Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?

Absolutely! You can reduce the sugar by up to half and still get delicious results. The texture will be slightly less "candied" but still wonderfully flavored. You might want to add a pinch of salt to enhance the sweetness that remains.

Why did my almonds clump together?

Clumping usually happens if the almonds aren't stirred midway through baking and again shortly after coming out of the oven. If you prefer clusters, simply skip the final stirring step!

Can I use pre-roasted almonds instead of raw?

I strongly recommend using raw almonds for this recipe. Pre-roasted almonds can easily burn when baked again with the sugar coating. If you only have roasted almonds, reduce the baking time by about half.

Is there an egg-free alternative for this recipe?

Yes! You can replace the egg white with 2 tablespoons of maple syrup or honey mixed with 1 teaspoon of water. The stovetop method mentioned in the notes would also work well as an egg-free alternative.

Candied Almonds Recipe

Name: Candied Almonds Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups raw almonds; 3/4 cup sugar; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 1 large egg white

This irresistibly sweet and crunchy Candied Almonds recipe transforms ordinary raw almonds into a delectable treat that’s perfect for snacking, gifting, or topping your favorite desserts. With just 5 minutes of prep and 20 minutes in the oven, you’ll have a batch of these cinnamon-sugar coated nuts that will fill your home with the most amazing aroma. They’re dangerously addictive – consider yourself warned!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Incredibly Simple: With just 4 ingredients and minimal hands-on time, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been making these forever.
Versatile: These almonds work as a standalone snack, salad topper, dessert garnish, or thoughtful homemade gift.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare a big batch and enjoy them for weeks – if they last that long!
Perfect Balance: The warming cinnamon complements the natural nuttiness of almonds, while the sugar creates that irresistible candy shell.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Almonds: Raw almonds provide the perfect canvas for the cinnamon-sugar coating. Their natural flavor intensifies beautifully when roasted.
Sugar: Regular granulated sugar creates that classic candy coating. It melts perfectly around each almond for that signature crunch.
Cinnamon: Adds warmth and depth to the sweet coating. The fragrance while baking is absolutely heavenly!
Egg White: The unsung hero of this recipe – it creates the perfect sticky base that helps the cinnamon-sugar mixture adhere to the almonds while allowing them to roast to crunchy perfection.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Spice It Up

Add a pinch of nutmeg, cardamom, or even a touch of cayenne pepper for a sweet-heat combination.

Flavor Twists

Try vanilla extract (¼ teaspoon) or almond extract (just a few drops) to enhance the flavor profile.

Mixed Nuts

This recipe works beautifully with pecans, walnuts, or a mix of your favorite nuts.

Chocolate Drizzle

Once cooled, drizzle with melted chocolate for an extra decadent treat.

How to Make Candied Almonds

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace

Preheat your oven to 180C/350F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Having everything ready makes the process seamless.

Step 2: Create Your Cinnamon Sugar Mix

In a small bowl, whisk together the sugar and cinnamon until well combined. This ensures every almond gets that perfect sweet-spiced coating.

Step 3: Prepare the Egg White Coating

In a large bowl, whisk the egg white until it becomes frothy but not stiff. This creates the perfect adhesive for the sugar mixture.

Step 4: Coat the Almonds

Add the raw almonds to the frothy egg white, stirring until every almond is completely coated. Then add your cinnamon-sugar mixture and mix thoroughly to ensure even coverage.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Spread the coated almonds in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes, taking care to stir them at the halfway mark for even toasting.

Step 6: Cool and Separate

Once baked, let the almonds cool for about 5 minutes, then give them another good stir to prevent them from sticking together in large clusters (unless that’s what you prefer!).

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Single Layer: Make sure the almonds are spread in a single layer on the baking sheet to ensure even roasting.
Watch Closely: Nuts can go from perfectly toasted to burnt quickly, so keep an eye on them, especially during the last few minutes.
Stirring Technique: Use a wooden spoon or silicone spatula when stirring halfway through baking to prevent sticking.
Patience Pays Off: Let them cool completely before storing to maintain maximum crunchiness.

How to Serve

Snacking

Enjoy these candied almonds straight from the container – they’re completely addictive on their own!

Salad Topper

Sprinkle them over a green salad with goat cheese and dried cranberries for a perfect sweet-savory combination.

Dessert Garnish

Use them to top ice cream, yogurt parfaits, or even chocolate cakes for extra texture and flavor.

Holiday Gifting

Package in clear cellophane bags with a pretty ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift during the holiday season.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your candied almonds in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one month. For longer freshness, store them in the refrigerator where they’ll keep well for two months.

Freezing

These nuts freeze beautifully! Place them in a ziplock freezer bag, remove as much air as possible, and they’ll remain delicious for up to six months.

Reheating

If your almonds lose their crunch over time, simply spread them on a baking sheet and warm in a 300°F oven for 5-10 minutes.

FAQs

Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?

Absolutely! You can reduce the sugar by up to half and still get delicious results. The texture will be slightly less “candied” but still wonderfully flavored. You might want to add a pinch of salt to enhance the sweetness that remains.
Why did my almonds clump together?

Clumping usually happens if the almonds aren’t stirred midway through baking and again shortly after coming out of the oven. If you prefer clusters, simply skip the final stirring step!
Can I use pre-roasted almonds instead of raw?

I strongly recommend using raw almonds for this recipe. Pre-roasted almonds can easily burn when baked again with the sugar coating. If you only have roasted almonds, reduce the baking time by about half.
Is there an egg-free alternative for this recipe?

Yes! You can replace the egg white with 2 tablespoons of maple syrup or honey mixed with 1 teaspoon of water. The stovetop method mentioned in the notes would also work well as an egg-free alternative.

Final Thoughts

These Candied Almonds are one of those magical recipes that deliver incredible results with minimal effort. Whether you’re making them for yourself or to share, they’re sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. The perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and crunchy makes them impossible to resist. Trust me, once you make these once, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again!