Spiced Candied Mixed Nuts

Spiced candied nuts are a classic American make-ahead snack, often shared on national food celebrations. An egg-white toss locks on cinnamon, smoked paprika, and cayenne for glossy sweet heat with a savory edge.

Serves 6 · 10 min prep · 35 min cook

Estimate for one serving

• 310 cal
• 8g protein
• 24g carbs
• 22g fat
• 3g fiber

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Ingredients

• 3 cups raw mixed nuts (almonds, cashews, pecans, walnuts)
• 1 large egg white
• 1 tbsp water
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar
• 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1/4 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. 1Preheat the oven to 300°F and line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. 2In a medium bowl, whisk the egg white with the water until foamy but not stiff.
3. 3Add the mixed nuts to the bowl and toss thoroughly until every nut is lightly coated.
4. 4In a separate small bowl, stir together both sugars, cinnamon, smoked paprika, cayenne, cumin, and salt until evenly blended.
5. 5Sprinkle the spice-sugar mixture over the wet nuts and toss again so the coating clings evenly; drizzle in the vanilla and give one final toss.
6. 6Spread the nuts in a single layer on the prepared sheet, separating any large clumps with a spatula.
7. 7Bake for 15 minutes, then stir and flip the nuts carefully so the undersides caramelize evenly.
8. 8Return to the oven and bake another 15 to 20 minutes until the coating is deep golden, fragrant, and no longer sticky when cooled slightly.
9. 9Remove the sheet and immediately break apart any stuck clusters while still warm.
10. 10Let the nuts cool completely on the pan so the candy shell hardens fully before transferring to an airtight jar.