Spicy Candied Nuts
These Spicy Candied Nuts are a perfect blend of sweet and spicy, making them an irresistible snack for parties, game days, or as a delightful treat for yourself. The combination of nuts, sugar, and spices creates a crunchy and flavorful snack that everyone will love.
Equipment
- 1 baking sheet
- 1 parchment paper
- 1 mixing bowl
- 1 spatula or wooden spoon
- 1 oven
Ingredients
- 2 cups mixed nuts (almonds, pecans, walnuts, or cashews)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper Adjust to taste.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mixed nuts, sugar, cayenne pepper, ground cinnamon, and salt. Toss well to coat the nuts evenly.
- In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter and stir in the vanilla extract until combined.
- Pour the melted butter and vanilla mixture over the nuts and stir to coat thoroughly.
- Spread the nut mixture evenly in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until the nuts are golden brown and fragrant.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely on the baking sheet. The nuts will harden as they cool.
- Once cooled, break apart any clumps and serve.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature.
Notes
You can customize the spice level by adjusting the amount of cayenne pepper according to your preference.
Feel free to experiment with different types of nuts or add other spices like paprika or nutmeg for a unique flavor.
These nuts make a great addition to salads or can be used as a topping for desserts.