forkue
Gozinaki (Georgian Honey Walnut Candy)

Georgian · Dessert · Medium

Gozinaki (Georgian Honey Walnut Candy)

Total
1 hr 40 min
Prep
1 hr 20 min
Serves
12
Calories
210
Jump to recipe

Toasted walnuts set in a thin honey coating, cut into golden diamonds for a Georgian sweet with a firm bite and a fragrant finish.

Honey binds the chopped nuts in Gozinaki (Georgian Honey Walnut Candy) without hiding their toasted flavor. The syrup needs enough cooking to hold its shape, then the slab is cut while warm before it becomes difficult to slice.

Use fresh walnuts and watch their color closely in the pan. This Georgian sweet should taste of honey and nuts, not dark caramel; a thermometer helps stop the syrup before it turns bitter.

SweetRichHolidayMake AheadVegetarianGluten-freeDairy-freeEgg-free

Method

  1. Toast walnut in a dry skillet over medium-low heat for , stirring often, until fragrant and lightly golden. Transfer to a plate.

  2. Heat honey and sugar in a deep heavy saucepan over medium-low heat for , stirring gently, until the syrup reaches 250°F (120°C) and a drop in cold water forms a firm, pliable ball.

  3. Reduce heat to low, fold in the walnuts and stir for until every piece is coated and the mixture gathers together.

  4. Scrape onto parchment and cover with a second sheet. Press with a rolling pin into a slab about 1/3 inch thick, then remove the top sheet.

  5. Cool for until warm rather than hot. Cut into 24 small diamonds with a damp knife, then leave for until firm. Serve two pieces per portion.

Forkue tips

  • Use a saucepan with high sides because honey foams as it boils. Cut the slab while warm so the nuts do not shatter away from the coating.

Storing and reheating

Keep in an airtight container at cool room temperature for up to 2 weeks, with parchment between layers. Avoid refrigeration, which can make the honey coating tacky.

Kitchen gear

SkilletTop picks on AmazonSaucepanTop picks on AmazonCandy thermometerTop picks on AmazonRolling pinTop picks on Amazon
Forkue may earn a commission from links on this page, at no extra cost to you.

Nutrition per serving, estimated

210Calories
4gProtein
16gCarbs
16gFat

Photo: Georgian Recipes at Georgia About, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons (cropped and enhanced)

Gozinaki (Georgian Honey Walnut Candy): FAQ

Why is my gozinaki sticky?

The syrup may not have cooked far enough, or the room may be humid. Use the temperature and cold-water cues together and store the cooled pieces airtight.

Can I use another nut?

Hazelnuts are a useful alternative. Toast them gently and rub away loose skins before chopping; the finished candy will have a different flavor from the walnut version.

How do I store and reheat Gozinaki (Georgian Honey Walnut Candy)?

Keep in an airtight container at cool room temperature for up to 2 weeks, with parchment between layers. Avoid refrigeration, which can make the honey coating tacky.

How long does Gozinaki (Georgian Honey Walnut Candy) take?

About 1 hr 40 min in total: 1 hr 20 min prep and 20 min cooking.

What do I need to make Gozinaki (Georgian Honey Walnut Candy)?

The key ingredients are walnut and honey, plus pantry basics.

Any tips for Gozinaki (Georgian Honey Walnut Candy)?

Use a saucepan with high sides because honey foams as it boils. Cut the slab while warm so the nuts do not shatter away from the coating.

Cook this next

More nuts