Cinnamon roasted almonds are a tasty snack that can be easily turned into a gift. These candied almonds are sweet, with a hint of Christmas spices and covered in cocoa.
Why make roasted almonds?
- Easy to make
- Quick prep
- Perfect gift for your loved ones
- Delicious snack
- Excellent source of healthy fats
Guys, cinnamon roasted almonds can be pretty addictive. They are my favorite snack in winter! If you haven’t tasted them yet, I highly recommend giving them a go.
My first time tasting spiced roasted almonds was on my trip to Estonia’s capital – Tallinn. You can find vendors dressed in medieval costumes, standing behind a very medieval-looking wooden stall selling these sweet treats.
I loved the whole medieval experience as much as I loved Tallinn’s Christmas market. It’s definitely one of the best Christmas markets in Europe. If you ever get to visit Europe in winter, I suggest you make a stop there as well. You won’t be disappointed.
Visit Estonia website will give you all the information you might need for your trip.
What do you need to make spiced roasted almonds?
- Baking tray
- Baking parchment
- Mixing bowl (a soup bowl is fine to use as well)
- Fork
- Spoon
- Small saucepan with lid
As you can see, there is nothing special needed to make this almond snack. If you are looking for more snack ideas, then these two following recipes are delicious options too:
They are also easy to make and keep you going throughout the day.
How do you make roasted almonds with cinnamon and cocoa
Use a fork to whisk the egg and water until frothy. You are not after soft or stiff peaks. All you need is to froth the whites. Watch the video if you are not sure how to do it.
Then you add all the spices, sugar and almonds in and mix well with a spoon. You want all the nuts coated in the mixture.
When done, transfer the mixture onto a baking tray lined with baking parchment. Spread the almonds around so they are in one layer. Bake them in a preheated oven at 300°F/150°C for 30 minutes.
Make sure to give them a stir every 10 minutes.
When ready, transfer them into a small saucepan where you have mixed cinnamon with sugar. Close the lid and shake the pot well (holding both the pot and lid tight). Keep shaking until all the almonds are coated in the mixture.
Make sure to let homemade roasted almonds with cinnamon cool down completely before enjoying them or gifting them.
Tips for making spiced roasted almonds with cocoa
- I always line my trays with either a silicone mat or baking parchment when baking. In this case, I suggest using the baking parchment for an easy cleanup as the spice/egg white mixture sticks to the paper.
- The spice mixture contains anise and cardamom. If you don’t use these spices often, you can omit them. However, I personally like the taste of anise there and would recommend using at least that one. Cardamom can be also used to make gingerbread spice mix which you can turn into a DIY Christmas gift.
- To turn these roasted almonds into a gift just wrap them nicely, add a personalized tag and you are done! You can either use a cellophane bag, glass jar or paper bag. One batch of roasted almonds should be enough to make 2 good-size gifts.
Did you know?
There are 2 varieties of cinnamon – a real one and a fake one. The real one is called Ceylon while the fake one is called Cassia which is probably the one you normally find in your local supermarket as it is more affordable than the real deal.
Watch how to make roasted almonds with spices
Cinnamon Roasted Almonds
Ingredients
- 1 egg white
- 1 tablespoon water
- ½ cup brown sugar (90 grams)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon cardamom
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon anise , optional
- 7 ounces almonds , raw (200 grams)
For the cocoa coating:
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Whisk the egg white and water until frothy (foamy). Add the sugar, spices and salt and give it a mix. Throw in the almonds and mix well with a spoon until the nuts are well coated with the mixture.
- When ready, transfer the mixture onto a baking tray lined with baking parchment. Spread the almonds around so they are all in one layer.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 300°F/150°C for 30 minutes. Mix them about 2-3 times during baking.
- Transfer the roasted almonds into a small saucepan that contains cocoa, cinnamon and sugar. Cover the pan with a lid and shake until all the almonds are coated in the mixture.
- Let them cool down completely before serving.
Video
Notes
- Anise and cardamom can be omitted but I recommend using at least one of the spices.
- Use whole almonds with their skin on.
- The cocoa coating is a mixture of cocoa powder, cinnamon and brown sugar. You can add a little bit of anise as well to this mixture.
- If you decide to gift these sweet almonds, then note that you should be able to get 2 good-size gifts out of this recipe.
Tracy says
What a great idea! I have a few people on my Christmas list that would love these!
Amy says
I love the idea of these for an easy Christmas gift!
Julia | Happy Foods Tube says
Thanks!
Natalie says
These roasted almonds look and sound like the perfect Christmas treat!
Julia | Happy Foods Tube says
Absolutely!
Elaine Benoit says
Cocoa roasted almonds are one of my favorite things. I’ve been known to plan a trip 2 hours away just so I can eat some at my favorite coffee shop. I never thought of making these myself but now that I have your recipe, I can’t wait to try it!
Julia | Happy Foods Tube says
I am addicted to these, Elaine :)
Ginny says
That spice mixture sounds just perfect! That makes a really pretty gift too.
Patricia Rytlewski says
Hi. What amount of almonds for the recipe? 1 cup? I want to make it, they look great.
Julia | Happy Foods Tube says
Hi Patricia. Thanks for spotting that mistake! It’s been fixed now. You will need 7 ounces which is little less than 1.5 cup.
Phyllis says
how much almonds? Never states
Julia | Happy Foods Tube says
Hi Phyllis, I apologize for the mistake. I accidentally left it out. It’s been fixed now :).
PaulaR says
I can’t find in the recipe how much almonds to use, and whether you use roasted or raw?
Julia | Happy Foods Tube says
Sorry for the confusion! The recipe has been updates – it’s 7 ounces which is little less than 1.5 cup. They are raw.
Lisa Bryan says
These look like the perfect holiday nibble….though I’d probably graze on them rather than nibble. Ha!
Hawa Sidat says
Is it possible to make this in the stove top as I don’t have an oven
Julia | Happy Foods Tube says
In general, you can roast almonds on stove top. However, I am not sure how would this work with the coating. Please do let us know if you give it a go, Haha. Thanks!
Zoe Shaw says
Hi, Does this recipe call for light or dark brown sugar? Thanks!
Julia | Happy Foods Tube says
Hi Zoe. Any kind will work. Enjoy! :)