If you love the rich, comforting flavors of maple and nuts combined into one irresistible treat, you are going to adore this Maple Nut Goodies Recipe. These delightful little confections bring together the perfect balance of sweet, buttery maple syrup and crunchy roasted peanuts, all dusted with a snowy layer of powdered sugar. They are quick to make, wonderfully addictive, and perfect for sharing or savoring as a cozy snack. Whether you’re a seasoned candy maker or just looking for a fun recipe to try at home, these goodies are sure to become one of your favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the key to nailing this recipe every single time. Each component plays an important part in delivering the signature taste, texture, and look of the maple nut goodies you will love.
- Maple syrup: The star of the recipe, providing that warm, natural sweetness and rich maple flavor.
- Unsalted butter: Adds creamy richness and helps achieve the perfect smooth candy texture.
- Granulated sugar: Works with the maple syrup to create the ideal caramelized base for the goodies.
- Salt: Enhances the sweetness and balances flavors beautifully.
- Vanilla extract: Introduces a soft, fragrant undertone that complements the maple syrup wonderfully.
- Roasted peanuts: Brings crunch and a hearty nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the maple sweetness.
- Powdered sugar: Provides an elegant finishing touch with a delicate, snowy coating that keeps the goodies from sticking.
How to Make Maple Nut Goodies Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Maple Syrup Mixture
Start by combining the maple syrup, butter, granulated sugar, and salt in a medium saucepan. Cook this mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Keep an eye on the temperature with a candy thermometer—once it reaches the soft ball stage, around 234°F or 112°C, you’re ready to move on. This stage ensures the candy will have the perfect chewiness without becoming too hard.
Step 2: Add Vanilla Extract
After removing the saucepan from the heat, stir in the vanilla extract. This step is crucial as it adds a layer of complexity and warmth that elevates the flavor profile of your maple nut goodies.
Step 3: Mix in Roasted Peanuts
Next, toss the roasted peanuts into the maple syrup mixture. Stir until every peanut is thoroughly coated. This not only helps the peanuts stick together but also infuses them with that unmistakable maple-glazed flavor we’re aiming for.
Step 4: Shape and Coat the Goodies
Get your powdered sugar ready in a shallow bowl or plate. Scoop out spoonfuls of the peanut mixture and quickly roll them into balls with your hands or a spoon. Then, immediately roll each ball in the powdered sugar to coat them evenly. This coating will give your goodies a delicate dryness on the outside, making them easy and pleasant to handle and eat.
Step 5: Let Them Cool and Set
Arrange the maple nut goodies on a parchment-lined tray so they won’t stick as they cool. Allow them to rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This chilling time lets everything firm up nicely while keeping that perfect chewy bite inside.
Step 6: Store Your Treats
Once cooled, place your maple nut goodies in an airtight container. They’ll keep their fresh taste and texture for up to a week when stored at room temperature, ready for you to grab whenever a sweet craving hits.
How to Serve Maple Nut Goodies Recipe
Garnishes
While the powdered sugar coating is classic and perfect, you can sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top of each goodie for a delightful sweet-salty contrast. Alternatively, a dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg can add a cozy, warm spice note that pairs beautifully with maple.
Side Dishes
These goodies shine as a snack on their own, but they also make an excellent companion to a hot cup of coffee or a rich black tea. For a playful dessert spread, serve them alongside vanilla ice cream or dollops of whipped cream to balance their sweetness and offer a luxurious touch.
Creative Ways to Present
For gifting or special occasions, arrange the maple nut goodies in decorative paper cups or nestle them inside a pretty box lined with tissue paper. You can also thread a few onto skewers for a fun treat-on-a-stick idea that’s perfect for parties or holiday gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your leftover maple nut goodies at room temperature in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and chewy while preserving their lovely maple flavor and powdered sugar coat. Just be sure to keep them away from heat or humidity to prevent stickiness.
Freezing
If you want to keep these goodies longer, they freeze nicely. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer-safe container. When stored this way, they can last for up to three months without losing their charm.
Reheating
Thankfully, these no-bake goodies don’t require reheating to enjoy. If you prefer them a bit softer, bring them to room temperature after freezing, and they’ll regain their chewy texture naturally.
FAQs
Can I use other nuts instead of peanuts?
Absolutely! Walnuts, pecans, or even almonds can be fantastic alternatives. Just make sure to use roasted nuts for that deep, toasted flavor that complements the maple syrup.
What is the soft ball stage in candy making?
It’s a temperature point around 234°F to 240°F where sugar syrup forms a soft, flexible ball when dropped into cold water. This stage helps achieve a chewy texture perfect for maple nut goodies.
Can I substitute the powdered sugar coating?
You can try cocoa powder or crushed graham crackers for a twist, but powdered sugar is best for that traditional look and gentle sweetness that balances the candy’s stickiness.
Is it necessary to use a candy thermometer?
While not absolutely required, a candy thermometer is highly recommended for accuracy. Achieving the correct temperature ensures the goodies have the right texture every time.
How long do Maple Nut Goodies last?
Stored properly, these treats can stay fresh for about one week at room temperature, or up to three months frozen.
Final Thoughts
Making the Maple Nut Goodies Recipe is like creating a batch of sweet memories in your kitchen. With just a handful of simple ingredients and a little patience, you can enjoy a wonderfully satisfying treat that brings warmth and joy to any season. So go ahead, give this recipe a try, and share the delicious results with friends and family—you’ll be glad you did!
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Maple Nut Goodies Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 20 servings
- Category: Candy
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Brach’s Maple Nut Goodies are a classic, nostalgic treat featuring roasted peanuts coated in a rich, buttery maple syrup candy, rolled in powdered sugar for a sweet finish. These no-bake goodies are easy to make and perfect for sharing or enjoying as a luscious snack.
Ingredients
Maple Syrup Mixture
- 1 cup maple syrup
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Additional Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups roasted peanuts
- 2 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the Syrup Mixture: In a medium saucepan, combine the maple syrup, unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly to prevent burning, until the mixture reaches the soft ball stage at approximately 234°F (112°C), which usually takes around 10 minutes.
- Add Vanilla Extract: Remove the saucepan from heat once the temperature is reached and stir in the vanilla extract thoroughly to infuse the flavor evenly throughout the syrup.
- Coat the Peanuts: Add the roasted peanuts to the hot syrup mixture, gently stirring to ensure the peanuts are thoroughly coated with the maple syrup candy base.
- Form the Balls: Pour the powdered sugar into a shallow bowl or plate. Using a spoon or your hands, scoop spoonfuls of the coated peanut mixture, roll them quickly into balls, then immediately roll each ball in the powdered sugar to create a sweet, powdery coating.
- Cool and Set: Place the rolled maple nut goodies on a parchment-lined tray or plate. Allow them to cool and set at room temperature for about 30 minutes until they firm up.
- Store Properly: Store the finished maple nut goodies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will keep well for up to one week, maintaining their texture and flavor.
Notes
- Using a candy thermometer is essential to reach the perfect soft ball stage; without it, the texture may be affected.
- Roll the candy balls immediately after scooping, as the mixture hardens quickly once off heat.
- You can substitute roasted peanuts with other nuts like almonds or pecans if preferred.
- Store in a cool, dry place to prevent the sugar coating from melting or sticking.
- For a less sweet version, reduce the granulated sugar slightly but note this may alter the candy consistency.
