If you’re looking for a sweet snack that’s crunchy, caramelized, and irresistibly addictive, you’ve come to the right place. These Easy Candied Almonds are the perfect balance of crunchy nuts and a sweet, sugary coating that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance. Plus, they’re so simple to make, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been whipping them up all along.
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Imagine the scent of almonds toasting in sugar and cinnamon wafting through your kitchen. It’s warm, comforting, and makes everything feel cozy. Whether you’re craving a snack, need a gift idea, or want to add something extra to your holiday treats, these candied almonds will hit the spot every time.
Trust me, you’re going to love this one.
Why You’ll Love Easy Candied Almonds
Versatile: These almonds are a snack that works in any season—holiday treats, quick munchies, or an addition to a cheese board. They’re perfect for any occasion.
Budget-Friendly: With just a few simple ingredients, you can make a big batch of these sweet, crunchy bites. You don’t need any fancy ingredients to get a gourmet flavor.
Quick and Easy: Ready in less than 30 minutes, this recipe doesn’t require any complicated steps. You’ll have your sweet snack in no time.
Customizable: Add spices, vanilla, or even a little cocoa powder to change things up. These almonds are totally adaptable to your taste preferences.
Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re sharing them with family, friends, or even a group of coworkers, candied almonds are always a hit. There’s something about that sweet crunch that everyone loves.
Ingredients in Easy Candied Almonds
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Almonds: The star of the show. These crunchy nuts hold the sweet coating beautifully and provide the perfect texture contrast to the sugary syrup.
Sugar: White granulated sugar gives the perfect sweet and crisp coating to the almonds. It melts and caramelizes into a delightful crust.
Cinnamon: This warm, fragrant spice adds depth and warmth to the sweet almonds, making them extra comforting.
Butter: A little bit of butter helps the sugar melt smoothly and gives the almonds that rich flavor that makes them so irresistible.
Vanilla Extract: Just a splash of vanilla adds a subtle, sweet undertone to these almonds. It’s like a secret ingredient that pulls everything together.
Salt: A pinch of salt to balance out the sweetness and enhance the flavors.
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this delightful treat:
Preheat Your Equipment: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is the perfect temperature for roasting almonds and giving them a crispy, golden finish.
Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once it’s melted, add the sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Stir until the sugar begins to melt and the mixture becomes syrupy.
Prepare Your Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. This will prevent the almonds from sticking and make cleanup easier.
Coat the Almonds: Add the almonds to the saucepan and stir them gently to coat each one in the sugary mixture. Once coated, transfer the almonds onto the prepared baking sheet, spreading them out evenly.
Bake to Perfection: Bake the almonds for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until they’re golden and crisp. Be careful not to overcook them, as sugar can burn quickly!
Finishing Touches: Remove the almonds from the oven and let them cool completely on the baking sheet. As they cool, they’ll become even crunchier and the candy coating will harden perfectly.
Serve and Enjoy: Once cooled, serve them in bowls, gift them in cute jars, or snack on them yourself—whatever you choose, these almonds are sure to be a hit!
How to Serve Easy Candied Almonds
Gift Ideas: Package them in a small jar or gift bag for a homemade treat that’s perfect for friends, family, or coworkers.
Snack: Enjoy them on their own for a sweet, crunchy pick-me-up. They’re also great paired with coffee or tea.
Salad Topping: Sprinkle over salads for a sweet crunch that pairs perfectly with tangy vinaigrette.
In Desserts: Chop them up and add to your favorite desserts, like cakes, cookies, or ice cream.
Additional Tips
Prep Ahead: These almonds keep well in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks, so make a batch ahead of time and enjoy them for days.
Spice It Up: For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or a dash of cocoa powder to the cinnamon. You can also experiment with a little chili powder for a sweet and spicy twist.
Dietary Adjustments: If you’re following a specific diet, try using coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free option.
Storage Tips: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. If they get a little soft, just pop them back in the oven for a few minutes to crisp them up again.
Double the Batch: This recipe is super easy to double or even triple if you’re making them for a party or event.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I substitute another nut for almonds?
A1: Yes! Cashews, pecans, or walnuts would also work beautifully in this recipe.
Q2: How do I store leftover candied almonds?
A2: Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. They’ll stay crunchy and delicious!
Q3: Can I make these candied almonds ahead of time?
A3: Absolutely! Make them a day or two in advance, and they’ll be just as tasty when you serve them.
Q4: How do I re-crisp the candied almonds if they get soft?
A4: Simply place them in the oven for 5–10 minutes at 350°F (175°C), and they’ll crisp right back up.
Q5: Can I freeze candied almonds?
A5: Yes, you can! Store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Just let them thaw at room temperature before serving.
Q6: How do I make these less sweet?
A6: You can reduce the sugar by half if you prefer a more balanced flavor. The cinnamon and salt will still provide plenty of depth.
Q7: Can I add chocolate to these almonds?
A7: Absolutely! After they cool, drizzle some melted chocolate over the almonds for a sweet and decadent twist.
Q8: Can I make these without butter?
A8: Yes, you can substitute the butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free version. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
Q9: Are these candied almonds gluten-free?
A9: Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free!
Q10: Can I make a bigger batch of candied almonds?
A10: Of course! Just make sure to spread them out on multiple baking sheets to ensure even cooking.
Final Thoughts
Candied almonds are the perfect little indulgence when you need a sweet treat that’s easy to make and hard to stop eating. Whether you keep them for yourself or share them with others, these almonds will always impress. Plus, the sweet, crunchy texture is totally addictive! Enjoy them straight from the jar, sprinkle them on salads, or gift them to someone special—you really can’t go wrong with this recipe.
Print
Easy Candied Almonds Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: undefined
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Baked Candy Coated Almonds are the perfect sweet and crunchy treat. Coated in a cinnamon-spiced sugar glaze, they’re oven-baked to perfection for a caramelized, crunchy snack, reminiscent of those sold at Christmas markets.
Ingredients
- 1 large egg white
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 lbs whole raw almonds
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 225°F (110°C) and line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, whip the egg white and vanilla together on medium speed for about 2 minutes until frothy.
- Add the raw almonds to the egg white mixture and toss to coat evenly.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Sprinkle the sugar mixture over the almonds and toss until completely coated.
- Spread the coated almonds in an even layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake the almonds for 20 minutes, then stir. Bake for an additional 20 minutes, and stir again. Repeat once more until the almonds are golden and crunchy (approximately 1 hour in total).
- Remove the almonds from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 1 hour. They will continue to crisp up as they cool.
Notes
- Store the cooled candied almonds in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.
- Feel free to adjust the spices to suit your taste. You can add a pinch of cloves or cardamom for a warm, festive twist.
- For an extra crunchy coating, allow the almonds to cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring to containers.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 170
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg