Sugar and Spice Candied Nuts Recipe

Introduction

Sugar and Spice Candied Nuts are a perfect blend of sweet, salty, and a hint of heat. These crunchy treats make a great snack or a fantastic topping for salads and desserts. Easy to make and highly addictive, they’re sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds nuts (any variety)
• 2 large egg whites (room temperature)
• 2 tablespoons water
• 2/3 cup brown sugar
• 1 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Step 2: Place the nuts in a large bowl.
3. Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg whites and water until frothy. Pour this mixture over the nuts and stir well to coat all of them evenly.
4. Step 4: In another bowl, combine the brown sugar, granulated sugar, kosher salt, cayenne pepper, and cinnamon. Pour this sugar-spice mixture over the nuts and stir to coat them thoroughly.
5. Step 5: Spread the coated nuts in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes to ensure even cooking and prevent burning.
6. Step 6: Remove the nuts from the oven and gently separate any that have stuck together while still warm.
7. Step 7: Allow the nuts to cool completely before storing.

Tips & Variations

• Use a mix of nuts like pecans, almonds, and walnuts for variety in texture and flavor.
• Adjust the cayenne pepper to your heat preference or omit it for a milder version.
• For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the egg white mixture before coating the nuts.
• Make sure to stir frequently while baking to prevent the sugar from burning and to evenly coat the nuts.

Storage

Store the cooled candied nuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1-2 weeks. To keep them fresh longer, you can refrigerate them. Before serving, bring them back to room temperature to enjoy their crunchy texture. They are best eaten within two weeks for optimal flavor and crunch.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use any type of nuts for this recipe?

Yes, you can use any variety of nuts you prefer or have on hand. Common choices include pecans, almonds, walnuts, cashews, or a mix of several types.

How do I prevent the nuts from sticking together after baking?

After removing the nuts from the oven, gently separate any clusters while they are still warm and pliable. This helps keep them individual and crunchy once cooled.

Sugar and Spice Candied Nuts Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 54 reviews

• Author: Aiden
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 8 cups of candied nuts 1x

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Description

Sugar and Spice Candied Nuts are a delightful snack featuring a perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors. Coated with a mixture of brown and granulated sugar along with aromatic cinnamon and a hint of cayenne pepper, these nuts are baked to crunchy perfection. Ideal for snacking, gifting, or adding a flavorful crunch to salads and desserts.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Nuts

• 2 pounds nuts (any variety)

Coating Mixture

• 2 large egg whites (room temperature)
• 2 tablespoons water
• 2/3 cup brown sugar
• 1 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit (150 degrees Celsius) to prepare for baking the candied nuts.
2. Prepare Nuts: Place 2 pounds of your choice of nuts into a large bowl, ensuring they are ready to be coated.
3. Mix Egg White Coating: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 large room temperature egg whites and 2 tablespoons of water until frothy. Pour this mixture over the nuts and stir well to coat all nuts evenly, which helps the sugar mixture adhere better during baking.
4. Combine Sugar and Spices: In a separate bowl, mix 2/3 cup brown sugar, 1 1/3 cup granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon kosher salt, 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, and 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper thoroughly to create the flavorful coating.
5. Coat Nuts with Sugar Mixture: Pour the sugar and spice mixture over the coated nuts and stir well to ensure all nuts are evenly covered with the sweet and spicy blend.
6. Arrange Nuts for Baking: Spread the coated nuts in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
7. Bake the Nuts: Bake the nuts in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes. This helps to cook them evenly and prevents burning.
8. Cool and Separate: After baking, remove the nuts from the oven and allow them to cool slightly. Carefully separate any nuts that have stuck together while warm.
9. Store: Once completely cooled, store the candied nuts in an airtight container. They will keep fresh for 1 to 2 weeks, perfect for snacking or gifting.

Notes

• The cayenne pepper adds a spicy kick; adjust the amount based on your heat preference or omit for a milder flavor.
• Use any variety of nuts you like such as pecans, almonds, walnuts, or a mixed nuts blend.
• Ensure egg whites are at room temperature for easier whisking and better coating.
• Stirring every 10 minutes during baking is important to avoid burning and to evenly coat the nuts with the sugar mixture.
• Store in airtight containers to maintain freshness and crunch.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Snack
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: candied nuts, spiced nuts, sweet and spicy nuts, holiday snack, maple cinnamon nuts, baked nuts