Candied Almonds

Candied almonds bring a blend of sweet, spicy, and nutty flavors to the holiday season. 

This beloved favorite is delicious, crunchy, and smells amazing! Imagine your kitchen filled with the inviting aroma of these sweet almonds baking. 

They’re incredibly versatile, as well. They’re ideal as a thoughtful homemade gift or a delicious topper for your holiday salads. 

Plus, they’re a breeze to prepare. They’re the perfect way to add a personal touch to your holiday celebrations.

Ready to fill your home with holiday cheer? Let’s get started on these candied almonds!

Ingredients for Candied Almonds

Here’s what you need to make candied almonds. You’ll find the full list and measurements at the end of the page.

• Raw Almonds – The foundation of your snack. Raw and unsalted is the way to go, ensuring that all the other flavors can shine through.
  
• Egg White – This is crucial for getting the sugar and spices to stick to the almonds. There are no substitutes here. It’s what makes the magic happen.
  
• Vanilla Extract – It adds a subtle, sweet flavor. Pure vanilla extract is best for a rich taste.
  
• Granulated Sugar – This is your sweet base. Regular sugar works perfectly, but feel free to experiment with organic cane sugar for a different twist.
  
• Ground Cinnamon – The spice that gives these almonds their characteristic warmth. High-quality cinnamon makes all the difference.
  
• Ground Ginger – For a hint of spice, ginger is your friend. It’s optional, but it adds a lovely depth of flavor.
  
• Salt – Just a little brings out all the flavors. If you’re using iodized table salt, go easy on it.

How to Make Candied Almonds

Making these delicious almonds couldn’t be easier! Simply follow these steps:

1. Preheat and prep: Preheat your oven to 250 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

2. Whisk the egg white and vanilla in a small bowl until it gets nice and frothy. Coat the almonds in this egg white mixture, ensuring they’re all evenly coated.

3. Mix the dry ingredients. In another bowl, combine the sugar, cinnamon, ginger (if using), and salt.

4. Combine. Now, pour this sweet and spicy mix over your almonds, giving them another good toss to ensure they’re all covered.

5. Spread the almonds on the baking sheet in a single layer. Bake them for 30-40 minutes, stirring them every 10-15 minutes. You want the almonds to dry out and the sugar to crystallize.

6. Cool and enjoy. Let the almonds cool completely on the baking sheet. And there you have it: homemade candied almonds!

Recipe Tips and Variations

Here are some handy tips and variations to make your candied almonds even more special:

• Get a little nutty. Not a fan of almonds? Try walnuts, pecans, hazelnuts, or a mix of your favorite nuts instead for a personalized twist.
  
• Give them time to chill. Let them chill for at least an hour. As they cool, they crisp up, giving you that perfect crunchy texture.
  
• Strive for egg white perfection. Beat the egg white until it’s super frothy. This helps the spices and sugar adhere better to the almonds.
  
• Don’t forget about them. Ensure you turn the almonds every 10-15 minutes for even cooking and to avoid burning.
  
• Spice them up. For a different flavor, substitute cinnamon with pumpkin pie spice, apple pie spice, or even a pinch of cayenne for some heat.
  
• Swap your sugar. Feel free to use all granulated sugar, all brown sugar, or a mix of both. Experiment to find your preferred sweetness level.
  
• Get your chocolate fix. Drizzle melted chocolate over the candied almonds before breaking them apart.
  
• Give them a kick. Mix in ½ to 1 teaspoon of instant coffee granules with the vanilla for a subtle coffee flavor.

How to Store

Storing candied almonds properly means you can enjoy them for longer. Here’s how to do it:

To Store: Keep your candied almonds at room temperature for up to a week. If you want them to last a bit longer, pop them in the fridge, and they’ll be good for about 2 weeks.

To Freeze: Once they’re completely cool, transfer them to an air-tight container. They’ll stay fresh in the freezer for up to 2 months. They’re perfect when you want to indulge in a sweet treat!