A homemade spiced nuts recipe with just 5 ingredients! These sweet and savory nuts make a delicious snack or topping for salads, charcuterie, and more.

A wooden bowl filled with spiced mixed nuts and seeds.

Crave-Worthy Candied Spiced Nuts

Craving something sweet, salty, and a little bit spicy? These candied, roasted spiced nuts are bursting with warm autumn flavors that’ll have you reaching for a second – or third – handful.

Whipping up a batch of these versatile nuts is a cinch, with just 5 simple ingredients needed. Whether you like them extra spicy or a touch sweeter, the flavor possibilities are endless. Stash a jar of these DIY spiced nuts in your pantry and you’ll have the perfect topping for salads like my Farmer’s Market Salad or Beet and Baby Greens, a tasty addition to charcuterie boxes, or a crowd-pleasing snack for holiday gatherings.

You can even package these up to give as thoughtful homemade gifts. Pro tip: the sweet and spicy combo also makes them downright delicious wrapped up in this Turkey Wrap recipe. No matter how you enjoy them, one thing is for sure – these roasted spiced nuts are going to become a new staple in your kitchen.

Raw ingredients for making spiced nuts arranged on a table.

Gather Your Ingredients

I’ve provided substitutions next to the key ingredient to help you tailor this recipe to your needs or personal taste.

Raw mixed nuts – It’s important to start with raw nuts as you’ll be roasting them, and don’t want them to burn. You can use any single nut or combination you like; seeds are also a great addition.
Maple syrup – The maple syrup acts as both a sweetener and a binding agent, replacing the need for egg whites used in many spiced nut recipes. It creates a nice glaze on the nuts while allowing the spices to adhere.
Spices – Cinnamon for cozy warmth, and cayenne pepper for a little heat. You can also use a combination of warm spices (including nutmeg, cloves, and ginger), or add in fresh herbs (like rosemary).
Kosher salt – To enhance and balance the other flavors.

A wood bowl filled with spiced nuts and scattered around.

Let’s Get Cooking

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you on your way.

Combine the ingredients – Dump all the ingredients into a mixing bowl and stir together to distribute the flavors and coat all the nuts.
Transfer to a sheet pan – Spread the nut mixture in a single layer, for even toasting, on a parchment lined sheet pan.
Bake the spiced nuts – Bake the nuts in a preheated 325°F oven for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Cool the nuts – Allow the nuts to cool completely, then break up any clumps.

Mixing ingredients for spiced nuts in a glass bowl.

Assorted nuts and seeds and spices arranged on sheet pan.

Helpful Recipe Tips

If you prefer a sweeter version, you can add a tablespoon of coconut sugar or brown sugar along with the maple syrup.
Omit the cayenne if you don’t like spicy heat…or add more to dial it up!
Watch them closely toward the end of cooking time so they don’t burn. They will be golden and very fragrant when done.
Be sure to let the nuts cool completely before storing, as this ensures they stay crispy.
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks, or in the freezer for up to 1 month. Be sure to include these instructions for gift giving.

Scooping nuts into clear bags for gift giving.

Spiced Nuts

Linda Feller

Homemade spiced nuts with just 5 ingredients! These sweet and savory nuts make a delicious snack or topping for salads, charcuterie, and more.

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Appetizer, Snack

American

about 1/3 cup each

304 kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

3 cups mixed nuts, (such as almonds, pecans, walnuts, cashews; seeds, too!)
3 tablespoons maple syrup
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper, more or less, to taste
½ teaspoon kosher salt

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mixed nuts, maple syrup, cinnamon, cayenne pepper (adjust to taste), and salt. Mix thoroughly to ensure all nuts are evenly coated with the syrup and spices.
Spread the coated nuts in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake for about 20-25 minutes, stirring once halfway through to ensure even roasting. (Keep a close eye on the nuts towards the end to prevent burning. They're done when they're golden brown and fragrant.)
Remove from the oven and let cool completely on the baking sheet. The nuts will crisp up as they cool. Once cooled, break up any clusters and store in an airtight container.

Notes

If you prefer a sweeter version, you can add a tablespoon of coconut sugar or brown sugar along with the maple syrup.
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks, or in the freezer for up to 1 month. Be sure to include these instructions for gift giving.

Nutrition

christmas, holidays, oven

Drop a comment or question!Have a question about recipe variations or techniques? Did this recipe make your taste buds do a happy dance? Let me know in the ratings and comments! Your feedback keeps our kitchen sizzling and helps us cook up more free, mouthwatering recipes for you.