Name: Cinnamon‑Roasted Almonds
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-490040H10M53S
Total time: PT-490040H10M53S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 egg white; 1 teaspoon cold water; 4 cups whole almonds; ½ cup white sugar; ¼ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The combination of toasted almonds with cinnamon, sugar and a hint of salt gives a flavor that’s richly nutty yet sweet and balanced.
It’s simple and hands‑on — minimal prep, and most of the time is passive in the oven.
The result keeps well, so you can make a batch ahead for holiday gatherings, movie nights, or to keep in your pantry for easy munching.
It’s versatile: you can nibble it on its own, toss into salads, or even serve with cheese and fruit for a sophisticated snack spread.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 large egg white
1 teaspoon cold water
4 cups whole almonds
½ cup white sugar
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon salt

Directions

Preheat the oven to 250 °F (120 °C). Lightly grease a 10 × 15‑inch jelly-roll pan.
In a large bowl, lightly beat the egg white with the cold water until frothy but not stiff.
Stir in the whole almonds until well coated with the egg white mixture.
In a small bowl, mix together the white sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt. Sprinkle this sugar-cinnamon mixture over the coated almonds and toss until well combined. Spread the almonds evenly on the prepared baking pan.
Bake in the preheated oven, stirring occasionally, until the almonds are golden and crisp — about 1 hour. Allow to cool completely before storing in an airtight container.

Servings and timing

Makes about 4 cups
Serves approximately 16
Prep time: 15 minutes
Bake time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Variations

Use raw pecans or cashews instead of almonds for a different nut‑profile.
Swap white sugar for brown sugar or turbinado sugar for a deeper caramel flavour.
Add ¼ teaspoon of ground ginger or nutmeg to the cinnamon for a spiced twist.
For a savoury‑sweet version, reduce the sugar, keep the salt, and add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika.
If you prefer less sugar, cut the sugar amount by one‑third and increase the cinnamon slightly for flavour without too much sweetness.

Storage/Reheating

Store the cooled roasted almonds in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay crisp and tasty for up to 2 weeks. If they soften, you can spread them on a baking sheet and warm them in a 300 °F (150 °C) oven for about 5–10 minutes to refresh the crunch before serving.

FAQs

What kind of almonds should I use?

Use whole raw almonds (with skin on) for the best texture and flavour. Pre-roasted or salted almonds will work but may affect the coating and seasoning.

Can I make this ahead for a party?

Yes — the almonds store well in an airtight container and can be made a day or two ahead.

Can I skip the egg white?

The egg white helps the sugar-cinnamon mixture stick to the nuts and gives a crisp coating. If omitting, you may need to use a light spray of water or oil to help the coating adhere, and the texture may differ slightly.

Can I use a different sugar?

Yes. White sugar gives a crisp, clean finish; brown sugar or turbinado sugar will give deeper flavour and a slightly more caramelised texture.

How do I know when they’re done?

The almonds should be golden and fragrant. Since ovens vary, the occasional stir during baking helps them roast evenly.

What if some almonds burn or are over-darkened?

If a few are darker than others, you can pick out the more well-done ones before storing. Try reducing the oven time or checking earlier next time.

Are these gluten-free?

Yes, provided your almonds and sugar are not cross-contaminated with gluten — the basic ingredients themselves are naturally gluten-free.

Can I adjust the sweetness?

Definitely. You can reduce the sugar amount or increase the cinnamon (or other spices) according to your taste.

Will the coating stay crunchy?

Yes, if you let the almonds cool fully and then store them in a proper airtight container, away from moisture.

Can I flavour them with something savory instead of sweet?

Yes — you could skip or reduce the sugar, keep the salt, and add spices like garlic powder, smoked paprika, cumin, or chili powder for a savoury roasted nut snack.

Conclusion

These cinnamon-roasted almonds are a beautifully simple yet flavourful snack or treat. With minimal effort you’ll end up with something both comforting and refined. Whether for yourself, family, or guests, they strike just the right balance between sweet, spiced and crunchy. Give them a try — you’ll likely find they become a go-to snack in your kitchen.