Irresistible Old-Fashioned Roasted Cinnamon Almonds: Your New Favorite Sweet Crunchy Treat

Discover the timeless delight of **Roasted Cinnamon Almonds**, a sweet, crunchy, and utterly addictive treat that’s perfect for any occasion. This classic recipe transforms simple almonds into a mesmerizing snack, filling your home with an intoxicating aroma and your palate with unparalleled flavor. Whether you’re seeking a cozy fall indulgence, a festive holiday gift, or a naturally gluten-free snack, these homemade cinnamon sugar almonds are an absolute must-try.

As the weather cools and the leaves begin to turn, there’s nothing quite like the warmth and comfort of seasonal baking. Even if you reside in a perpetually sunny climate, like us here in the desert, you can create your own autumn ambiance. We embrace the spirit of fall with classic movies, hearty chili, and, of course, delicious baked goods. And if you’re not quite ready for pumpkin spice everything, this easy **cinnamon almond recipe** offers the perfect, gentle introduction to the season.

**Cinnamon-sugar almonds** are a symphony of textures and flavors: crunchy, crispy, sweet, and bursting with aromatic cinnamon. They don’t just taste incredible; they make your entire house smell like a warm, inviting bakery. Plus, they bake at a low temperature, ensuring your kitchen stays comfortable. Once you try these, you’ll understand why they taste like a little slice of heaven.

Beyond being a delightful sweet snack, these **cinnamon candied almonds** are a wonderful treat for cooler weather. We enjoy making them throughout the fall and winter, and they’re particularly fantastic when packaged up for holiday gifting. The best part? They require just six simple ingredients, most of which you likely already have in your pantry. Let’s dive into what you’ll need to create these irresistible, old-fashioned cinnamon roasted almonds.

Simple Ingredients to Get Started on Your Cinnamon Almonds

Crafting the perfect batch of **homemade cinnamon almonds** begins with a few basic, high-quality ingredients. Each plays a vital role in achieving that signature crunchy, sweet, and aromatic coating.

• Raw Almonds: The foundation of our recipe is whole, raw almonds. Opt for high-quality almonds, as their natural flavor shines through. Raw almonds are ideal because they toast beautifully in the oven and provide a sturdy base for the cinnamon-sugar coating. They are naturally packed with healthy fats, a good dose of protein, and essential fiber, making this treat a more wholesome indulgence. For those adhering to a gluten-free diet, always double-check the packaging to ensure your almonds haven’t been processed on shared equipment with gluten-containing products.
• Sugar: We use classic white granulated sugar (or cane sugar) for these **cinnamon sugar almonds**. Its fine texture dissolves and caramelizes perfectly, creating that lovely, crisp candied coating. While brown sugar can be tempting for its molasses notes, it sometimes has a harder time drying out completely, which is crucial for the desired crunch. Stick with white sugar for the most reliable results and classic flavor profile.
• Cinnamon: This is the star spice! A generous amount of ground cinnamon infuses every almond with its warm, sweet, and slightly woody flavor. High-quality cinnamon makes a noticeable difference, so choose your favorite brand. It’s the quintessential aroma of fall and holidays, making these **cinnamon roasted almonds** incredibly inviting. Most ground cinnamon is naturally gluten-free, but if you have severe sensitivities, a quick check of the label for cross-contamination warnings is always wise.
• Salt: Often the unsung hero, a pinch of salt is essential for balancing the sweetness and enhancing the complex flavors of vanilla and cinnamon. It prevents the almonds from tasting overly sweet and brings out a delightful depth that elevates the entire snack. Don’t skip this crucial ingredient! Fine-grain salt works best to blend seamlessly into the sugar mixture.
• An Egg White: This is the secret ingredient for creating the iconic, light, and wonderfully crunchy coating characteristic of **old-fashioned cinnamon almonds**. When whipped until frothy, the egg white acts as a binder, helping the cinnamon-sugar mixture adhere evenly to each almond. It also contributes to the unique meringue-like crispness once baked. It’s truly indispensable for this recipe, so do not omit it. (For a refresher on separating eggs, many tutorials are available online!)
• Vanilla Extract: While some traditional recipes might use water to froth the egg white, we find that a good quality vanilla extract adds another delicious layer of warmth and complexity. It complements the cinnamon beautifully, making these **cinnamon candied almonds** even more irresistible. Pure vanilla extract is recommended for the best flavor.

How to Make Cinnamon Candied Almonds, Step By Step

For precise ingredient amounts, detailed instructions, and additional tips, please refer to the recipe card below.

