Christmas Spiced Nuts

Satisfy your gingerbread spice cravings with this easy recipe for Christmas spiced nuts. Made with warming spices, these naturally sweetened treats are perfect for snacking or gifting.

Tis the season for sweets and treats and spiced nuts are a favorite at my house this time of year.  No holiday spread or table is complete without a bowlful.

They’re a welcome treat any time of day and suitable for any occasion from a pre or post-dinner nibble with cocktails to an afternoon snack with a cup of tea or hot chocolate.  They also make a nice homemade gift and couldn’t be easier to make.  All you need are a handful of pantry ingredients and a few minutes of prep time.

Gingerbread spices make everything feel more festive, the taste of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and cloves have become synonymous with the season.  When I’m in the mood for gingerbread spice but can’t be bothered with making cookies or cake I make these holiday spiced nuts.  That way I get all the wonderful flavors and aromas without all the time and effort.

The nuts are quickly tossed in a simple mixture of coconut sugar, maple syrup and warming spices before being baked in the oven until crisp and toasty.  As they cool a thin, crunchy glaze hardens around the nuts, creating a candy-like coating that’s lightly sweet and spicy. The candied nuts can be eaten as is or used to top salads, soups, roasted vegetables or desserts.   Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredient Notes:

(Here are a few notes about the ingredients you’ll need for this recipe.  As always find the full list of ingredients and directions in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.)

• Coconut Sugar – Coconut sugar helps to create a glaze and offers hints of caramel.
• Maple Syrup - Maple syrup allows the spices to stick to the nuts as they roast.
• Palm Shortening – Use a non-hydrogenated palm shortening or substitute butter for a non-vegan version.
• Spices – You’ll need a combination of ground cinnamon, ginger, cloves, allspice, nutmeg
• Nuts – You’ll want to start with raw, unsalted nuts as you’ll season and roast them yourself.  You can use gingerbread spices on any combination of nuts you like but I always include pecans or walnuts because their cracks and crevices are the perfect place for the sweet and spicy coating to cling to.  

How to Make Christmas Spiced Nuts:

(Here are the basic steps and some helpful tips on how to make the recipe.  Find the full directions in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.)

1. In a large bowl, mix together the coconut sugar, maple syrup, palm shortening, spices and salt.
2. Add the nuts and toss to coat.
3. Spread onto a baking sheet and bake until crisp and toasted. Let cool  and enjoy!

Sweet, spicy and salty, they are just the sort of thing you’ll be tempted to polish straight off the pan.  It’s the kind of recipe you can easily make for holiday gift giving as well as for everyday snacking.

More Roasted Nuts:

• Za'atar Roasted Olives and Almonds
• Pesto Roasted Walnuts
• Sesame Roasted Cashews