The holidays are the perfect time to get creative with dinners, desserts and side dishes — but don’t overlook the small bites you serve before the main course. Thoughtful, flavorful nibbles set the tone for the meal and make for excellent homemade gifts.
These spicy cinnamon roasted almonds, finished with a hint of cayenne for warmth, are an impressive and delicious snack. They’re easy to prepare, store well, and look lovely packaged in a jar with a ribbon — a simple, homemade gift that’s sure to please.
To make them, toss whole almonds with an egg white and a little water, then coat with a mix of sugar, salt, cinnamon and cayenne. Spread the nuts on a baking sheet and roast low and slow until golden and crisp. Once cooled, they’re ready to enjoy or to package as gifts.
Spicy Cinnamon Roasted Almonds
Ingredients
- 1 egg white
- 1 teaspoon cold water
- 4 cups whole almonds
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 250°F (120°C). Lightly grease a large baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.
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In a small bowl, lightly beat the egg white, then stir in the cold water until frothy but not stiff. Add the almonds and stir until they’re evenly coated.
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Combine the sugar, salt, cayenne and cinnamon in a separate bowl. Sprinkle this mixture over the coated almonds, toss to coat thoroughly, and spread the nuts in a single layer on the prepared pan.
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Bake for about 1 hour, stirring every 15–20 minutes, until the almonds are golden and the coating is dry and crisp. Remove from the oven and let cool completely — the coating will firm as they cool.
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Store the cooled almonds in an airtight container. They keep well for several weeks, making them perfect for gifting or serving at gatherings. Enjoy!
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