Save The smell of cinnamon warming in the oven always pulls me back to winter evenings when my apartment building smelled like half the households were baking something sweet. I started making these cinnamon roasted almonds on a snowy weekend when I wanted something warm and spiced to share with friends. Now they are my go-to homemade gift because they feel special and disappear fast at gatherings.
I once doubled the batch for a holiday party and learned the hard way that everyone hovers near the kitchen until these come out of the oven. The way the cinnamon fills the house makes people ask what is baking before they even see the platter.
Ingredients
- Raw whole almonds: Starting with raw nuts lets them toast evenly in the oven so every almond stays crunchy instead of turning hard or bitter
- Ground cinnamon: This is the star flavor so use fresh cinnamon for the best warm spice taste that lingers
- Ground nutmeg: Optional but adds a cozy background note that makes the cinnamon taste deeper
- Sea salt: Just enough salt balances the sugar and keeps the almonds from tasting one dimensionally sweet
- Granulated sugar: The sugar melts and crisps around the nuts to create that perfect candied coating
- Vanilla extract: Stirred in at the end so the flavor stays bright instead of baking off in the oven
- Egg white: The secret binding agent that helps the sugar and spices cling to every almond
- Water: Thins the egg white slightly so it coats the nuts easily without becoming too thick
Instructions
- Preheat your oven:
- Heat to 300°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat so nothing sticks later
- Whisk the egg white:
- Beat the egg white with water until it looks frothy and bubbly but not stiff like meringue
- Coat the almonds:
- Add the almonds to the bowl and toss until every nut is lightly covered in the egg white mixture
- Mix the coating:
- Combine sugar cinnamon nutmeg and salt in a small bowl so the spices are evenly blended
- Add the sugar spice blend:
- Sprinkle the mixture over the almonds and stir until the coating sticks to all sides of the nuts
- Stir in vanilla:
- Drizzle the vanilla extract and toss one more time to distribute the flavor
- Spread the nuts:
- Arrange the almonds in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet so they roast evenly
- Bake and stir:
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes stirring every 10 minutes until the almonds are golden brown and smell amazing
- Cool completely:
- Let the almonds sit on the baking sheet until they are fully cool because the coating crisps as they cool down
Save My neighbor texted me the next day after I left a jar on her porch asking for the recipe because her family finished them in one sitting. Something about cinnamon and toasted nuts feels comforting and nostalgic even if you are tasting them for the first time.
Choosing the Right Sugar
Turbinado or demerara sugar works beautifully here and adds extra crunch because the larger crystals do not melt completely. Regular granulated sugar gives a smoother coating while raw sugar creates a crisper texture.
Switching Up the Nuts
Pecans cashews and even a mix of nuts work well with this same method. Just keep an eye on the oven time because smaller nuts like cashews may roast faster than larger almonds.
Adding a Little Heat
A pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder mixed with the sugar and spices adds a subtle warmth that surprises people. The heat is not overwhelming but it makes the cinnamon flavor pop.
- Start with one eighth teaspoon cayenne if you want just a hint of spice
- Stir the almonds more frequently during baking if the sugar starts browning too fast
- Let the almonds cool completely before packaging so they stay crisp
Save These cinnamon roasted almonds are the kind of snack that makes people pause and ask what they are eating. Hope they bring a little warmth to your kitchen too.
Recipe FAQs
- → What is the best way to achieve a crunchy texture?
Coating the almonds with egg white and sugar before roasting helps create a crisp, crunchy exterior while keeping them tender inside.
- → Can I substitute almonds with other nuts?
Yes, pecans or cashews can be used, offering a different nutty flavor and similar roasting results.
- → How long should I roast the almonds?
Roast at 300°F (150°C) for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes to ensure even browning and flavor development.
- → Is it possible to add a spicy kick to the almonds?
Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sugar and spice mix introduces a subtle heat that complements the sweetness.
- → What are some good pairing suggestions?
These almonds pair well with mulled wine, coffee, or as a crunchy snack on their own.