Homemade Candied Cinnamon & Sugar Almonds: An Irresistible & Affordable Treat

Craving that delightful aroma and crunchy sweetness of candied nuts often found at festive markets or the mall? Good news! You can easily recreate the magic right in your own kitchen with this incredibly simple and delicious recipe for **candied cinnamon sugar almonds**. Not only are these homemade treats far more economical than their store-bought counterparts, but they also offer that unique satisfaction of crafting something truly special from scratch. Get ready to elevate your snacking experience and impress friends and family with these utterly addictive nuts.

These almonds are coated in a shimmering, silky blend of cinnamon and sugar that transforms into a wonderfully crunchy, candy-like shell as they bake. Each bite delivers a perfect balance of nutty flavor with warm spice and sweet indulgence. They are so delightful, you might find it hard to stop at just one!

Positively addicting and wonderfully versatile, these candied almonds make an exquisite gift for any occasion, especially during the holidays. Imagine them lovingly packaged in a charming tin or a decorative box, tied with a festive ribbon – a thoughtful, edible present that speaks volumes. Beyond gifting, they are a fantastic snack for gatherings, a delightful topping for desserts, or simply a treat to enjoy on a cozy evening.

The real bonus? They are incredibly straightforward to make. As my six-year-old might say, “easy-peasy-lemon-squeezy!” To ensure your success, we’ve included step-by-step photos that guide you through every stage of the process. So, don’t delay – gather your ingredients and get ready to create a batch of these extraordinary cinnamon sugar almonds!

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Candied Cinnamon & Sugar Almonds

Yield:

8
Servings (2 cups of candied almonds)

Prep Time:

10 minutes
mins

Cook Time:

1 hour
hr

Total Time:

1 hour
hr
10 minutes
mins

4.34 stars (12 ratings)

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Ingredients

• 1
  egg white
• 1
  teaspoon
  cold water
• ½
  teaspoon
  pure vanilla extract
• 2
  cups
  unsalted almonds
• ½
  cup
  (106 g)
  packed light brown sugar
• ¼
  teaspoon
  salt
• ½
  teaspoon
  cinnamon

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 250 degrees Fahrenheit (120 degrees Celsius). Line a large, rimmed baking sheet (approximately 11×17 inches) with aluminum foil. Lightly spray the foil with cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
2. In a large, clean mixing bowl, beat the egg white using an electric mixer until stiff peaks form. This means when you lift the beaters, the egg white holds its shape firmly. Add the cold water and pure vanilla extract to the egg white and beat again briefly until the mixture is stiff and well combined. Gently fold in the unsalted almonds, ensuring they are thoroughly coated with the egg white mixture. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the packed light brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon. Pour this aromatic spice and sugar mixture over the almonds and egg white, then stir very gently until all the almonds are evenly coated.
3. Carefully spread the coated almonds onto the prepared baking sheet in a single, as even a layer as possible. Place the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for approximately one hour. It’s crucial to stir and flip the almonds every 15 minutes during this baking time. This ensures even cooking and prevents the sugar from burning, allowing the coating to dry and crisp uniformly. To test for doneness, carefully pick up an almond (it will be hot!) and press it gently between your fingers. The coating should feel hard and crunchy, without any sticky residue on your skin. If it’s still sticky, continue baking and stirring in 5-10 minute intervals. Once done, remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the candied almonds to cool completely on the sheet before serving or packaging. They will become even crispier as they cool.

Author:
Mel

Course:
Appetizer, Dessert, Snack

Cuisine:
American

Method:
Bake

Serving:
1
Serving
,

Calories:
261
kcal
,

Carbohydrates:
21
g
,

Protein:
8
g
,

Fat:
18
g
,

Saturated Fat:
1
g
,

Sodium:
83
mg
,

Fiber:
4
g
,

Sugar:
15
g

Recommended Products

Cookie Sheet {Half Sheet Pans}

Electric Hand Mixer

Mixing Bowl

Recipe Source: This fantastic recipe comes from my talented sister, Cerissa!

Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Candied Almonds

To help you achieve perfect results every time, here’s a detailed visual breakdown of the process:

Whipping the Egg White

The secret to a light, crispy coating is properly whipped egg whites. This creates a fluffy base that adheres beautifully to the almonds. Start by beating your egg white in a large bowl. After about 30 seconds of beating, you’ll notice it starting to get foamy.

Continue beating for another minute or so, and the egg white will become even more voluminous and foamy. Patience here is key to building that stable structure.

You’ll know the egg white is ready when stiff peaks form. This means that when you lift the beaters, the peaks stand up straight without collapsing. It typically takes 4-5 minutes, but this can vary based on your mixer speed and the temperature of your egg white. Cold egg whites tend to whip better.

