has some nutritional value. It contains a little magnesium, calcium, and potassium as well as the B vitamin riboflavin (no, that’s not a dangerous chemical, as some may want you to believe. It’s a natural nutrient vital for our health!) Maple syrup also has polyphenols that may help protect against inflammation and reduce oxidative stress.  

Cinnamon

A warming spice that also adds a note of sweetness. Cinnamon also has some anti-inflammatory properties.

Cayenne Pepper

If you are looking for a little kick and peppery bite, cayenne pepper is the answer. Along with cinnamon, this spice may help reduce inflammation and support brain and gut health. 

Kosher salt

Salt helps balance flavors in most recipes, and many cooks prefer using kosher salt for this function. Did you know kosher salt doesn’t usually have additives and is less dense than table salt? So a teaspoon of kosher salt contributes less sodium than a teaspoon of table salt, and many cooks feel it has a cleaner flavor. 

How much less sodium? Regular Morton’s iodized table salt has 590mg of sodium per ¼ teaspoon, while their Kosher salt has 480mg per ¼ teaspoon. Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt is hollow on the inside of the salt crystal, making it even lower. It has only 280mg per ¼ teaspoon. 

Using kosher salt is a great way to cut back on the amount of sodium in a dish, but still get the benefits of salt. 

How to Make Them

Spiced nuts are a really easy treat to make and take just about half an hour to cook. Here’s how you do it.

Step 1: Mix Nuts and Seasonings

Place the nuts in a bowl and toss them with maple syrup to lightly coat them. Mix the seasonings and toss them with the nuts.

Step 2: Roast the Nuts

There are different ways to roast nuts. Some people like to do this with high heat and a short time, while others like the low and slow method. I’ve tried both ways, and low and slow is my go-to method. 

A low heat, 250°F, for about half an hour works really well. You have less chance of burning the nuts, and the low heat allows the flavors to blend together. 

Step 3: Cool

These nuts will smell so good when you pull them out of the oven that you’ll want to dive right in, but trust me…allow them to cool for about 10 – 15 minutes. You’ll love the flavor and won’t burn your tongue!

The result? Sweet and crunchy with a little kick. A perfect afternoon snack.

Variations

One of the best things about spiced nuts is that you can mix and match the spices. Here are some other combinations you can try:

• Fall Flavors: Cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves
• Savory: Rosemary and black pepper
• Sweet: Brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon
• Spicy: Smoked Paprika, chili powder, black pepper, onion powder

You can also use different nuts or mixed nuts for variety. Pecans, cashews, and whole almonds are delicious when roasted.

Storage Tips

Store these in an air-tight container so they stay crisp. They should last a week if sealed tightly (if you don’t eat them all!)

How to Use Spiced Walnuts

Whether you’re enjoying them by the handful, using them as a crunchy topping for roasted vegetables or grain bowls, or adding them to a festive cheese board, these walnuts deliver both flavor and function.

Enjoy the Benefits in Every Bite

Healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring. With this Spiced Walnuts Recipe, you get the best of both worlds: flavor and function. Whether you’re aiming to support brain health, fight inflammation, or just enjoy a delicious snack, these maple-spiced walnuts are a satisfying choice.

These make fun holiday or hostess gifts too! Pin this to come back to it later!