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.
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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 nuts are amazing served with Goat Cheese Toasts with Cranberry Compote…
Ingredients You’ll Need
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.
Step-By-Step Instructions
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
Expert Tips and Serving Ideas
- 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 2 weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! This is an easy recipe to double, and you’ll be glad you did because these spicy nuts go fast!
Yes! You can make these up to 2 weeks in advance, just store them in an airtight container.
This recipe was only tested with almonds, but you could test the basic technique with other nuts too.
If you’ve tried Sweet and Spicy Almonds, or any recipe on Studio Delicious, please leave a 5 star rating and tell me about it in the comments below, I’d love to hear about it!
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More Recipes
- Party Olives: You can’t eat just one! Easy and everyone loves these!
- Ginger Biscotti with Pistachio: A great holiday cookie, perfect for cookie exchanges.
- Best Snacks with Wine and Mocktails: A great round-up of delicious recipes.
- Best Rotisserie Chicken Salad: Fresh and Delicious, this one is a keeper!
- Fresh Banana Cake: An all-time fave, this cake is moist and amazing.
- Carrots with Almonds: A wonderful, simple side dish, you’ll love this easy recipe
- Spicy Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Yogurt Sauce: A wonderful dish for fall and winter
- Crunchy Green Bean, Pea and Walnut Salad: Fresh and wonderful, this is one delicious side dish!
- Plant-Based Breakfast Bowl: A delish idea for a healthy breakfast.
Sweet and Spicy Almonds
Ingredients
- Makes 2 1/2 cups
- 2 1/2 cups Almonds, raw
- 1/4 cup Sugar
- 1 1/2 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 350 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
Notes
- These Sweet and Spicy Almonds will keep well in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
- I buy a large bag of raw almonds at Costco.
- This recipe was originally published in 2018 and was updated in November, 2019.
Nutrition
- Super important to read the whole recipe before you begin
- Pay attention to the ingredient list and photos for the recipe
- If possible, prep your ingredients a little before you start
- Always use a sharp knife for safety
- Use the size of pan called for in the recipe
- For savory recipes, taste and season as you go
- Buy fresh, organic ingredients, locally sourced whenever possible
Taylor
I could eat this whole bowl! These are the perfect combination of sweet and salty. Great for snacking!
Paige
I know what you mean!
Jen
I made these thinking I’d give them as gifts but have since eaten almost all of it myself, oops! Guess I’ll have to make another batch for others. It’s just so good!
Paige
I’ve been there! 🙂
Rachael Yerkes
these are addicting!
Paige
Yes they are…in a good way!
Becky Hardin
A great holiday gift idea! Easy to make and delicious!
Paige
Thanks!
Mary Romano
I loved the basic recipe but I had to make one revision. After the nuts were cooled the sugar mixture didn’t really stick to the nuts. I threw the nuts into the pan to melt the sugar a bit. They are absolutely delicious!!!
Paige
Hmmm….so the recipe calls to toast the almonds in the oven first, then heat honey and water in a skillet, then add the almonds to that liquid mixture and toss to coat. The wet almonds are then transferred to the dry seasoned sugar mixture. The sugar mixture should stick easily to the nuts, since the nuts have been coated in a honey/water mixture first. Glad they were tasty for you none the less! Thanks 🙂