There’s something magical about walking through a fair, a holiday market, or even grandma’s kitchen and catching that sweet, cinnamon-sugar aroma in the air. That smell? Candied almonds. These crunchy, caramelized nuts are the ultimate treat—warm, spiced, and impossible to resist. Whether you’re whipping up a batch for cozy fall snacking, creating holiday candied nuts recipes for Christmas gifting, or simply craving a nostalgic carnival favorite, candied almonds deliver on every level.
In this article, I’ll walk you through why candied almonds deserve a permanent spot in your holiday baking rotation, how to make them step by step, creative ways to serve them, and even lighter healthy candied almond alternatives if you want to indulge guilt-free. By the end, you’ll see why this recipe is more than just a snack—it’s a tradition worth keeping.
Candied Almonds
Ingredients
- 16 ounces raw almonds about 3 cups
- 1 egg white
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup granulated sugar or substitute with coconut sugar or monk fruit sweetener
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon or substitute with pumpkin spice or nutmeg
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 250°F (120°C) and lightly grease a baking sheet.
- In a small bowl, mix together granulated sugar, cinnamon, and sea salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk the egg white and vanilla extract until frothy, about 1 minute.
- Add the almonds to the egg white mixture and stir until well coated.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the almonds and stir until fully coated.
- Spread the almonds in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure even roasting and prevent clumping.
- Remove from oven and allow to cool on the baking sheet. Break apart any clusters if needed.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 3 months.
Notes
Nutrition
Why Candied Almonds Are a Must-Make
Candied almonds are deceptively simple—just almonds, sugar, cinnamon, and a touch of vanilla—but the payoff is extraordinary. Here’s why they’re worth your time:
- Festive and Nostalgic: These nuts capture the flavors of Christmas markets and Thanksgiving gatherings. They’re perfect for holiday candied nuts recipes when you want festive snacks for entertaining or gifting.
- Versatile: Beyond snacking, candied almonds double as crunchy candied almond topping ideas for salads, yogurt, or oatmeal. They elevate both sweet and savory dishes.
- DIY Gift-Worthy: Pour them into mason jars, tie on a ribbon, and you’ve got homemade candied almond gifts ready for friends, teachers, or coworkers. They’re budget-friendly and personal.
- Freezer-Friendly: Like many freezer-friendly nut recipes, candied almonds store beautifully. Make them ahead for holiday parties or future snacking.
- Allergy-Friendly: Naturally gluten-free, they’re a top contender for gluten-free holiday treat recipes when you’re baking for diverse groups.
And let’s be real—few things beat the satisfaction of recreating fair-style candied almonds at home and realizing they taste even better than the ones you pay too much for at the fair.
Ingredients Breakdown (and Substitutions)
Candied almonds require just six pantry staples. Here’s what makes them shine, plus a few swaps if you want to tweak the recipe:
- Raw Almonds (16 ounces / about 3 cups): Stick with raw so they roast and caramelize evenly. Walnuts or pecans also work if you want variety in your holiday candied nuts recipes.
- Egg White: This acts as the “glue” for the cinnamon sugar coating. For a vegan alternative, substitute with aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas).
- Vanilla Extract (1 tablespoon): Enhances flavor with cozy undertones. Almond extract can also be used for extra nuttiness.
- Granulated Sugar (¾ cup): The base of the candy coating. For healthy candied almond alternatives, try coconut sugar or monk fruit sweetener.
- Sea Salt (1 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and sharpens flavors.
- Ground Cinnamon (2 teaspoons): The star spice of the show. Nutmeg or pumpkin spice can be added for fall cinnamon dessert trends.
Step-by-Step Instructions
This recipe couldn’t be easier—it’s one of the best easy oven-roasted almond snacks you can make with almost no prep time.
- Preheat & Prep
Heat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet—no parchment or foil, just direct baking for the best caramelization. - Mix the Sugar Coating
Combine sugar, cinnamon, and sea salt in a small bowl. - Froth the Egg White
In a large mixing bowl, whisk the egg white and vanilla until frothy (about 1 minute). - Coat the Almonds
Stir almonds into the egg white mixture until fully coated. - Add the Cinnamon Sugar
Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mix over the almonds, stirring until every nut is covered. - Bake & Stir
Spread almonds in a single layer on the baking sheet. Bake for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes. This ensures even roasting. - Cool & Store
Once baked, let the almonds cool on the sheet. Enjoy warm or store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks—or freeze for up to 3 months.
Variations, Serving Ideas & Storage
- Variations: Swap almonds with pecans or cashews for a nut mix. Try pumpkin spice for fall, cocoa powder for a chocolate twist, or chili powder for a sweet-heat snack.
- Serving Ideas: Use candied almonds as salad toppers, sprinkle over yogurt, or add to oatmeal for candied almond topping ideas. They also make the perfect finishing touch to cakes and cheesecakes.
- Storage: Store at room temp for 2 weeks or freeze. These are true freezer-friendly nut recipes, perfect for meal prep or party planning.
FAQs About Candied Almonds
1. Can I make candied almonds without egg white?
Yes! You can replace the egg white with aquafaba for a vegan option or skip it entirely and rely on melted butter to bind the sugar coating.
2. How do I keep candied almonds from sticking together?
Stirring every 15 minutes during baking helps prevent clumping. Once cooled, break apart any clusters by hand.
3. Are candied almonds gluten-free?
Absolutely! Since the recipe uses just nuts, sugar, and spices, it naturally fits into gluten-free holiday treat recipes. Always check your flavoring extracts to be sure.
4. Can I reduce the sugar for a healthier version?
Yes—opt for coconut sugar, monk fruit, or erythritol for healthy candied almond alternatives. Keep in mind the texture may vary slightly.
Final Thoughts
Candied almonds are more than a snack—they’re a cozy tradition that fits every occasion. Whether you’re baking them for holiday candied nuts recipes, gifting jars of homemade candied almond gifts, or simply enjoying them as a crunchy movie-night snack, they never disappoint.
And if you’re planning a full holiday spread, you’ll want to check out our No-Bake Coconut Pecan Praline Cookies Recipe and Crockpot Candy – Slow Cooker Christmas Crunch Recipe for even more festive ideas.
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Sweet, spiced, and endlessly versatile—candied almonds deserve a place on your holiday table (and in your snack jar year-round).