Candied Almonds

Don't you just love those candied almonds you buy at the mall that smell so yummy?!!  They usually make them right in front of you and sell them in those paper cones or plastic bags shaped like a carrot.  They are roasted, smell of sugar and cinnamon, and are oh-so-delicious!

So, why not make them yourself and pass them out as holiday gifts!??  Below is a tutorial along with pictures that you can follow to make your own holiday treat this year!

Caution:  THESE ARE ADDICTING!

Ingredients needed:
2 egg whites
2 teaspoons vanilla
4 cups raw almonds
6 Tablespoons sugar
6 Tablespoons packed brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 Tablespoons cinnamon

Tip:  If you want Apple Candied Almonds you can add 2 Tablespoons of powdered apple cider. 

Side note:  I doubled the ingredients so I could make a double batch because I am giving jars away as holiday gifts this year.

Begin by beating the egg whites and the vanilla together until you get soft peaks.

 

Then, add in your almonds and coat the almonds with the egg white/vanilla mixture.

In a separate bowl, mix together your sugars, cinnamon, salt (and your powdered apple cider if you are using that).

Take your dry mixture and add it to your almond mixture and mix everything together, making sure all of the almonds are completely coated.  

Next, cover a baking sheet with parchment paper and cooking spray.

Then, dump your mixture onto your baking sheet and spread out to an even layer.

Don't these look AMAZING!!? 

You are almost done!

Next, in a 250 degree oven, bake your almonds until they are dry and crunchy.

Mine took 1 hour.  I stirred the almonds after 30 minutes.  Then again, after 15 minutes, and then again after another 15 minutes.  Mine were all dry after 1 hour (so in 1 hour, I stirred them 3 times).

When you stir, always make sure to spread them back out to an even layer.  They will dry faster this way.

Once they are dry, I allowed my nuts to cool off before packaging.  I chose jars to package mine but I have seen them in plastic bags, too.  Holiday decorated cellophane baggies would be cute, too!

You are finished!  Super easy and sooooooo good!  These are great gifts and stocking stuffers for your holiday season!  Remember, you are just THIS idea away from a great and tasty gift!!!

Merry Christmas!
xoxo,
Brenda