How to Toast Nuts (and Store Them for Maximum Freshness!)

Toasting nuts is one of the simplest ways to elevate your baking. A few minutes of heat transforms nuts to crunchy, roasted deliciousness.

Whether you’re making cookies, cakes, salads, or just snacking, here are the two easiest ways to toast nuts plus how to store them so they stay fresh. And do I need to toast nuts if I'm baking with them? Also, where's the cheapest place to buy nuts?

2 Easy Ways to Toast Nuts

You're doing this to bring out the oils in nuts. The oils will be absorbed by whatever you're baking, increasing the deliciousness of your recipe.

⭐ Pro Tip: Different nuts toast at different speeds.

Pine nuts toast quickly--usually in five minutes, give or take.

Almonds, pecans and walnuts will take roughly ten minutes.

Heat a dry skillet over medium heat.
Add nuts in a single layer.
Stir or shake the pan constantly for 3–5 minutes until golden and fragrant.
Immediately transfer to a plate to cool (otherwise, they’ll keep toasting in the hot pan).

⭐ Best for: Small batches, quick results.

You can also toast nuts in the microwave.

However, I haven't tried the microwave method so I can't offer any help.

Cool completely before storing. Warm nuts will trap moisture and go soft.
Store nuts an airtight container to keep them from absorbing odors.
You can keep nuts in a cool, dark place like your pantry for up to a month.
But, I think it's best to freeze nuts if you're not going to use them all right away.
I like to store nuts in cup-size portions so they're easy to use.
Freeze nuts like you would cookies. Store in one-cup portions in a resealable container and then tuck those little bags of nuts in a larger, freezer safe bag.
Nuts can be frozen for up to six months.
If you toast them all before freezing them, you can add nuts right into your recipe without thawing.

These Blondies with Walnuts are also good and made on the stove top until you're ready to bake them.

There are some good pecan recipes at the American Pecan Council.