These cinnamon sugar candied nuts are sweet, crunchy, and oh-so-tasty! They’re perfect for snacking or sharing at parties. Your guests will love the delightful mix of flavors!
Making this treat is so easy! Just toss nuts in a sweet, warm mixture, and bake them until crunchy. I can’t help but munch on them while they cool—it’s nearly impossible to wait!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Nuts: You can use any nuts you like. Almonds, pecans, or walnuts work great. If you have allergies or prefer a different flavor, try sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds instead!
Sugar: Granulated sugar is traditional, but brown sugar can be used for a deeper flavor. You can also try coconut sugar if you’re looking for a less processed option.
Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon is a must for that warm flavor. If you want to switch things up, consider using a blend like pumpkin spice or adding a pinch of nutmeg for extra warmth.
Egg White: This acts as a binder for the sugar mixture. If you’re vegan, you can use aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas) as a substitute.
How Do I Get the Perfect Crunch on My Candied Nuts?
To achieve that ideal crunch, pay attention to a few steps in the baking process. The key here is even cooking and coating.
- Ensure your nuts are evenly coated in the egg white mixture before adding the sugar. This helps the sugar adhere well.
- Bake at a low temperature (300°F) for longer. This slow bake allows moisture to evaporate, which is crucial for crunchiness.
- Stir the nuts every 10 minutes during baking. This ensures even cooking and prevents burning, which can happen quickly.
- Let them cool completely on the baking sheet. They will firm up as they cool, so don’t rush this step!
Enjoy making these delicious treats! They make great snacks or gifts.
Cinnamon Sugar Candied Nuts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Candied Nuts:
- 2 cups raw nuts (such as almonds, pecans, or walnuts)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 egg white
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful sweet snack takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 30–40 minutes to bake. Plus, you’ll need a little time for cooling, making it a total of about 1 hour from start to finish. Perfect for a tasty treat or gift!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 300°F (150°C). This lower temperature helps achieve that crunchy texture without burning the nuts. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
2. Whisk the Egg White:
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk the egg white until it becomes frothy but isn’t stiff. If you’re using vanilla extract for added flavor, stir that in after whisking!
3. Coat the Nuts:
Add your raw nuts to the egg white mixture. Toss them gently to make sure every nut is coated evenly. This step is key for ensuring that the sugar sticks well.
4. Combine Sugar and Spices:
In a separate bowl, mix together the granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt. This will become the sweet coating for your nuts.
5. Add the Sugar Mixture:
Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the coated nuts and toss again until every nut is well covered in sweetness.
6. Bake the Nuts:
Spread the nut mixture in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. This ensures they bake evenly and get crispy. Bake them in the preheated oven for 30–40 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes to get that perfect crunch!
7. Cool and Store:
Once baked, remove the nuts from the oven and let them cool completely on the baking sheet. They will firm up as they cool. After they’re cool, you can break apart any clusters and store your candied nuts in an airtight container.
Enjoy your sweet, crunchy cinnamon sugar candied nuts as a delightful snack or topping! They’re great for sharing or keeping all to yourself. Yum!
Can I Use Different Types of Nuts?
Absolutely! You can mix and match various nuts, such as cashews, hazelnuts, or even mix in some seeds like pumpkin or sunflower. Just make sure they’re raw for the best results!
How Should I Store the Candied Nuts?
Store the cooled candied nuts in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last for up to two weeks, but I bet they won’t last that long!
Can I Make These Candied Nuts in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare them a few days ahead of time. Just keep them stored in an airtight container to maintain their crunchiness.
What If I Don’t Have Egg Whites?
No problem! You can substitute egg whites with aquafaba, the liquid from canned chickpeas. Use about 3 tablespoons of aquafaba to replace one egg white for that perfect binding effect.