Give the gift of maple cinnamon spiced nuts this holiday season! I can think of a million reasons why you should have these at your next dinner party or why you should gift them to friends, but the most important reason is because they’re absolutely the most delightful holiday treat that smell phenomenal.
Maple cinnamon spiced nuts
One of my favorite things about holiday time is the scent.
You know, that nostalgic smell that brings you back to childhood or brings you back to a certain time.
I feel like the holidays have so much SMELL.
Cinnamon, pine, snow, firewood, peppermint; there’s just so much! It’s interesting how a specific scent can evoke so much emotion.
Just like hearing that song on the radio that you haven’t heard in years; but as soon as you hear it, it brings you right back and you remember the exact time and moment and you can swear you’re there.
That’s kind of how I feel about these maple cinnamon spiced nuts.
I remember going through the city or mall with my parents when I was young and smelling these amazing spiced nuts.
I have always wondered how they were able to make it smell so good.
I loved the sweet and spicy note that they gave off. It was a nice marketing ploy to have this amazing smell lure you to the stands.
I never attempted to make them because I thought, if this is something you only really see at kiosks or street cars, it must be something that’s hard to make. Ha, my naive mind.
Most food items are easy to make, which is why they sell them. After some researching and testing, I came up with this version and oh my gosh, you seriously have got to make this for every family member and friend.
What do spiced nuts taste like?
They’re sweet but they have a kick of spice.
But the “spice” is kind of like a warm spice, not something that your mouth would be on fire over.
Do you have to use egg whites?
Yes, this is what coats the nuts and what the cinnamon sugar and spices will stick to.
If you can’t have egg, you could try to do it with aquafaba; which is the liquid from a can of chickpeas!
What other nuts could I use for spiced nuts?
Pecans and almonds are the best nuts to use with this but if you want, you can also use walnuts and hazelnuts.
How would you store spiced nuts?
I love putting these in glass jars around the house so when guests come they can snag some.
They also well in open bowls for several days.
How long do these last?
Haha, in our house? Not very long.
But, these last quite a while if you store them correctly.
About a month or so or even longer!
How would you gift spiced nuts?
Put them in mason jars and tie a red ribbon around it!
Christmas gift, done.
Stocking stuffer, done.
Other creative homemade edible gift ideas:
Maple Cinnamon Spiced Nuts
Ingredients
- 1 egg white
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 2 cups pecans
- 1 cup almonds
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon cardamom
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
- In a large bowl beat the egg white until frothy with the maple syrup.
- In a small bowl, whisk together sugar, salt, cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, and cayenne pepper.
- Pour the pecans and almonds into the bowl of the egg white and maple syrup. Toss the nuts and coat them well.
- Pour the bowl of the sugar and spices over the nuts and toss and make sure everything is coated well with the spice mixture.
- Pour the entire bowl onto the lined baking sheet and spread in an even layer.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, occasionally turning the nuts so they don’t burn.
- Store in an airtight container.
Edith
Wednesday 18th of December 2019
This was ok, but not great.If I make it again, I'll increase the spices (but not the sugar) by at least 50%. Be aware that upon cooling this turns into brittle and you'll need to break it up (by hand) to get individually coated nuts.
Mara
Sunday 8th of December 2019
These are so good. Gave them as gifts last year and plan to again this year. Thank you!
Sarah
Saturday 7th of December 2019
Oh Julie ?????? You hit it out of the park here. These nuts are TASTY!!!! I can barely stop eating them. I only had pecans on hand and used about 3 1/2 cups and it was perfect. The combination of spices is so delicious and my favorite part is that hint of heat (from the cayenne) on the back of my throat after eating a few - it keeps you coming back for more. I will definitely be making these again ??
Kalyn
Monday 24th of December 2018
But they smell delicious!
Kalyn
Monday 24th of December 2018
Mine are in the oven and seem very sticky, too moist after 25min. Will they crunch up when cooled?
Julie Wampler
Monday 24th of December 2018
Yep, they should crust and the exterior firm up after they cool; I've also put them in longer at 30 minutes before.