Candied almonds, or cinnamon sugar almonds as some people call them, are one of my absolute favorite treats to make during the holiday season. They are simple to make, with less than 20 minutes work time. They taste amazing! The house smells delicious while you make them. I love the blend of cinnamon, sugar and vanilla that fills the air. Plus, they make awesome gifts!!

The recipe is super simple and you most likely have everything you need in your house right now! If you are missing ingredients like brown sugar, you may be able to make that from scratch. If you are looking to make sure that your pantry is fully stocked, make sure to check out this handy list of items you need to keep in your pantry for holiday baking.

Now for the yummy recipe that I know you will want to make over and over!

Candied Almonds

Ingredients

Raw Almonds
White Sugar
Brown Sugar
Cinnamon
Salt
Vanilla extract (I love my homemade version!)
Water
Egg White

Directions

Preheat the oven to 250 degrees Fahrenheit.
Measure 4 1/2 Cups of raw almonds into a large bowl. (I like to buy the bags at Costco. One bag makes two batches.) Set bowl aside.
In a medium bowl combine:
1. 1/2 Cup of White Sugar (I use unbleached)
2. 1/2 Cup of Light Brown Sugar (out of brown sugar? you can make your own.)
3. 3 teaspoons of ground cinnamon
4. 1 teaspoon of fine sea salt
In a small bowl combine:
1. 3 teaspoons of water
2. 3 teaspoons of vanilla extract (I use homemade vanilla extract)
3. 1 egg white from a large egg
Wisk (I use a fork) the egg white mixture until it froths / foams.
Dump the egg white mixture over the almonds and use a spatula to coat.
Once fully coated, add the sugar and cinnamon mixture and use the spatula to coat.
Take a jelly roll pan (rectangular pan with a lip around the edge) and either place parchment paper on it or a silicone mat. I personally had better luck with my silicone mat.
Dump the almonds onto the pan and use the spatula to spread them out. Make sure there is only one layer.
Bake for 60 minutes. But make sure to set a second timer for 15 – 20 minutes and use the spatula to mix the almonds up. This will help them back faster. Once you turn them set another timer for 15 – 20 minutes. If 20 minutes works best for you, then you only mix the almonds two times and once when it is complete. With the 15 minute timeframe, then you mix them three separate times.
At the end of an hour you take them out and they still seem wet, put them back in for another 10 – 20 minutes. If you add extra time, check on the almonds every 5 minutes.
Once all the liquid is baked off, take the pan out of the over and allow the almonds to cool completely.
Once cool transfer to an airtight container. For gift I am using quart size mason jars. These candied almonds are sure to be a hit as a gift for your family, friends, neighbors, or anyone else you want to!!