Preheat & prep. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. No sticking, no crying.

Mix the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup, melted butter, salt, and cinnamon (and vanilla if using). Sweet, spicy, liquid magic.

Coat the walnuts. Toss the walnuts in the maple mixture until each one is covered. You want them sticky, but not drowning.

Spread on baking sheet. Lay them out in a single layer. Give them a little space—they need room to crisp.

Bake to perfection. 10–12 minutes in the oven, stirring halfway through. Watch carefully! Nuts can go from golden to “charred disaster” fast.

Cool completely. Remove from oven and let them sit until firm. They’ll crisp up as they cool.

Optional extra crunch. Toss in crushed extra nuts or a sprinkle of sea salt while warm if you’re feeling fancy.