Sweet and spicy holiday nuts are the perfect little snack to jazz up any festive gathering. They’re packed with a mix of crunchy nuts that get coated in a sticky, sweet glaze with just the right kick of spice. The combo of cinnamon, cayenne, and a touch of sugar makes these nuts irresistible, especially during the cozy winter months.
I love making these nuts when friends come over because they fill the house with a warm, spicy aroma that feels like celebration in the air. The best part is how easy they are to prepare—just toss everything together and roast until golden. I always find myself reaching for seconds while they’re still warm from the oven.
These nuts are fantastic served in a bowl on the coffee table for casual munching, or wrapped up in a cute jar, they make a thoughtful handmade gift. Whenever I bring them to a holiday party, people always ask for the recipe. They just seem to brighten up the snack table and bring a little extra joy to the holidays!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Nuts: Pecans, cashews, and almonds create a nice mix of textures and flavors. Feel free to swap in walnuts or hazelnuts if you prefer. Roasting brings out their natural oils and crunch.
Sweetener: Maple syrup and honey both work well for coating the nuts with a sticky sweetness. Maple syrup offers a deeper flavor, while honey adds floral notes. For a sugar-free option, try coconut nectar.
Spices: Cinnamon adds warmth and sweetness, while cayenne pepper gives the nuts a spicy kick. Adjust the cayenne to suit your heat preference. You might try smoked paprika for a smoky twist.
Dried Cranberries: They add a tart contrast and chewy texture. You can swap in dried cherries or raisins if cranberries are not available.
How Do You Get the Nuts Sweet, Spicy, and Perfectly Roasted?
Coating the nuts evenly ensures every bite carries flavor, and roasting helps the coating set while crisping the nuts. Here’s how:
- Mix the syrup, butter, and spices well so the glaze is smooth.
- Toss the nuts in the glaze really well—every nut should be coated.
- Spread them out on the baking sheet in a single layer to roast evenly without steaming.
- Stir once halfway through baking to avoid burning and promote even cooking.
- Add dried fruit right after baking while nuts are warm, so they stick together gently without burning.
Cooling fully is key—the nuts get crunchier as they cool and the glaze hardens. Breaking up clusters before storing keeps them easy to enjoy!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – I recommend lining it with parchment paper or a silicone mat for easy cleanup and even roasting.
- Mixing bowls – Use a large bowl to toss the nuts with the glaze so everything gets coated evenly.
- Whisk or spoon – Helps you mix the syrup, butter, and spices smoothly.
- Measuring cups and spoons – Essential for getting the right amounts of ingredients.
- Cooling rack (optional) – Keeps the nuts crispy as they cool, but a baking sheet works fine too.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use different nuts: Walnuts, hazelnuts, or mixed nuts for different flavors and textures.
- Add a touch of vanilla or almond extract to give a sweet, nutty aroma.
- Switch spices: Try adding ginger, cloves, or allspice for a more holiday-spiced mix.
- Incorporate chopped dark chocolate or white chocolate chips after roasting for extra sweetness.
Sweet and Spicy Holiday Nuts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Nuts & Fruit:
- 2 cups pecan halves
- 1 cup cashews
- 1 cup almonds
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
Glaze and Spices:
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup or honey
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep, plus 20 to 25 minutes to bake. Then, allow around 15 minutes for cooling, so the nuts get nice and crisp. All together, you’re looking at around 45 minutes from start to enjoying your tasty holiday treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep Your Oven and Nuts:
Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. In a large mixing bowl, combine pecans, cashews, and almonds so they’re ready for the glaze.
2. Make the Sweet and Spicy Glaze:
In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup (or honey), melted butter, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, salt, black pepper, and vanilla extract until everything is smooth and mixed well.
3. Coat the Nuts and Arrange on the Baking Sheet:
Pour the glaze over the mixed nuts and stir well, making sure each nut is coated with the spicy, sweet mixture. Spread the nuts out in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet to make sure they roast evenly.
4. Bake and Stir:
Bake the nuts for 20 to 25 minutes. Stop once halfway through baking to stir them around gently — this helps them roast evenly and avoids burning. Keep an eye on the nuts near the end so they don’t get over-toasted.
5. Add Cranberries and Cool:
When you take the nuts out of the oven, immediately stir in the dried cranberries while the nuts are still warm. Spread everything out and let cool completely right on the baking sheet — this is when they get that perfect crispiness. Once cool, break apart any nut clusters.
6. Serve or Store:
Transfer your sweet and spicy holiday nuts to a serving bowl to share or store them in an airtight container for later snacking or gifting. They make a perfect festive treat anytime!
Can I Use Different Nuts for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap pecans, cashews, or almonds with walnuts, hazelnuts, or even pistachios. Just keep the total nut quantity the same for best results.
How Should I Store Leftover Holiday Nuts?
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge to maintain freshness and crunch.
Can I Make These Nuts Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare and bake the nuts a few days in advance. Just be sure to store them properly in an airtight container to keep them crispy.
What If I Don’t Have Maple Syrup or Honey?
No worries! You can substitute with agave syrup, brown rice syrup, or even a simple mixture of brown sugar and a little water to get that sweet glaze.