These Homemade Cinnamon Roasted Almonds are a sweet, crunchy, candied almond. They are coated in cinnamon sugar and made without egg whites. Simple to prepare and naturally gluten-free, they make the perfect snack or gift during the holidays.
Cinnamon Roasted Almonds At A Glance
- ⏱️ Total Time: 30 minutes
- 🥣 Yield: About 2 ½ cups (roughly 8-10 snack servings)
- 🌍 Cuisine Type: Mediterranean-inspired snack / fair-style treat
- 🧂 Flavor Profile: Warm cinnamon sugar, caramelized crunch, subtle vanilla, sweet with a light salt finish
- 📚 Dietary Info: Naturally gluten-free, egg-free, dairy-free, vegan, contains tree nuts
- 📦 Storage Notes: Cool completely and store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks
- ⭐ Why You'll Love It: Fair-style candied almonds at home with a crisp cinnamon sugar shell, made without egg whites, perfect for snacking, salads, or gifting
If you've ever walked through a fair or holiday market, you know that sweet smell of candied almonds in the air. My husband can never pass them by, so I decided to make them at home. This recipe makes that same crunchy, cinnamon-sugar coating with just a few simple ingredients and no egg whites.
Jump to:
If you enjoy these cinnamon roasted almonds, you might like a few other nutty favorites. Try the Roasted Nuts with Sage and Rosemary for a savory twist, Chocolate Nut Clusters for a quick treat, or Baked Brie with Walnuts for an easy appetizer.
Ingredients
You will need the following ingredients to make these candied almonds:
Do You Want to Save This Recipe?
Enter your email & I'll send it to your inbox. Plus, get great new recipes from me every week!
By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from A Sweet Thyme
Ingredient Notes
- Raw Whole Almonds: I tested this recipe with both raw and roasted almonds, and raw almonds worked best. Starting with unroasted almonds allows the sugar syrup to coat and caramelize evenly, giving that signature glossy crunch. The natural oils in the almonds help to create a crisp shell without egg whites.
- Ground Cinnamon: I experimented with different amounts of cinnamon before finding the perfect balance. I wanted just enough to fill the kitchen with that warm aroma, but not overpower the sweetness. Using quality cinnamon makes a big difference here. It's the flavor that gives these almonds that fair-style magic.
- Vanilla Extract: I add the vanilla right at the end, once the almonds are caramelized and off the heat. It adds a subtle warmth that rounds out the cinnamon and sugar. Without it, the flavor tastes flatter and less balanced, so don't skip it.
See the recipe card for quantities.
How To Make Cinnamon Roasted Almonds: Step-By-Step
Here are some quick visual instructions. Remember that full instructions with the exact ingredients are in the printable recipe card:
Step 1: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large skillet, combine the sugar, water, and cinnamon. Heat over medium heat until the sugar dissolves, stirring constantly.
Step 2: Add the almonds and continue to cook, stirring constantly. The syrup will start out glossy and thin, but after 8-10 minutes, it will begin to crystallize and coat the almonds with a sandy texture.
Step 3: Continue cooking for another 5-7 minutes until the sugar melts again and turns a golden brown.
Step 4: Once caramelized, remove the almonds from the heat. Stir in the vanilla and salt. Quickly spread the almonds onto the prepared baking sheet and separate them with a fork before they harden. Let them cool before storing.
Pro Tip
Stir constantly to avoid burnt sugar! Once it starts to caramelize, the almonds can go from perfect to burnt quickly.
Variations
- Spiced Almonds: Add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika for a sweet-and-spicy version. I tested this with just ⅛ teaspoon, and it gave the perfect subtle heat without overpowering the cinnamon.
- Orange Cinnamon Almonds: Stir in a little orange zest during the final minute of cooking. The citrus brightens the flavor and makes the almonds feel extra festive.
- Vanilla Bean Almonds: Swap the extract for vanilla paste, about a ½ teaspoon. The flecks of vanilla add both visual appeal and a deeper aroma.
- Salted Caramel Almonds: Finish the batch with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. It gives the perfect salty-sweet crunch and balances the sugar beautifully.
Do you love cinnamon? You will also love this Bundt Pan Noodle Casserole, Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread, and the Cinnamon Smoothie!
Frequently Asked Questions
They probably didn't cook long enough for the sugar to fully melt and caramelize. Keep stirring until the coating turns glossy and golden brown, then let them cool completely before breaking apart.
Yes, pecans or cashews work well, but the texture will be softer. I still prefer almonds because they hold their crunch and coat evenly every time.
Other Snacks And Appetizers
Let me know your thoughts on Cinnamon Roasted Almonds by leaving a star rating below or by sharing it on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest!
Thank you!
Gwen
Homemade Cinnamon Roasted Almonds (Candied Almonds)
Do You Want to Save This Recipe?
Enter your email & I'll send it to your inbox. Plus, get great new recipes from me every week!
By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from A Sweet Thyme
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 cups raw whole almonds
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon or pumpkin spice
- pinch of salt
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Keep a wooden spoon handy.
- In a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or saucepan, combine the sugar, water, and cinnamon. Heat over medium heat until the sugar dissolves, stirring occasionally.1 cup granulated sugar, ½ cup water, ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- Stir in the almonds and continue to cook, stirring constantly. The syrup will look glossy and thin.2 cups raw whole almonds
- After 8-10 minutes, the syrup will begin to crystallize and coat the almonds with a sandy texture. Keep stirring constantly.
- Continue cooking for another 5-7 minutes until the sugar melts again and turns golden brown, evenly coating the almonds. Be patient and keep stirring to prevent burning.
- Once caramelized, remove the almonds from the heat and immediately stir in the vanilla and salt. Quickly spread the almonds on the prepared baking sheet, separating them with a fork before they harden.1 teaspoon vanilla extract, pinch of salt
- Let them cool before storing.
Gwen says
You will love this recipe!