I first made this spiced almonds recipe for a small wine-tasting party a few summers ago, but the fact is, these spiced nuts are especially perfect for the holidays! Warm spices like cumin and coriander, sweetened with a touch of brown sugar, make these roasted spiced almonds totally snack-able and completely addicting.
These spiced nuts are a spin on cinnamon almonds, with the addition of spices often found in Moroccan blends like coriander and cumin. Plus, a bit of savory smoked paprika – because smoked paprika makes everything better!
Gift these almonds in a pretty jar tied up with some twine or a bow for Christmas! Everyone loves food gifts, and these spiced nuts are perfect.
You could also just whip them up early on the season and keep them on hand to pour in a bowl anytime guests appear. Or dress up charcuterie boards all holiday season long – or really, all year long!
They’re a great protein-heavy snack for New Year’s Eve too.
When I first made these nuts for that summer wine-tasting party, the wine selection was Viognier – and these heavily-spiced, sweet-but-savory almonds were an excellent complement to the (ahem, copious amounts of) wine we tasted (er, straight-up drank).
I knew right away I wanted to share the recipe here, but some quick research revealed that people aren’t really looking for spiced almonds recipes in the summer. When do they really seek them out? During the holidays!
So here they are – just as great for wintertime (with wine) as they were in the summer (with wine). (Or with anything else). (Or by themselves). (Or with wine).
First, we mix the brown sugar, spices, and salt and pepper together.
Then, we beat the egg white and toss the almonds with the egg.
After that, we sprinkle the sugar-spice mix over the almonds and mix until the spice mix evenly coats the almonds.
And then roast! Bake the ovens until golden, fragrant, and crunchy. So delicious!