1. Preheat the Oven & Prep Your Pan: Begin by preheating your oven to a low 250 degrees F (120 degrees C). This low and slow roasting is key to developing a crisp coating without burning the almonds. Set out a large, unlined cookie sheet or sheet pan. It’s crucial not to line your baking sheet with parchment paper or foil, as these can trap moisture and prevent the almonds from drying out and crisping properly. The bare pan allows for better air circulation and direct heat contact, which facilitates the dehydrating process necessary for perfectly crunchy **cinnamon sugar almonds**.
2. Combine the Cinnamon Sugar Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt. Use a whisk or a fork to stir these ingredients thoroughly until they are very well blended and there are no visible clumps of cinnamon. This ensures an even coating of sweet and spicy flavor on every almond. Set this aromatic mixture aside for a moment.
3. Froth the Egg White and Vanilla: In a large mixing bowl, combine the single large egg white and the vanilla extract. Using a hand mixer (or a stand mixer with a whisk attachment), beat the egg white and vanilla for 1-2 minutes. Your goal is to achieve a light, airy froth—like a gentle foam on top of a latte. Be careful not to under-beat (leaving it too liquid) or over-beat (whipping it to stiff peaks), as either extreme will hinder the coating process. A whisk can also be used, though it will require more effort and time to reach the desired frothy consistency.
4. Coat the Almonds: Add the raw almonds directly into the frothy egg white mixture in the large mixing bowl. Stir well with a spatula or spoon, ensuring every almond is thoroughly coated with the sticky egg white. Next, sprinkle the reserved cinnamon-sugar mixture over the wet almonds. Continue to stir and toss until all the almonds are evenly coated with the cinnamon-sugar blend. Patience here ensures a uniformly delicious snack.
5. Bake the Almonds: Spread the coated **cinnamon-sugar almonds** out onto your prepared bare baking sheet in a single, even layer. It’s important not to overcrowd the pan, as this can lead to steaming rather than roasting. Place the baking sheet into the preheated 250 degrees F (120 degrees C) oven and roast for a full 1 hour. During this time, stir the almonds every 15 minutes to promote even baking, prevent sticking, and ensure every side gets perfectly crisp. Baking for the entire duration is essential; cutting the time short will result in a soft, rather than dry and crisp, coating.
6. Cool Completely: Once baked, remove the **roasted cinnamon almonds** from the oven. This is a critical step for achieving optimal crunch: allow them to cool completely, undisturbed, on the baking sheet before handling or storing them. As they cool, the sugar coating will harden and become wonderfully crisp. If you attempt to store them while still warm, condensation can form, leading to soft, chewy almonds instead of the desired crunch.
7. Serve or Store: Once thoroughly cooled, your homemade **cinnamon candied almonds** are ready to be enjoyed! For storage, transfer them to an airtight container, glass jar, or a sealed bag. They will maintain their freshness and delightful crunch at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. For longer preservation, they can be frozen for up to 1 month. Just ensure they are completely cool before freezing to prevent ice crystal formation.

Cute Ways to Package Your Homemade Cinnamon Almonds for Gifting

While I love making batches of **cinnamon sugar almonds** in the fall to fill my home with festive spices, they truly shine as gifts during Christmas and other holidays! These **roasted cinnamon almonds** make a thoughtful and delicious present for friends, neighbors, co-workers, teachers, or anyone who appreciates a homemade treat. Here are some adorable and practical ways to package them:

• Wrap in Cellophane Bags with Ribbon: My go-to method for gifting these delicious nuts is to use small, clear cellophane treat bags. Fill them up, tie them securely with a pretty ribbon, and perhaps add a personalized tag. You can easily dress them up for any holiday by selecting festive ribbons in seasonal colors or patterns. This method is simple, elegant, and allows the recipient to see the tempting treats inside.
• Use Small Jars for a Rustic Touch: Small glass jars, like mini mason jars or decorative preserve jars, look incredibly charming and festive when filled with crunchy **cinnamon candied almonds**. Once the jar is full, simply secure the lid and adorn it with a lovely ribbon or bow. These make for Instagram-worthy Christmas gifts that feel both homemade and sophisticated. A small label with the recipient’s name or a holiday message adds a perfect finishing touch.
• Attach Homemade Gift Tags: Enhance any packaging with a custom touch. My favorite addition is a printable gift tag. You can find many free printable holiday tags online, or design your own to add a truly personal and heartfelt message. It shows extra care and makes the gift feel even more special.

