This recipe has become a Christmas tradition at our house during the holiday season. We think they may become a tradition in your home, too!
There is just something festive about these nuts. They really are the perfect snack for grazing during the holiday season. A little sweet right at first, followed by a touch of heat right at the end. They can be made days in advance and they make wonderful gifts, too! Happy Holidays!
How To Make Naughty and Nice Spiced Nuts
NOTE: If you liked this video, please subscribe to our YouTube channel. Remember to click the little ‘bell’ icon so you’ll never miss a new video. Thank you!
The Ingredients You Will Need
There are just a handful of ingredients for these nuts. Go with good-quality nuts, since they are the star of the snack! Here’s what you’ll need to have on hand.
Egg whites – Whisk vigorously until frothy.
Water – Tap water is just fine.
Nuts – We use a variety including whole almonds, pecan halves, dry roasted peanuts, and dry roasted cashews. If you get them salted, be sure to read the NOTES.
Sugar – Granulated.
Spices – Cayenne, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice (found in the spice section of most well-stocked supermarkets: See NOTES), and salt. If using salted nuts, don’t add to the sugar mixture.
EXPERT TIP: Use a whisk to whisk the egg whites until they are very frothy and nearly double in volume. This takes a little elbow grease, but don’t worry, it only takes about 1 minute. Fold in the nuts into the frothy whites.
Tips for Making Perfect Spiced Nuts
Use a Combination of Nuts – Use a variety of nuts such as almonds, pecans, walnuts, and cashews to create a diverse and flavorful mix. If using unsalted nuts, you’ll need to add ½ teaspoon of salt to the seasoning mix.
Coat the Nuts Evenly – Ensure the nuts are evenly coated with the sugar and spice mixture to achieve a balanced flavor profile.
Allow the Nuts to Cool Completely – Let the spiced nuts cool completely after baking to allow the sugar and spices to set and develop a satisfying crunch.
EXPERT TIP: Add the sugar to the nuts gradually. Add a portion of the mixture and then use a large wooden spoon to stir the nuts until coated and repeat this process until all the spiced sugar has been added and coated the nuts.
How To Serve and How To Store
These are perfect for placing in holiday-themed tins and have around the house for family and guests to nibble on.
Simply line your tin with wax paper, or parchment paper, and then fill with the nuts. You can also serve these in bowls around the house, as well.
The nuts will keep for several weeks and don’t need to be refrigerated. Keep in an airtight container when not out for folks to enjoy. They make excellent holiday gifts, too.
Other Holiday Recipes to Try
We love the holiday season so much and here are some our most favorite recipes from our favorite time of the year:
Holiday Chocolate Toffee
Baked Brie with Praline Sauce
Christmas Crostini
Best-Ever Charcuterie Board
Bacon Parmesan Gougères
Maple Pepper Bacon
Sausage, White Bean, and Spinach Dip
Classic Warm Clam Dip
Easy Homemade Hummus
Classic Latkes (Potato Pancakes)
These are all absolutely wonderful, especially during the holiday season. But, in the meantime, aren’t these nuts calling your name?
There’s nothing like the holidays, and it’s always great to have all kinds of funs snacks and treats to nibble on while the kids and adults alike wait for Santa Clause to make a visit to your home!
These nuts are mostly nice and not very naughty. However, if you want very little heat at all, then reduce the cayenne to just 1 teaspoon.
Nothing spells the holidays better than a handful of spiced nuts. You can also reheat them in the oven and serve them warm. Warm or room temperature, you and your family will love them!
Ready to make the best snack this side of the North Pole? Go for it!
And when you do, be sure to take a photo, post it on Instagram, and tag @HowToFeedaLoon and hashtag #HowToFeedaLoon!
Naughty and Nice Spiced Nuts
Ingredients
- 2 egg whites
- 1 teaspoon water
- 4 cups nuts salted and roasted, a mix, about 1½ lbs
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
Instructions
- Pre-heat oven to 250°F.
- Whisk together the egg whites and water in a large bowl until frothy.
- Stir in the nuts.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the sugar, cayenne pepper, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice.
- Add the sugar mixture to the nuts and mix, coating well.
- Spread nuts in a lightly buttered (Pam works well) large baking pan.
- Bake in the middle of the oven until dry, about 1 hour. Stir about halfway through.
- Cool and break into bite-sized chunks.
- NOTE: These can be made up to 5 days before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
POST UPDATE: This post was originally published in December 2014, but was updated with improved tweaks to the recipe with new tips and photography and a fabulous new video in December 2023!
Shelly says
I would like to make and use as gifts. if I am using 12 cups of nuts do I use the same amounts of other ingredients that would equal the 12 cups of nuts? Such as 6 egg whites ect?
I have enjoyed making so many of your recipes !
Thank you
Kris Longwell says
Hi Shelly! We are so so happy that you are enjoying our recipes! Yay!! If you want to go with 12 cups of nuts, you’ll need to increase all the ingredient by 3. You might consider making these in batches. That’s a lot of nuts…but they make wonderful gifts!!! Hope this helps somewhat. And we hope you and your family have a wonderfully beautiful Christmas!!! xoxo Kris & Wesley
deb says
Sounds amazing, and I’m definitely trying This. Happy, healthy holidays to you!
From deb (Carol’s friend)
Kris Longwell says
Hi Deb!! Happy Healthy Holidays to you, too! Please give our love to Carol!!!! xoxo
Les says
Question about the salt (it really is *not* in the Notes). I see where it says not to add the salt to the spice mix if you use salted nuts. But the recipe itself calls for salted nuts and doesn’t mention salt at all. How much salt do you suggest if the nuts are UNsalted?
Kris Longwell says
Hi Les! So sorry about that! If using unsalted nuts, add 1/2 tsp to the seasoning mixture. If you like salty nuts, then increase to 1 tsp. Thanks and let us know if you make them and what you think. Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas!
Theresa Frost says
These are SO good! To be honest, I balked a bit at using an entire tablespoon of cayenne but I trust your recipes to be outstanding and therefore followed this one precisely. These are just as you describe – a lovely, crispy, candied nut flavor followed by a finish of wonderful spicy heat! I’m definitely adding this recipe to my holiday must-haves.
Kris Longwell says
Hi Theresa!! Yay!!! We are so so happy you made the spiced nuts and loved them! That heat kinda creeps in…but in such a good way! Thank you so much for sharing and for the wonderful review! Happy Holidays to you and your loved ones!!! xoxo Kris & Wesley
Diane G. says
I have the same tin you put the nuts in in the video!
Kris Longwell says
The best!!!! LOVE IT!!! Merry Christmas!!