How to Make Nougat Candy – A Sweet Treat for Tet at Home

Every Tet season, sweet treats play an important role in creating a warm and festive atmosphere. Nougat candy, with its soft and chewy texture, rich milky flavor, and the harmonious combination of marshmallows, milk powder, and assorted nuts, has become increasingly popular on Tet treat trays. In this article, Annam Gourmet shares a how-to-make-nougat recipe, allowing you to easily enjoy it at home or prepare elegant sweets for the beginning of the new year.

1. What Is Nougat?

Nougat is a chewy confection loved for its soft texture, gentle sweetness, and rich combination of nuts, dried fruits, or natural flavorings. Traditionally, nougat is made from sugar or honey, egg whites, and roasted nuts such as almonds, walnuts, or macadamias, resulting in a rich yet easy-to-eat flavor. Today, nougat is often adapted using marshmallows and milk powder, making the process simpler and more suitable for home cooking. This modern version is especially popular on Tet candy trays and for family enjoyment.

2. How to Make Nougat Candy

2.1. Marshmallow Nougat Recipe

Ingredients

• 240g marshmallows

• 80g butter unsalted

• 160g whole milk powder

• 240g roasted mixed nuts

• 80g raisins

• 10–15g dried rose petals (optional)

Basic ingredients for making nougat with marshmallows

Tools: Non-stick pan, parchment paper or edible rice paper, knife, flat tray

Note: You may substitute or combine other nuts such as pumpkin seeds, macadamia nuts, or dried cranberries according to taste.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the ingredients

If using pre-roasted nuts, they can be used directly. If using raw nuts, lightly roast or bake them at a low temperature until fragrant, then allow them to cool completely. Large nuts can be halved for easier mixing. Soak raisins in warm water for about 5 minutes to soften, then drain well.

Step 2: Melt the marshmallows

Heat a non-stick pan over low heat and melt the butter. Once fully melted, add the marshmallows and stir continuously for 3–5 minutes until smooth and fully melted. Keep the heat low to prevent burning or sugar separation.

The process of melting marshmallows with butter.

Step 3: Mix in milk powder and nuts

Turn off the heat and stir in the milk powder until the mixture becomes smooth and stretchy. Add the roasted nuts and raisins, mixing quickly so everything is evenly combined.

Step 4: Shape and cool

Transfer the mixture onto a tray lined with parchment paper and spread evenly. Sprinkle dried rose petals on top and gently press them into the surface. Let the nougat cool naturally or refrigerate for 1–2 hours until firm.

Step 5: Cut the nougat

For nougat intended as Tet gifts, you can cut it into evenly sized square pieces, wrap each piece in edible rice paper or clear cellophane, and arrange them neatly in a box. Proper and tidy packaging not only helps preserve the candy better but also makes the gift more refined and suitable for giving during the Lunar New Year.

>>> Read more: What Should You Give for Tet 2026? 20 Meaningful and Unique Tet Gift Ideas

2.2. Egg White Nougat Recipe

Ingredients

• 230g malt syrup

• 100g granulated sugar

• 1 egg white

• 40ml water

• A pinch of salt

• 300g mixed dried nuts, combined to taste (such as almonds, cashews, chestnuts, macadamia nuts)

• 50g baking milk powder

• 50g unsalted butter (kept warm using a water bath)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the malt syrup

Combine the malt syrup, sugar, water, and salt in a heavy-bottomed saucepan. Stir until dissolved and cook over medium heat. Once boiling, reduce to low heat and simmer for 8–10 minutes until the syrup thickens.
The syrup is ready when dropped into cold water it hardens and can be snapped. If still elastic, continue cooking. Keep the syrup hot once ready.

Malt syrup is boiled and stretched to reach the ideal thickness

Step 2: Whip the egg white

While the syrup is cooking, beat the egg white in a clean, dry bowl at medium speed until stiff peaks form. When lifting the whisk, the peak should stand upright without collapsing. Avoid over-beating.

Step 3: Combine syrup and egg white

Gradually pour the hot syrup into the whipped egg white in a thin stream while continuously beating. Continue mixing for 2- 3 minutes until the mixture becomes glossy, thick, and elastic.
Add the warm butter in small portions and mix until fully incorporated.

Step 4: Add milk powder and nuts

Quickly stir in the milk powder until evenly blended, then add the mixed nuts. Work swiftly, as the mixture thickens as it cools.

Step 5: Shape and cool

Transfer the nougat onto a parchment-lined tray, spread evenly, and cover with another sheet of parchment paper. Gently press flat using a rolling pin or hands. Let cool completely at room temperature for 1- 2 hours, then cut into pieces and store airtight.

Traditional handmade egg white nougat candy

3. Nougat Flavor Variations

In addition to the basic recipe, nougat can be easily customized by adding natural flavorings or dried fruits for new colors and tastes. These variations do not alter the nougat’s core texture but offer more options to suit different preferences.

3.1. Matcha Nougat

Matcha nougat combines gentle sweetness with the subtle bitterness of green tea powder, making it less rich and easier to eat. Add 5-8g of food-grade matcha powder during the milk-powder mixing step. This version works well with both marshmallow and egg-white methods and pairs especially well with almonds or cashews.

Matcha nougat candy combined with fragrant, nutty mixed nuts

3.2. Rose Nougat

Rose nougat has a light floral aroma and an elegant appearance. Use edible dried rose petals, sprinkling them during shaping or gently mixing them with the nuts. Avoid using too much, as it can overpower the flavor. This version is best suited to marshmallow nougat due to its softer texture.

3.3. Strawberry Nougat

Strawberry nougat features a soft pink color and mild tartness that balances sweetness. Use freeze-dried strawberry powder or finely chopped dried strawberries, adding them with the milk powder or nuts. Slightly reduce sugar or marshmallows to prevent excessive sweetness.

3.4. Coffee Nougat

Coffee nougat offers a bold, mature flavor for those who prefer less sweetness. Dissolve 5–10g instant coffee powder in a small amount of hot water, then add it during the marshmallow or malt-syrup mixing step. This variation pairs particularly well with egg-white nougat, as coffee balances the richness.

Rich coffee nougat candy combined with mixed nuts

Tips for Customizing Nougat

• Avoid adding too many flavoring ingredients at once to prevent overpowering the base taste.

• Powdered flavorings should be mixed with the milk powder for even distribution.

• Dried fruits should be finely chopped and well-dried to prevent moisture issues during storage.

Besides nougat candy, healthy biscotti is also a great option for those who prefer lighter, less-sweet treats during Tet. You can explore 5 healthy homemade biscotti recipes to add more variety while keeping a balanced diet.

With a process that is not overly complicated yet requires a bit of finesse, nougat candy is an ideal choice to enrich your Tet treat selection or to give as a thoughtful holiday gift. Through the guide above, you can easily make it at home and explore high-quality baking ingredients from Annam Gourmet to achieve a more well-rounded flavor.

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