FAQ, Tips, and Tricks for the Best Cinnamon Almonds

Achieving perfectly crisp, flavorful **cinnamon sugar almonds** is straightforward, but a few key tips can elevate your results. Here are answers to common questions and essential advice:

Pro Tips for Success:

• Always Cool Completely for Crispness: This is perhaps the most important secret to achieving truly crispy, crunchy **cinnamon almonds**. After baking, allow the almonds to cool fully on the baking sheet without disturbance. Warm almonds stored together will create steam, which can lead to a soft or chewy texture. Patience during the cooling process is rewarded with superior crunch!
• Use a Bare Baking Sheet: As mentioned, avoid lining your baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. The direct contact with the metal pan is crucial for even heat distribution and proper dehydration, which makes the sugar coating crisp rather than sticky.
• Ensure Even Spreading: Spread the almonds in a single, even layer on the baking sheet. If they are piled up, they won’t roast evenly, and some might remain soft while others over-bake.
• Stir Frequently During Baking: Stirring every 15 minutes during the roasting process ensures that all sides of the almonds are exposed to the heat, promoting an even, golden-brown, and crispy coating.

Can You Freeze Cinnamon Candied Almonds? Yes, absolutely! **Cinnamon sugar almonds** freeze exceptionally well. They will maintain their quality and flavor in the freezer for up to 1 month. Just remember the golden rule: ensure they are entirely cooled before placing them into a freezer-safe bag or container to prevent moisture issues.

Does This Work With Other Nuts? This versatile recipe isn’t just for almonds! You bet it works beautifully with other nuts. Feel free to experiment with raw pecans, walnuts, or cashews using the exact same treatment. Each nut will absorb the cinnamon-sugar coating wonderfully, offering a slightly different texture and flavor profile.

Can I Make Cinnamon Almonds Without Egg White? The classic, **old-fashioned cinnamon roasted almonds** derive their signature light and crunchy coating from the frothy egg white. It’s the key ingredient that binds the cinnamon-sugar mixture to the almonds and gives them their unique texture. All that to say, it’s pretty crucial to this recipe for the traditional result. While some have experimented with aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas) as an egg white substitute in other recipes, I haven’t personally tested it for this particular recipe, so I cannot guarantee the same results.

More Old-Fashioned Treats To Try

Pecan Pralines

Chocolate Almond Clusters

The BEST EVER Caramel Corn

Easy Cinnamon Pecans

Easy Cinnamon Almonds

5 Stars from 3 votes

Author: Emily Dixon, Sweets & Thank You

These roasted cinnamon almonds are a sweet, crunchy treat that’s perfect for sharing or gifting!

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

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Servings: 4 1/2 Cups

Ingredients

• 1 pound raw almonds (about 3 1/4 cups)
• ¾ cup sugar (150 grams)
• 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 large egg white (save yolk for another use)
• 1 Tablespoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat The Oven & Prep Your Pan. Start by preheating the oven to 250 degrees F. Set out a cookie sheet/sheet pan for later. (Don’t line it with parchment or foil–it interferes with the dehydrating process)
2. Combine The Cinnamon Sugar Mixture. In a small bowl, combine sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Whisk or stir until very well blended and set aside.
3. Froth The Egg White And Vanilla. In a large mixing bowl, combine egg white and vanilla. Use a hand mixer to beat the egg white 1-2 minutes, or until just frothy. This works with a whisk, too, it’ll just take longer. You don’t want it super liquid (not enough beating) and you don’t want to whip it to stiff peaks (too much beating!)
4. Coat The Almonds. Add almonds to the frothy egg white mixture and stir to coat. Sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar mixture and stir again, until all almonds are well coated.
5. Bake The Almonds. Spread the cinnamon-sugar almonds out into an even layer on your prepared baking sheet. Roast in the preheated oven at 250 degrees F. for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes. (Bake the full time, or the cinnamon-sugar coating won’t be as dry and crisp as you need.)
6. Cool Completely. Remove the almonds from the oven and cool completely on the baking sheet before storing.
7. Serve Or Store. Store cooled cinnamon candied almonds in an airtight container, jar, or bag at room temperature 2 weeks, or freeze for 1 month.

Notes

• Let The Almonds Cool Completely! One of the biggest secrets to crispy, crunchy cinnamon almonds is making to bake them completely AND cool them completely before storing. If you group together warm almonds in a bag or container, they can steam and soften.

Video

A video tutorial for “Easy Roasted Cinnamon Almonds” would typically be embedded here. Please refer to sweetsandthankyou.com/cinnamon-almonds/ for the video content.

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Diet: Gluten Free

Keyword: cinnamon almonds, cinnamon candied almonds, cinnamon roasted almonds, cinnamon sugar candied almonds, homemade cinnamon almonds

Find the complete recipe and more at: sweetsandthankyou.com/cinnamon-almonds/