Sugar and Spice Candied Nuts
The ultimate snack for any occasion, Sugar and Spice Candied Nuts combines sweet and spicy flavors in a crunchy treat. Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights in, these nuts are a delightful mix of flavors that will keep everyone coming back for more. Make them tonight for a deliciously addictive snack!
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Baking Sheet
- Wooden Spoon
- Whisk
- Oven
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup dark brown sugar
- ⅔ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- Heaping pinch cayenne pepper
- 1 egg white at room temperature
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 pound walnut or pecan halves or cashews or a combination
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 300 degrees F. It's important to start with a preheated oven to ensure even cooking. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the dark brown sugar, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, kosher salt, and cayenne pepper. Make sure there are no lumps in your sugar mixture, as you want an even coating for your nuts.
- In a large bowl, whisk the egg white and water until it becomes very frothy. This frothiness will help the nuts stick to the sugar mixture beautifully.
- Add the nuts to the bowl with the frothy egg white mixture, stirring to coat them evenly. Take your time to ensure every nut is covered in that delightful mixture.
- Once coated, sprinkle the sugar mixture over the nuts. Toss them gently to ensure they are evenly coated with the sugar and spice blend.
- Spread the nuts in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Giving them space to breathe will help them crisp up nicely.
- Bake for 30 minutes, stirring twice during the baking process. This will ensure even cooking and prevent burning. Keep an eye on them as they bake; the aroma will be irresistible!
- After 30 minutes, remove the nuts from the oven. Stir and separate them as they cool on the baking sheet. This helps prevent sticking and promotes an even crunch.
- Once completely cool, transfer the nuts to an airtight container or glass jars. They can be stored at room temperature or in the refrigerator for up to 1 month, but I doubt they’ll last that long!
Notes
Tips: Nutritional values are based on one serving.