Valentine’s Day is all about celebrating love and sweetness, and what better way to do that than with a batch of Cinnamon Sugared Almonds? These crunchy, sweet, and aromatic almonds make for a delightful snack, a heartfelt homemade gift, or a delicious topping for desserts. With their perfect balance of cinnamon and sugar, these almonds will warm your heart and your taste buds!
Why You’ll Love These Cinnamon Sugared Almonds
- Simple Ingredients – Only a handful of pantry staples are needed.
- Easy to Make – Just mix, coat, bake, and enjoy!
- Perfect Gift – Package these almonds in a heart-shaped box or a mason jar with a ribbon for a thoughtful homemade Valentine’s Day gift.
- Versatile Treat – Great for snacking, dessert toppings, or adding to a charcuterie board.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make Cinnamon Sugared Almonds, you only need a few simple ingredients:
- 1 egg white
- 4 teaspoons water
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 pound raw almonds
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 250ºF (120ºC). Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.
Step 2: Prepare the Egg Wash
In a mixing bowl, beat the egg white until frothy. This step is important because it helps the sugar-cinnamon mixture stick to the almonds. Once frothy, whisk in the water and vanilla extract.
Step 3: Coat the Almonds
In a separate bowl, mix the sugar, cinnamon, and salt together. Then, add the raw almonds to the egg mixture, ensuring they are fully coated. Next, sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the almonds, stirring until they are evenly covered.
Step 4: Bake the Almonds
Spread the coated almonds in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 40-60 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure even baking and prevent burning.
Step 5: Let Them Cool
Once the almonds are golden brown and fragrant, remove them from the oven and let them cool for about 10 minutes. The coating will harden into a delicious, sweet, and crunchy glaze.
How to Store Cinnamon Sugared Almonds
These almonds can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. If you want to keep them fresh for longer, you can refrigerate or freeze them in a sealed bag.
Creative Ways to Enjoy Cinnamon Sugared Almonds
1. Gift Idea for Valentine’s Day
- Package them in a heart-shaped tin or a glass jar with a festive ribbon.
- Add a personalized note for a thoughtful homemade Valentine’s Day gift.
- Pair with hot chocolate, coffee, or tea for an extra special touch.
2. Dessert Toppings
- Sprinkle over vanilla ice cream for a crunchy, sweet contrast.
- Add to yogurt parfaits with fresh berries.
- Use as a topping for cheesecakes, brownies, or cupcakes.
3. Snack & Entertaining
- Include in a Valentine’s Day snack board or charcuterie spread.
- Mix with dried fruit and chocolate chips for a sweet and salty trail mix.
- Serve alongside a warm drink like spiced cider or mulled wine.
Tips for the Best Cinnamon Sugared Almonds
1. Use Fresh Almonds
For the best taste, make sure your almonds are fresh and raw. Roasted almonds won’t absorb the egg mixture as well.
2. Adjust Sweetness
If you prefer a lighter sugar coating, reduce the sugar to ¾ cup instead of 1 cup.
3. Add Extra Flavor
Want to enhance the taste? Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for a warm, spiced flavor.
4. Make it Vegan
Swap the egg white with aquafaba (chickpea water) to create a plant-based alternative.
5. Keep an Eye on Baking Time
Baking times can vary, so check the almonds frequently to avoid burning. They should be golden and crispy but not too dark.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use different nuts?
Yes! You can make this recipe with pecans, walnuts, cashews, or a mixed nut blend.
2. What if I don’t have vanilla extract?
You can substitute it with almond extract or maple syrup for a different flavor.
3. Can I make these in an air fryer?
Absolutely! Air fry at 300ºF for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes.
4. Are these almonds gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions.
5. How can I make these almonds extra crunchy?
For an extra crispy texture, let them cool completely before storing. You can also bake them for an additional 5-10 minutes at a slightly lower temperature.
🌰 Cinnamon Sugared Almonds – The Perfect Sweet Crunch!
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The smell of these Cinnamon Sugared Almonds baking in the oven is pure magic! ✨ A warm, sweet, and crunchy treat that’s perfect for snacking, gifting, or adding to holiday platters. With just a handful of ingredients, you can make a batch of these irresistible almonds at home. Warning: they disappear FAST! 😍
Ingredients
- 1 egg white
- 4 tsp water
- 1 Tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 lb raw almonds
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat & Prep – Preheat oven to 250°F and line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil.
2️⃣ Make the Coating – In a bowl, beat the egg white until frothy. Whisk in water and vanilla. Stir in sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
3️⃣ Coat the Almonds – Add almonds to the mixture, stirring until fully coated.
4️⃣ Bake & Stir – Spread almonds on the baking sheet and bake for 40–60 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes until a crispy glaze forms.
5️⃣ Cool & Enjoy – Let almonds cool for 10 minutes before serving.
✨ These make a great homemade gift—if you don’t eat them all first! 😉
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a simple yet impressive Valentine’s Day treat, these Cinnamon Sugared Almonds are a must-try! They are easy to make, incredibly delicious, and perfect for gifting. Whether you enjoy them as a snack, a topping, or a heartfelt homemade gift, they are sure to bring warmth and sweetness to any occasion.
Give this recipe a try and let us know how it turned out! ❤️✨ Happy Valentine’s Day!