Transform ordinary nuts into an irresistible sweet and spicy treat! These candied mixed nuts strike the perfect balance between sugar and heat, making them an ideal homemade holiday gift or party snack. With just the right blend of cinnamon warmth and cayenne kick, they're guaranteed to disappear fast!
Ingredients for Sweet and Spicy Candied Mixed Nuts Recipe - Perfect Holiday Gift
- 16oz Mixed Nuts (any combination of almonds, pecans, walnuts)
- 3.5oz Light Brown Sugar
- 1.75oz White Sugar
- 2 tbsp Ground Cinnamon
- 0.5 tsp Cayenne Pepper
- 1 tsp Sea Salt
- 1 whole Egg White
- 1 tbsp Water
Instructions for Sweet and Spicy Candied Mixed Nuts Recipe - Perfect Holiday Gift
- Preheat the oven to 160°C/325°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, mix 3.5oz light brown sugar, 1.75oz white sugar, 2 tbsp ground cinnamon, 0.5 tsp cayenne pepper, and 1 tsp sea salt.
- In a large bowl, whisk 1 whole egg white with 1 tbsp water until frothy.
- Add 16oz mixed nuts to the egg white mixture and stir until all nuts are well coated.
- Pour the sugar and spice mixture over the nuts and toss until evenly coated.
- Spread the nuts in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until the nuts are golden brown and fragrant.
- Let cool completely on the baking sheet. The nuts will become crispy as they cool.
- Break apart any clusters and store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
Sweet and Spicy Holiday Magic: The Perfect Candied Mixed Nuts Recipe
Listen up, fellow food lovers! Today I'm sharing one of my absolute favorite holiday recipes - a Sweet and Spicy Candied Mixed Nuts creation that'll make your taste buds dance. This isn't just any ordinary nut recipe; it's a perfect blend of warmth from cinnamon, heat from cayenne, and sweetness that transforms simple nuts into an addictive treat. Whether you're looking for a homemade gift idea like my Perfect Southern Pecan Pie or just want to elevate your snack game, these candied nuts are your answer. The best part? It only takes 35 minutes from start to finish!
Tips for Candied Mixed Nut Success
After years of perfecting this recipe in my Texas kitchen, I've gathered some game-changing tips that'll help you achieve candied nut perfection:
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Choose Your Nuts Wisely: While any combination works, I find that a mix of almonds, pecans, and walnuts provides the best texture variety. Similar to my Anti-Inflammatory Turmeric Roasted Almonds, each nut brings its own character to the party.
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Don't Skip the Egg White: It might seem strange, but the egg white is crucial! It creates that perfect candy coating and helps the spices stick to the nuts.
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Line That Baking Sheet: Use parchment paper, not foil. The sugar mixture can stick to foil and make a mess.
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Watch Like a Hawk: The difference between perfectly caramelized and burnt is just a minute or two. Start checking at the 18-minute mark.
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Cool Completely: Resist the urge to snack immediately! The nuts need to cool entirely to achieve that signature crunch.
Serving Your Sweet and Spicy Candied Nuts
These versatile nuts are perfect for so many occasions. Here's how I love to serve them:
- Package in mason jars with pretty ribbons for holiday gifts
- Serve alongside cheese boards, like with my Mediterranean-inspired appetizers
- Crush and use as a topping for ice cream or salads
- Set out in pretty bowls during cocktail hour
- Pack in small portions for hiking or road trip snacks
For an extra special touch, try serving them warm (just 5 minutes in a 300°F oven) with a glass of mulled wine or spiced cider.
A Sweet Holiday Tradition Born from Necessity
Let me tell you about the Christmas of 2019 when these nuts became a family legend. I had completely forgotten about teacher gifts until the night before the last day of school. In a panic, I raided my pantry and found a bunch of nuts I'd been saving for holiday baking. That's when inspiration struck!
I stayed up late making batch after batch, filling mason jars with these sweet and spicy gems. The next morning, my son's teacher took one bite and immediately asked for the recipe. She later told me she made them for her entire family that Christmas, and now they're a holiday tradition in her household too!
That's what I love about cooking – sometimes our best recipes come from those last-minute moments of creativity. These nuts have since become my go-to holiday gift, and I always make extra because my family has been known to sneak handfuls before they make it into gift jars!
Easy Substitutions for Sweet and Spicy Candied Mixed Nuts
While this recipe is perfect as is, sometimes you need to make adjustments. Here are some tested substitutions that work beautifully:
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Nuts: Feel free to mix and match any nuts you prefer. Cashews, macadamia nuts, or brazil nuts work wonderfully. Just keep the total amount to 16 oz (450g). For a budget-friendly version, peanuts make an excellent base.
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Sugars: Replace both sugars with coconut sugar for a less refined option. You can also use all brown sugar or all white sugar if that's what you have on hand. For a sugar-free version, try erythritol or monk fruit sweetener, though the texture might be slightly different.
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Spices: Not a fan of heat? Skip the cayenne and double the cinnamon, or add 1 teaspoon of nutmeg for a classic holiday flavor. Try Chinese five-spice or pumpkin pie spice blend for an interesting twist.
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Egg White: For a vegan version, use 3 tablespoons of aquafaba (chickpea liquid) instead of the egg white. This works surprisingly well and creates the same crispy coating.
Nutrition Information for Sweet and Spicy Candied Nuts
Per serving (about 1/3 cup or 37g):
- Calories: 220
- Total Fat: 16g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Sugar: 12g
- Protein: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 195mg
These nuts pack a nutritious punch despite being a treat. They're rich in healthy fats, protein, and minerals like magnesium and zinc. The portion control is key – while nutritious, they're calorie-dense.
Allergy Considerations
This recipe contains several common allergens:
- Tree Nuts: The primary ingredient is mixed nuts. If you have a tree nut allergy, this recipe isn't suitable for modification.
- Egg: Contains egg white. While it can be substituted with aquafaba for those with egg allergies, always inform guests if serving at parties.
Always check individual nut packaging for potential cross-contamination warnings if allergies are a concern.
Storage Tips and Shelf Life
To maintain optimal freshness and crunch:
- Cool completely before storing
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks
- For extended freshness, store in the refrigerator for up to 1 month
- Freeze for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container
- If nuts lose their crispness, refresh them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5-10 minutes
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did my nuts turn out sticky instead of crispy? This usually happens if they're not baked long enough or if your oven temperature is too low. Make sure to bake until golden brown and let them cool completely.
Can I make these ahead for holiday gifts? Absolutely! They're perfect for holiday gift-giving and will stay fresh for about 2 weeks when properly stored.
Why use egg white? The egg white creates that perfect crispy coating that helps the sugar and spices adhere to the nuts.
Can I adjust the spice level? Yes! Adjust the cayenne pepper to taste. Start with 1/4 teaspoon if you prefer milder heat.
The Perfect Sweet-Spicy Snack: Final Thoughts
These Sweet and Spicy Candied Mixed Nuts are more than just a snack – they're a perfect balance of flavors that keeps you coming back for more. Whether you're making them for holiday gifts, party snacks, or just to have around the house, they're sure to be a hit. Like my Authentic Texas Queso Dip, these nuts have become a staple at my gatherings.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility – make them spicier, sweeter, or experiment with different nut combinations. Just be sure to make extra, because they tend to disappear quickly! They're the perfect companion to holiday entertaining or as a thoughtful homemade gift that shows you care.
