Description
These Candied Nuts are a perfect sweet and spicy snack or topping, featuring a crunchy coating of sugar, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper baked to perfection. With a simple blend of seasonings and a quick baking process, they make an ideal treat for parties, holiday gifts, or everyday enjoyment.
Ingredients
Scale
Nut Mixture
- 2 pounds mixed nuts
- 2 large egg whites (room temperature)
- 2 Tbsp water
Coating
- â…” cup brown sugar
- 1 â…“ cup white granulated sugar
- 1 Tbsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
- 2 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 300ºF. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Prepare Nut Coating: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the egg whites and water together until frothy. Add the mixed nuts to the bowl and stir them well to coat evenly with the egg white mixture.
- Mix Seasoning: In a separate bowl, combine the brown sugar, white sugar, kosher salt, cayenne pepper, and cinnamon. Pour this sugar and spice mixture over the coated nuts and stir thoroughly to cover every nut with the flavorful coating.
- Bake the Nuts: Spread the nuts out in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent burning.
- Cool and Separate: Remove the baked nuts from the oven and allow them to cool completely on the baking sheet. Once cooled, break apart any clusters to separate the nuts before serving or storing.
Notes
- Make sure the egg whites are at room temperature for easier whipping and better coating.
- Stirring occasionally during baking helps prevent the nuts from burning and ensures an even coat.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to taste depending on your preference for spiciness.
- Store cooked candied nuts in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh and crunchy.
- Use parchment paper or silicone mats to avoid sticking and facilitate cleanup.
