Description
Crunchy candied almonds coated in a cinnamon-sugar glaze, just like the irresistible ones you find at fairs. Perfectly crisp, sweet, and lightly spiced — an easy homemade treat or gift.
Ingredients
3 cups whole raw almonds (skin-on)
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup water
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar, water, cinnamon, and salt. Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved.
- Add the almonds to the saucepan and cook, stirring often, until the liquid thickens into a syrup (about 5–8 minutes).
- Continue stirring until the syrup crystallizes and coats the almonds with a dry, sandy texture. Stir in the vanilla extract, if using.
- Spread the almonds evenly on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10–15 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Remove from the oven and let the almonds cool completely on the baking sheet. They will continue to crisp up as they cool.
Notes
Watch the almonds closely during baking to avoid burning.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
Add a pinch of cayenne for a spicy twist or substitute half the sugar with maple syrup for a richer flavor.
This recipe also works well with pecans, cashews, or walnuts.
To re-crisp, bake in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5 minutes.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
