Sweet and Spicy Candied Nuts
Easy sweet and spicy candied nuts with spiced vanilla sugar and cayenne. Ready in 20 minutes. Makes 2 cups and stores 1 week at room temp.
This is a great way to use just a bit of a wonderful blend thus saving the rest for other uses. Or you just might decide to make more since the nuts are soooooo good.
Submitted by: Toby Colton from Milwaukee, WI
Yield: 4-6
- Toss nut halves in a beaten egg white mixed with spiced vanilla sugar, salt, and a pinch of cayenne.
- Bake at 300 F for 20 minutes on a single parchment-lined layer, stirring once for even browning.
- Cool completely before storing in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
Spices
Featured in this Recipe
Preparation Instructions:
thespicehouse.com
More About This Recipe
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of nuts?
Yes. Pecans and walnuts work well, but almonds, hazelnuts, or cashews are great substitutes. Smaller nuts may brown faster, so check them a few minutes earlier.
What is Spiced Vanilla Sugar and can I substitute it?
Spiced vanilla sugar is granulated sugar infused with vanilla and warm spices. If you do not have it, mix 3 tablespoons sugar with 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon and a tiny pinch of ground cloves or use plain vanilla sugar.
How do I prevent the nuts from burning?
Spread the nuts in a single layer on parchment, bake at 300 F, and stir once during the 20 minutes. Watch for medium browning and remove them right away when done.
Can I make these nut candies without egg white?
Yes. Aquafaba (chickpea liquid) can replace the egg white for an egg-free option. The coating may be slightly different but will still crisp up when baked.
How long will the candied nuts stay fresh?
Stored in a tightly covered container at room temperature, they stay fresh for about one week. For longer storage, refrigerate up to three weeks or freeze up to three months.
Can I adjust the heat level?
Yes. Increase the cayenne by small increments for more heat or omit it for a milder sweet nut. You can also add a pinch of smoked paprika for smoky warmth.
Are there tips for an even coating and crunchy texture?
Make sure the egg white mixture is foamy and that each nut is fully coated. Spread them in a single layer on parchment and let them cool completely to finish crisping.
Can I make these ahead for gifts?
Yes. Cool completely, pack in airtight tins or jars, and wrap as desired. For best taste, make them within a week or freeze for longer shelf life.
Can I use other types of nuts?
Yes. Pecans and walnuts work well, but almonds, hazelnuts, or cashews are great substitutes. Smaller nuts may brown faster, so check them a few minutes earlier.
What is Spiced Vanilla Sugar and can I substitute it?
Spiced vanilla sugar is granulated sugar infused with vanilla and warm spices. If you do not have it, mix 3 tablespoons sugar with 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon and a tiny pinch of ground cloves or use plain vanilla sugar.
How do I prevent the nuts from burning?
Spread the nuts in a single layer on parchment, bake at 300 F, and stir once during the 20 minutes. Watch for medium browning and remove them right away when done.
Can I make these nut candies without egg white?
Yes. Aquafaba (chickpea liquid) can replace the egg white for an egg-free option. The coating may be slightly different but will still crisp up when baked.
How long will the candied nuts stay fresh?
Stored in a tightly covered container at room temperature, they stay fresh for about one week. For longer storage, refrigerate up to three weeks or freeze up to three months.
Can I adjust the heat level?
Yes. Increase the cayenne by small increments for more heat or omit it for a milder sweet nut. You can also add a pinch of smoked paprika for smoky warmth.
Are there tips for an even coating and crunchy texture?
Make sure the egg white mixture is foamy and that each nut is fully coated. Spread them in a single layer on parchment and let them cool completely to finish crisping.
Can I make these ahead for gifts?
Yes. Cool completely, pack in airtight tins or jars, and wrap as desired. For best taste, make them within a week or freeze for longer shelf life.
Made this last Christmas and put in jars for holiday gifts for my kids’ teachers. Big hit and I could barely keep them in my house. I ordered more Chicago Old Town Sugar Spice for this years batch :)
Tried this recipe out for Christmas – polished off the first batch in record time! Made 5 more batches and many, many friends passing these tasty nuts at parties throughout the season. The nuts, and the Old Town Sugar itself, are also great in oatmeal.