Save My tiny apartment kitchen smelled like a fairground when I first attempted these. The cinnamon hit the hot air and suddenly I was transported to wandering winter markets, clutching a warm paper cone of spiced nuts while snow fell. Now I make a batch every holiday season, and that first whiff of roasting sugar and cinnamon still stops me in my tracks every single time.
I once quadrupled this recipe for a cookie exchange and nearly started crying when I realized my largest bowl wasnt big enough. The almonds were rolling across the counter like tiny escape artists. Now I know to mix in batches, but everyone at that party kept asking where I bought them, and watching their faces light up when I said I made them myself was worth every moment of chaos.
Ingredients
- Raw whole almonds: Starting from raw gives you control over the final roast level. Buy them in bulk and smell the bag first. They should smell neutral and fresh.
- Egg white: This is the secret to getting that coating to actually cling. Beat it just until foamy, like sea foam. You dont want stiff peaks.
- Granulated sugar: Regular white sugar creates that classic crunch. Turbinado adds extra texture but can sometimes burn faster.
- Ground cinnamon: Use fresh cinnamon. If yours has been sitting in the cupboard since who knows when, do yourself a favor and buy new.
- Sea salt: Dont skip this. It balances the sugar and makes the cinnamon pop. Fine sea salt distributes evenly.
- Vanilla extract: Pure extract makes a difference here. It adds that warm background note that people notice but cant quite identify.
- Ground nutmeg: Even if youre not usually a fan, try it here. It adds depth that keeps these from tasting one-dimensional.
- Water: Just enough to loosen the egg white. One tablespoon does the job.
Instructions
- Get everything ready first:
- Preheat your oven to 300°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This low-and-slow temperature is key for roasting the nuts through without burning the sugar coating.
- Make the coating stick:
- Whisk the egg white and water in a large bowl until it looks frothy and opaque, like sea foam. You want it loose enough to coat everything but not so beaten that it forms stiff peaks.
- Coat the almonds:
- Dump the almonds into the egg white mixture and toss until every nut is covered. They should look evenly glossy, not patchy or dry in spots.
- Mix the magic dust:
- In a separate small bowl, combine the sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Give it a good whisk so the spices are evenly distributed throughout the sugar.
- Everything gets coated:
- Sprinkle the sugar-spice mixture over the almonds and stir until every nut is covered in the mixture. Pour in the vanilla and keep tossing until everything looks uniform.
- Spread them out:
- Arrange the almonds in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. Try not to overcrowd them. They need space for the hot air to circulate.
- The roast:
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, but dont just walk away. Every 10 minutes, open the oven and give them a good stir. This ensures even roasting and prevents any hot spots.
- The patience test:
- Theyre done when they smell intoxicating and look golden. Let them cool completely on the baking sheet. Theyll crisp up as they cool, and this is when the coating really sets.
Save Last winter I made these for my neighbor who was going through a tough time. She called me two days later to say that every time she opened her pantry, the smell of cinnamon hit her like a hug. Sometimes food really is love.
Making These Your Own
Once youve made the basic version, the variations are endless. Try pecans for a softer crunch or cashews for something buttery. A pinch of cayenne changes everything, adding this subtle heat that sneaks up on you.
Storage Secrets
These keep remarkably well, which is why theyre perfect for holiday gifting. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature and they stay crisp for weeks. Ive never had a batch last long enough to test if they freeze well.
Serving Ideas
Serve these alongside mulled wine or pack them into pretty tins for gifts. I love setting out a bowl during parties. They disappear faster than anything else on the table.
- Chop a handful and sprinkle over vanilla ice cream
- Add them to your morning oatmeal for extra protein
- Package them in mason jars with ribbon for easy holiday gifts
Save These cinnamon roasted almonds have become my go-to for everything from last-minute host gifts to quiet evenings with tea. Simple ingredients, magical results.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What spices enhance roasted almonds?
Cinnamon and nutmeg offer warm, sweet-spicy notes that complement the natural almond flavor beautifully.
- → How is the sugar-spice coating made to stick on almonds?
Whisking egg white and water creates a sticky base, helping the sugar and spice mix adhere evenly before roasting.
- → What oven temperature suits roasting almonds evenly?
Roasting at 300°F (150°C) ensures almonds cook through slowly, allowing the coating to crisp without burning.
- → Can almonds be substituted with other nuts?
Pecans or cashews can be used similarly for a variation in texture and flavor.
- → How should roasted almonds be stored?
Store cooled almonds in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain crunch for up to two weeks.
- → What are good pairings for spiced almonds?
These almonds pair wonderfully with mulled wine, coffee, or as a crunchy snack on their own.