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I have been making my weight in cookies lately, and some of the recipes call for egg yolk only. So when I had extra egg whites kicking around, I thought, let’s make some candied nuts! You can totally make this recipe without egg whites, but the texture it brings to these nuts is incomparable in my opinion. It helps bind them together, forming little clusters that are so dang good you won’t be able to stop. This is my favourite time of the year for baking, making specialty items, and just getting creative. I am happy to say that I am really excited for Christmas this year. This year looks really different than last year (IYKYK), and I am in much better spirits! I’ve been working harder than ever; my camera basically feels like an extension of me. Don’t get me wrong, I am beyond grateful for the life I’ve created here in Recipeland, but my goodness, I need a little break once this busy season is finished!
While I won’t be roasting chestnuts over an open fire, I WILL be making my new SPICED CANDIED NUTS on repeat. This recipe is the perfect stocking stuffer, hostess gift or addition to your holiday snack boards. I am warning you, these are ADDICTIVE. I added Aleppo chilli powder with cinnamon, cardamom, fresh thyme and sea salt, but you could certainly change up the spices to suit your palate. Gingerbread, Chai, and Pumpkin Spice, just to name a few. You could bump up all the spices more, but for my family and me, this mix was perfect.
Just like my granolas, these nuts need to come to room temperature. I’d even put the pan in a colder room in your home to allow the maple syrup to harden. Most recipes call for sugar, but you know me, trying to curb that as much as possible. The best trick for this recipe is to spray your parchment paper with non-stick spray. I have made these 3 times now, so trust me, this is the best method. Once, no spray-hot mess. Second time, no parchment- hot mess. Third time, parchment with spray. Perfection. Ahh, the joys of being a recipe developer!
This spiced nuts recipe is a healthier take on the classic candied nuts you find at Christmas markets and holiday fairs. Instead of brown sugar or white sugar syrups, these nuts rely on pure maple syrup to create their caramelization. The egg white helps everything stick while creating that crisp, crackly coating we all love. Let’s get baking!
Each ingredient adds depth, warmth, and texture to this festive flavoured nuts recipe:
Yes! Nuts are incredibly nutrient dense and provide protein, healthy fats, minerals, and fibre. They help keep you full, energize your day, support hormone balance, and make a wonderful alternative to heavily processed snacks. This healthy spiced nuts recipe uses a bunch of nuts to create a mix of textures and nutritional benefits. You could totally swap out any nuts for your preferred ones, and they are still going to be healthy!
Making these candied nuts is super easy. Start by preheating your oven to 300°F convection. Line your pan with parchment and spray the paper with non-stick spray.
Add all the nuts and seeds to a large bowl. Stir to combine.
In a separate bowl, whisk the egg white vigorously until frothy. This helps coat the nuts evenly.
Pour the egg white over the nuts. Add the maple syrup, spices, herbs, and salt. Stir until every nut is coated in the glossy spiced mixture.
Pour the nuts onto your baking sheet, spreading them into a single, even layer so they caramelize properly. Bake for 15 minutes, give the nuts a gentle stir, then continue for another 15–25 minutes until golden brown and fragrant.
This is essential; as they cool, the nuts harden into that perfect sweet-salty crunch and get all clustered up! I know it’s hard to wait, but it’s so necessary. If you can put the pan in the coldest room in your house, they will harden quicker!
For this candied nuts recipe, a lower temperature works best. Roasting at 300°F convection allows the nuts to slowly caramelize without burning. The total cooking time is typically 45–50 minutes, depending on your oven and the type of pan used. Stoneware pans often require the full time, while metal sheets may cook slightly faster.
These are best made ahead of time since they require time to harden! These candied nuts are ideal for gifting and snacking because they keep beautifully. Once cooled completely, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. They remain crisp, fragrant, and delicious.
Homemade candied nuts make such a thoughtful December or Christmas gift. Package them in mason jars, small craft paper bags, pretty tin containers or any glass container. You can get creative and add twine, handwritten labels or whatever you feel gives the container that festive feel! These nuts feel festive and handcrafted — the perfect holiday hostess gift, teacher gift, or addition to a charcuterie basket.
These candied spiced nuts bring together the perfect blend of sweet, salty, savoury, and gently spicy. They’re easy to make, rely on wholesome ingredients, and taste like something you’d buy from an artisanal holiday market. Perfect for snacking, gifting, and elevating every winter gathering!
Are these spiced nuts spicy? They have mild warmth from Aleppo chilli, not overly spicy, just balanced. You can omit chilli if it’s not your thing!
Should you use raw or pre-roasted nuts? Always start with raw nuts so they roast evenly and don’t burn.
What is the best temperature to roast nuts at? 300°F convection is ideal; low and slow gives the best caramelization.
Can you serve spiced nuts warm? Absolutely. They’re delicious warm, but if you can wait until they are totally cooled, you’ll have a much better experience.
Don’t forget to leave a comment and rating below! Try these delicious recipes next:
Food Photographer and Recipe Developer based in Toronto, Canada.
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10 Responses
What do you mean by mixing the egg white vigorously. Should it remain liquid?
It should be frothy and not slimy anymore! Hope this helps 🙂
Love these nuts!!!
I added a bit more spice but cinnamon gives it a nice punch with maple sirup and salt.
Hey Nathalie, love that you made this recipe and customized it to fit you desires perfectly! Thanks for taking the time to share your experience and rate this recipe!
This spices nuts receipe is a keeper! better than other receipe I’ve made over the yrs. the egg white with the syrup coats all the nuts perfectly thank you So much!
Hey Laura! Thanks so much for taking the time to share your experience with this recipe! I am so happy that you may have found your new favourite 🙂
This candied nut recipe is so easy and healthy..bonus! The combination of spices is so good it keeps you wanting more.
I enjoy your recipes.
Hey Pia! I am so glad that you enjoyed these candied nuts! They are such a treat, I honestly refuse to run out at this point, I’m always making more to munch on!
flavourful snack. easy to make
Hey Elaine! Thanks so much for taking the time to share your experience with this recipe, I am so happy you made it!