If you're the kind of person who loves giving edible gifts during the holidays, you're going to want this recipe in your back pocket. These sweet and spicy candied nuts are the ultimate combination of crunchy, caramelized goodness with just enough heat to keep things interesting. Whether you’re prepping gift bags for coworkers, hosting a festive gathering, or just want something to munch on with a cup of mulled wine, this recipe delivers. They’re a bit more exciting than your average nut mix and way easier to make than you might think. Plus, they’re a natural fit for all your holiday snack mix ideas, making them a standout addition to your Christmas spread.
Sweet and Spicy Candied Nuts for Christmas Gifting
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 40 minutes mins
Total Time 50 minutes mins
Course Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 8 (makes about 4 cups)
Mixing bowls One medium and one large bowl to combine everything easily.
Whisk or electric hand mixer Helpful for whipping the egg white until frothy.
Baking sheet A large rimmed baking sheet to roast the nuts evenly.
Parchment paper or silicone baking mat Prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Spatula For spreading and stirring the nuts halfway through baking.
Airtight containers or cellophane bags For storing or gifting. Mason jars also work beautifully for presentation.
Nuts (4 cups total)
- 1 cup raw pecan halves
- 1 cup raw walnut halves
- 1 cup raw almonds
- 1 cup raw cashews
Spice and Sweetness Mix
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey maple adds more depth
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper adjust for heat tolerance
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Binding Agent
- 1 large egg white
- 1 teaspoon water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
A lower oven temperature ensures the nuts roast slowly and evenly, letting the sugars caramelize without burning.
Prepare your baking sheet.
Line it with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to avoid sticking. This step is key—candied sugar hardens fast and can be difficult to remove from unlined pans.
Whip the egg white.
In a medium bowl, whisk the egg white with water and vanilla extract until it's frothy and light. This acts as the glue for your sugar and spice blend, helping it cling to every nut.
Toss the nuts in the egg white mixture.
Add all your raw nuts to the bowl and toss to coat them evenly in the frothy egg white.
Mix your sugar and spices.
In a separate bowl, combine the brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, cayenne, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to evenly distribute the spices.
Combine everything.
Pour the sugar and spice mixture over the wet nuts and toss until every piece is coated in that gorgeous, golden blend.
Spread and bake.
Dump the coated nuts onto the lined baking sheet and spread them into an even layer. Bake for 20 minutes, then stir to prevent clumping and rotate the pan for even browning. Bake for another 20 minutes.
Cool completely.
Once they’re done, let the nuts cool completely on the pan. The coating will harden as they cool, forming that irresistible crunchy shell.
Package for gifting or snacking.
Transfer cooled nuts into airtight containers, jars, or festive bags. Add a ribbon and a label, and you’ve got a homemade gift that’s as thoughtful as it is addictive.
Pairings
These candied nuts shine on their own, but they also play well with others.
- Cheese Boards: Add them to a holiday cheese platter alongside creamy Brie, sharp cheddar, or a wedge of blue cheese. Their sweet-heat profile contrasts beautifully with savory elements.
- Holiday Drinks: Pair with mulled wine, spiced cider, or even a bourbon-based cocktail for an indulgent winter treat.
- Dessert Accents: Use them as a crunchy topping for vanilla ice cream or pumpkin pie.
- Savory holiday snacks: Serve them as a counterpoint to salty bites like roasted chickpeas, cheese straws, or cured meats.
- Gift Baskets: Include a jar of these nuts in a DIY snack basket with other homemade snack mix recipes, like christmas chex mix recipes holidays or sweet chex mix recipes christmas.
FAQs
1. Can I use only one type of nut?
Absolutely. Pecans or almonds work particularly well solo, as their ridged surfaces trap the sugary coating perfectly.
2. Are raw or roasted nuts better for this recipe?
Raw nuts are preferred since they roast during baking. Using pre-roasted nuts could lead to overcooking or burnt flavors.
3. How spicy are these candied nuts?
They're mildly spicy with a gentle kick, but you can easily adjust the cayenne and black pepper to suit your preference.
4. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! These nuts stay fresh for up to two weeks in an airtight container, making them perfect for Christmas gifting or prepping for fall snack mixes.
5. Is it possible to make this recipe without egg white?
Yes, you can replace the egg white with a tablespoon of maple syrup or aquafaba (chickpea brine) if you need an egg-free option. Just note the texture might be slightly different.
