These candied almonds with cinnamon and vanilla are coated in crunchy and browned sugar. They are insanely delicious and make the perfect holiday treat!
Why This Recipe Works
For those of you who haven’t heard of candied almonds yet: They are a very popular Christmas treat in Europe, especially in Germany, Switzerland, Denmark, and Sweden.
They are often sold at Christmas markets. And I absolutely love their taste and smell!
Making candied almonds is super easy but it takes a while. All you have to do is heating sugar and water in a saucepan and then cooking the almonds in the sugar mixture until they are nicely caramelized and browned.
For the perfect flavor, I also added a teaspoon of cinnamon and vanilla extract to the sugar mixture before adding the almonds. It takes a while until all the liquid evaporates and you have to make sure to stir constantly. This is very important for this recipe!
The sugar will first dry up and then develop a stringy consistency before it will crystalize onto the almonds. They are best enjoyed warm, but they also last up to four weeks at room temperature.
What Goes Into This Recipe
- Almonds – use whole almonds.
- Sugar – I used white sugar because it caramelizes better than brown sugar. Brown sugar will caramelize, but it’s not quite like white sugar.
- Water
- Cinnamon – ground cinnamon.
- Vanilla Extract – natural vanilla extract.
- Salt – a pinch of salt enhances the flavors.
How To Make This Recipe
1. Step: In a large saucepan combine the water, the sugar, the cinnamon, and the vanilla extract over medium heat.
2. Step: Stir well and bring to a boil.
3. Step: Cook until the sugar is completely dissolved.
4. Step: Add the almonds and stir well.
5. Step: Stir the mixture constantly. It will thicken.
6. Step: After about 8-10 minutes, it will dry up. Keep stirring!
7. Step: Shortly after the sugar will caramelize and it will crystalize onto the almonds. Keep staring and make sure the almonds do not become too dark.
8. Step: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease with olive oil. Pour the almonds onto the prepared baking sheet and spread into an even layer. Allow to cool for at least 10 minutes.
Recipe Notes
- The candied almonds make a great gift for friends and neighbors. I like to put them in little bags or glass jars and decorate them with a nice Christmas ribbon.
- Pay attention that the almonds don’t get too dark. Otherwise they might taste a bit bitter.
- You can also try other flavors and add coconut flakes, ginger powder, or sea salt to the sugar mixture. Or you could even add chili powder for a change.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Do The Candied Nuts Last?
Stored in an airtight container, they last up to four weeks at room temperature. You can store them in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Can I Use Other Nuts?
Yes, the recipe also works with cashews and walnuts.
Related Recipes
- Vegan Orange Cinnamon Christmas Cookies
- Vegan Sugar Cookies
- German Mulled Wine
- Vegan Gingerbread Cookies
- German Stollen with Marzipan
I Love To Hear From You!
I hope you like these candied almonds as much as we do around here.
If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to know what you think about it. Just leave me a comment and a star rating below. Your comments really make my day!
You like my recipes and want to see more? Then follow me on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest!
Sina
Candied Almonds
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups whole almonds
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 pinch salt
Instructions
- In a large saucepan combine the water, the sugar, the cinnamon, and the vanilla extract over medium heat.
- Stir well and bring to a boil. Cook until the sugar is completely dissolved.
- Add the almonds and stir well.
- Stir the mixture constantly. It will thicken. After about 8-10 minutes, it will dry up. Keep stirring!
- Shortly after the sugar will caramelize and it will crystalize onto the almonds. Keep staring and make sure the almonds do not become too dark.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease with olive oil. Pour the almonds onto the prepared baking sheet and spread into an even layer. Allow to cool for at least 10 minutes.
Notes
- The candied almonds make a great gift for friends and neighbors. I like to put it in little bags or glass jars and decorate them with a nice Christmas ribbon.
- Pay attention that the almonds don't get too dark. Otherwise they might taste a bit bitter.
- You can also try other flavors and add coconut flakes, ginger powder, or sea salt to the sugar mixture. Or you could even add chili powder for a change.
Leave a Reply