Sweet and Spicy Almonds
These Sweet and Spicy Almonds are an all-time favorite, perfect to have in bowls with cold beverages. These crunchy little nuts are totally addicting and are easy to make too.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Recipes for spiced nuts are practically mandatory this time of year, and there are a million versions to choose from. Fair warning, these crunchy little nuts are totally addicting and have a delicious balance of sweet and spicy flavor.
We all need some go-to recipes that are super delicious and not too time consuming or hard to make.
I LOVE a good sweet and spicy nut recipe because:
They are crunchy, savory, sweet and very, very delicious all at the same time.
They are easy to make!
It's the perfect crunchy bite paired with a cold beverage before the main course.
Easy roasted nut recipes are great to have on hand for when friends drop by.
No buffet table is ever complete without a bowl of sugary spicy roasted almonds, I think that's a rule.
These are simple ingredients, folks.
Nothing hard to find or crazy going on here:
Raw, unsalted almonds: We'll roast these ourselves, so getting raw almonds is important.
Course Salt: Just an everyday variety like Diamond Crystal works perfectly.
Cayenne Pepper: Just a teaspoon for the whole recipe, which won't make these almonds too spicy.
Honey: For sweetness and balance.
Sugar: A small dusting at the very end sends these roasted spicy holiday snacks over the top.
This recipe is adapted from Martha Stewart Food Everyday, and thanks to Martha, the recipe is easy and works every time.
For the full recipe and list of instructions, please scroll below to the recipe card.
Place the raw almonds on large baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the almonds are toasted.
Remove from oven and combine the sugar, salt and cayenne pepper in a large bowl.
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the honey and water and olive oil, stirring until combined - a minute or two.
Add the toasted almonds to the skillet and toss to coat. Remove from the heat.
Transfer the nuts to the bowl with the sugar mixture using a slotted spoon, be careful not scrape any extra glaze into the bowl, and toss the almonds to coat them in the sugar.
Cool in a single layer for 15 minutes.
TIPS:
These are super cute to give as gifts! Place some in cellophane bags tied with a festive ribbon, or use a mason/canning jar tied with a shiny red or white ribbon.
Toss the nuts in a salad of hearty greens with sliced pears and a creamy cheese with a light vinaigrette.
Double the recipe! People love these holiday snacks and you'll want to have plenty on hand.
Make them ahead. They keep well in a container with tight-fitting lid for up to two weeks.
FAQ’s
Can I double this recipe?
Yes! This is an easy recipe to double, and you'll be glad you did because these spicy nuts go fast!
Can the nuts be made in advance?
Yes! You can make these up to 2 weeks in advance, just store them in an airtight container.
Can I use other nuts besides almonds?
This recipe was only tested with almonds, but you could test the basic technique with other nuts too.
Sweet and Spicy Almonds
Sweet and Spicy almonds are an all-time favorite party snack and super easy to make too!
Course: Appetizer
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 10
Ingredients
▢ 2 ½ cups Almonds, raw
▢ ¼ cup Sugar
▢ 1 ½ teaspoon Salt
▢ 1 teaspoon Cayenne pepper
▢ 1 tablespoon Honey
▢ 1 tablespoon Water
▢ 1 teaspoon Olive oil
▢ 1 tbsp Sugar for finishing
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350F degrees.
Place the raw almonds on large baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the almonds are toasted, remove from oven.
Combine the sugar, salt and cayenne pepper in a large bowl.
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the honey and water and olive oil, stirring until combined – a minute or two.
Add the toasted almonds to the skillet and toss to coat. Remove from the heat.
Transfer the nuts to the bowl with the sugar mixture using a slotted spoon, be careful not scrape any extra glaze into the bowl, and toss the almonds to coat them in the sugar.
Cool in a single layer for 15 minutes.
Sprinkle the tablespoon of sugar (or more if you like) on the almonds, and toss gently to coat. Makes 2 ½ cups.
Notes
These Sweet and Spicy Almonds will keep well in an airtight container for up to three weeks.
I buy large bags of raw almonds at Costco.