Once stiff peaks are achieved, add the vanilla extract and cold water. Mix again briefly until thoroughly combined and the egg white mixture is still stiff and fluffy.

Coating the Almonds

Now it’s time to introduce the star ingredient: the almonds! Gently add the raw, unsalted almonds to the bowl with the whipped egg white mixture.

In a separate small bowl, prepare your flavorful sugar mixture. Combine the packed light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. The salt helps to balance the sweetness and enhance the overall flavor profile.

Once your sugar and spice blend is ready, add it directly to the egg white and almond mixture. This is where the magic really begins!

Gently stir everything together until the almonds are completely and evenly coated with the beautiful cinnamon sugar mixture. Take care not to deflate the egg whites too much.

Baking to Perfection

Pour the well-coated almonds onto your prepared baking sheet, which should be lined with foil and lightly sprayed with cooking spray. This prevents sticking and ensures easy removal.

Spread the almonds out into a single, even layer on the baking sheet. This is crucial for even baking and crispness. If they’re too crowded, they’ll steam instead of roast.

Once spread, pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven. The low temperature and long baking time allow the sugar coating to slowly dry and harden, creating that characteristic crunch.

During the baking process, you must stir and flip the almonds every 15 minutes. This step is vital for even caramelization and to prevent any part from sticking or burning. Don’t be alarmed if the coating seems wet and sticky at first – this is normal! It will eventually dry out and harden. This photo shows the almonds after about 15 minutes of baking; clearly, they need more time.

After approximately 45 minutes, your almonds will look significantly drier and begin to turn a beautiful golden brown. They’re getting close to being done! (Note: If your pan looks a bit messy, it’s probably because I forgot to grease mine in that instance! Learning from mistakes is part of cooking.)

To confirm doneness, carefully pick up a toasted almond (it will be hot, so be cautious!) and gently press it between your fingers. The coating should feel hard and crunchy, without any sticky give. If it still feels soft or leaves a wet sugar residue, they need a bit more time in the oven. These look absolutely perfect, with a rich, caramelized crunch.

Once the almonds are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool completely on the baking sheet. As they cool, the sugar coating will finalize its hardening process, ensuring maximum crunch. Avoid touching them too much until fully cooled.

Tips for the Best Candied Almonds

• **Egg White Temperature:** Using cold egg whites can sometimes make them whip up faster and more stably.
• **Even Coating is Key:** Take your time to gently coat every almond with the egg white and then the sugar mixture. This ensures consistent flavor and texture.
• **Don’t Rush the Bake:** The low and slow baking process is essential for drying out the coating without burning the sugar. Resisting the urge to crank up the heat will yield perfectly crispy results.
• **Stir, Stir, Stir:** Frequent stirring (every 15 minutes) is non-negotiable. It prevents sticking, ensures even browning, and helps the sugar coating to form properly around each almond.
• **Cool Completely:** Patience is a virtue when it comes to cooling. The almonds will continue to crisp up as they reach room temperature.

Variations to Try

While classic cinnamon sugar almonds are undeniably delicious, you can easily customize this recipe:

• **Spice It Up:** Add a pinch of nutmeg, cardamom, ginger, or even a tiny amount of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
• **Different Sugars:** Experiment with dark brown sugar for a deeper molasses flavor, or a mix of granulated and brown sugar.
• **Other Nuts:** This method works wonderfully with other nuts like pecans, walnuts, or cashews. Adjust baking time as needed based on nut size.
• **Citrus Zest:** A bit of orange or lemon zest can add a bright, refreshing note. Add it with the vanilla.

Serving and Storage Suggestions

These homemade candied almonds are perfect for:

• **Snacking:** Keep a jar on hand for a quick, satisfying sweet treat.
• **Gifting:** Package them beautifully for holiday gifts, hostess presents, or thoughtful thank-you tokens.
• **Toppings:** Sprinkle them over oatmeal, yogurt, ice cream, salads, or even baked goods for added crunch and flavor.
• **Charcuterie Boards:** A sweet element on a savory board is always a welcome addition.

Store your cooled candied almonds in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. If they lose some of their crunch, you can briefly re-toast them in a low oven (around 200°F/95°C) for 5-10 minutes.

Conclusion

There’s immense satisfaction in creating something so delightful from simple ingredients. These candied cinnamon sugar almonds are not just a treat for your taste buds; they’re a testament to the joy of homemade goodness. They offer a perfect blend of sweet, spicy, and crunchy textures that will quickly become a household favorite. So, go ahead, try this recipe. You’ll soon discover why these homemade candied almonds are so much better than anything you can buy!