Spiced nuts are a flavorful, crunchy snack made by roasting mixed nuts with a blend of warm spices, sweeteners, and sometimes a hint of heat. Perfect for parties, holiday gifts, or healthy snacking, these nuts are both addictive and incredibly easy to make at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Spiced nuts hit the perfect balance of salty, sweet, and spicy. They’re customizable with your favorite seasonings and types of nuts, easy to make in batches, and stay fresh for weeks. Whether you’re looking for a snack for game night, a topping for salads, or an elegant homemade gift, spiced nuts are the answer. Plus, they’re naturally gluten-free and can be made sugar-free or vegan with simple swaps.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Mixed raw nuts (such as almonds, pecans, cashews, walnuts)
- Egg white (or maple syrup/oil for vegan option)
- Brown sugar or maple syrup
- Salt
- Ground cinnamon
- Cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Paprika or smoked paprika
- Nutmeg or allspice (optional, for warmth)
directions
- Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk the egg white until frothy. (Skip if using maple syrup or oil.)
- Add sugar or syrup, salt, and spices to the bowl and mix until well combined.
- Toss the nuts into the bowl and stir until evenly coated.
- Spread the nuts out in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until golden and fragrant.
- Let cool completely on the baking sheet. They will crisp up as they cool.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 3 cups of spiced nuts, serving 6–8 people.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Sweet and spicy: Add more cayenne and brown sugar for a hot-sweet combo.
- Savory only: Skip the sugar and use garlic powder, rosemary, or cumin.
- Maple glazed: Use maple syrup instead of sugar for a rich, natural sweetness.
- Vegan version: Use oil or maple syrup in place of egg white to help spices stick.
- Nut-free option: Use roasted chickpeas or pumpkin seeds instead of nuts.
storage/reheating
Store spiced nuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
To keep them extra fresh, store in the fridge for up to 1 month or freeze for up to 3 months.
If they lose their crunch, reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5–10 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use only one type of nut?
Yes, this recipe works just as well with just almonds, pecans, or any single type of nut you prefer.
How do I make this recipe vegan?
Use maple syrup or a neutral oil instead of the egg white to bind the spices.
Are these spiced nuts healthy?
They can be! Nuts are high in healthy fats and protein. Control the sugar and use natural sweeteners for a healthier version.
How spicy are these nuts?
They have a mild heat. Adjust the amount of cayenne to suit your taste, or omit it entirely for a milder flavor.
Can I make them sugar-free?
Yes, use a sugar-free sweetener like monk fruit or erythritol and follow the same directions.
Why use egg white in spiced nuts?
Egg white helps the spices and sugar stick to the nuts and gives them a glossy, crisp coating after baking.
Can I use roasted nuts instead of raw?
Raw nuts are best because they roast in the oven with the spices. Pre-roasted nuts can become too dry or overcooked.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Just be sure to use multiple baking sheets or roast in batches to avoid overcrowding.
Do I need to stir them while baking?
Yes, stirring once halfway through helps them roast evenly and prevents burning.
What can I serve spiced nuts with?
They’re great on their own, but also delicious on cheese boards, in salads, or as a crunchy soup topper.
Conclusion
Spiced nuts are a quick, customizable, and flavor-packed snack that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re craving something sweet, savory, or spicy, this recipe offers endless options with minimal effort. Make a big batch to enjoy throughout the week or package them up as a thoughtful homemade gift — either way, they’re sure to be a hit.
PrintSpiced Nuts
These Spiced Nuts are a crunchy, addictive snack with the perfect mix of sweet, savory, and a little heat. Roasted with warm spices, a touch of sugar, and a hint of cayenne, they’re great for holiday parties, cheese boards, or just grabbing by the handful.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 3 cups (about 8 servings) 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
-
3 cups mixed nuts (almonds, cashews, pecans, walnuts, etc.)
-
1 egg white
-
2 tablespoons brown sugar
-
1 tablespoon maple syrup (optional for extra sweetness)
-
1 teaspoon cinnamon
-
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
-
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
-
1/2 teaspoon salt
-
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
-
Prepare coating: In a large bowl, whisk the egg white until frothy. Add brown sugar, maple syrup (if using), and all the spices. Mix well.
-
Coat the nuts: Add the mixed nuts to the bowl and toss until fully coated in the spice mixture.
-
Bake: Spread the nuts in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 25–30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden and toasted.
-
Cool: Let nuts cool completely on the baking sheet. They’ll crisp up as they cool.
-
Store: Once cooled, store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
Notes
-
Use any nuts you like—just make sure they’re raw and unsalted.
-
Want it sweeter? Add a pinch more brown sugar or drizzle with honey before baking.
-
These make great gifts! Just pack in a mason jar or treat bag and add a ribbon.