Easy Candied Almonds Recipe - Savory Nothings (2024)

1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

| 11 Comments |

5 from 12 votes

Jump to Recipe | Updated: | by Nora

Candied Almonds are the perfect treat to share with friends and neighbors for the holidays! They are easy to make at home and come out perfectly delicious every time.

Easy Candied Almonds Recipe - Savory Nothings (1)

Candied almonds are my kryptonite – I could eat an entire batch by myself, and then some. There’s just something about the combination of roasted almonds, sugar and cinnamon that’s absolutely irresistible.

They can be quite pricey, but the good news is: They are very easy to make at home, and they’re definitely cheaper to make than to buy! Such a great treat for the holiday season, or to give away as a little appreciation gift to spread some festive Christmas cheer.

Please note: I changed this recipe on 12/13/2020 from the one I originally published in 2014. If you’re looking for the old recipe (made on the stove without egg whites), print it here.

Ingredients you’ll need

Here is a visual overview of the ingredients in the recipe. Scroll down to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for quantities!

Easy Candied Almonds Recipe - Savory Nothings (2)

Ingredient notes

  • Nuts: I have always made this recipe with unhulled whole almonds, but I’ve seen people make it with slivered or sliced almonds, too. The recipe also works with mixed nuts, cashews, pecans, walnuts… If that’s what you prefer!
  • Egg white: This is definitely needed here to help the sugar coating stick to the nuts. If you need an egg-free recipe, check out my old recipe made on the stove without eggs here.
  • Cocoa powder: You can leave this one out if you don’t have it on hand, it just helps with the color of the candied almonds.
  • Vanilla: If you don’t have any vanilla extract on hand, use the same amount of water. It won’t add flavor, but you need this touch of liquid to help the sugar dissolve.

How to make Candied Almonds

Start by whisking the egg white and vanilla together until smooth. Add the almonds and toss until they’re all coated with egg white (1).

Easy Candied Almonds Recipe - Savory Nothings (3)

Next, combine both sugars, the cinnamon, cocoa powder and the salt in a separate small bowl (2).

Easy Candied Almonds Recipe - Savory Nothings (4)

Add the dry mixture to the bowl with the almonds and toss until they’re all evenly coated. Spread the almonds on a lined baking sheet (3).

Easy Candied Almonds Recipe - Savory Nothings (5)

Bake the almonds at 250°F for 45 minutes, stirring every 10-15 minutes.

Finally, turn up the heat to 360°F and finish baking them for 10-15 minutes. Watch them closely, they burn easily in the end!

Easy Candied Almonds Recipe - Savory Nothings (6)

Let the almonds cool on the baking sheet. Break them apart and store them in an airtight container once they’re fully cooled.

Easy Candied Almonds Recipe - Savory Nothings (7)

Recipe tips

  • Make sure to evenly coat the almonds first with egg white, then with the sugar mixture. That way you’ll get an even glaze on all the nuts.
  • Careful when stirring the nuts during the baking time, then oven is on a lower temperature but it’s still hot. Use oven gloves and be cautious if you have young kids or pets around.
  • Watch the almonds closely for the last 10 minutes of baking, after increasing the oven temperature. They burn if you bake them for too long.
  • Let the almonds cool completely before packing them up to help them retain their crunchiness.
Easy Candied Almonds Recipe - Savory Nothings (8)

Storage tips

Keep the cooled nuts in an airtight jar or container at room temperature. I recommend eating the nuts within a week for the best taste and texture.

More homemade candy

  • Easy Cookie Butter Fudge
  • No-Bake Peppermint Bark Oreo Balls
  • No Bake Oreo Truffles (Oreo Balls)
  • Orange and Sea Salt Dark Chocolate Covered Almonds

PSIf you try this recipe, please leavea review in the comment section and add a star rating in the recipe card – I appreciate your feedback! Follow along onPinterest,FacebookorInstagram.

Please note: I changed this recipe on 12/13/2020 from the one I originally published in 2014. If you’re looking for the old recipe (made on the stove without egg whites), print it here.

Printable recipe

Printable Recipe Card

Easy Candied Almonds Recipe - Savory Nothings (13)

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Candied Almonds

Candied Almonds are the perfect treat to share with friends and neighbors for the holidays! They are easy to make at home and come out perfectly delicious every time.

made it? tap the stars to add your rating!

5 from 12 votes

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Recipe details

Prep 10 minutes mins

Cook 1 hour hr

Total 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Servings 20 servings

Difficulty Easy

Ingredients

  • 1 large egg white
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 4 cups almonds
  • ½ cup light brown sugar packed
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon unsweetened cacao powder
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt or less to taste

Instructions

  • Heat oven to 250°F and line a rimmed baking sheet.

  • Whisk egg white and vanilla extract together in a large bowl, then add the almonds and toss to coat.

  • Combine both sugars, cinnamon, cacao powder and salt in a small bowl. Sprinkle over the almonds and toss to coat.

  • Spread almonds on prepared baking sheet and bake in the hot oven for 45 minutes, carefully stirring once every 10-15 minutes. Increase oven temperature to 360°F and finish baking the almonds for 10-15 minutes (watch them closely, do not overbake or they may burn!).

  • Let almonds cool on the baking sheet. Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

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Notes

Ingredient notes

  • Nuts: I have always made this recipe with unhulled whole almonds, but I’ve seen people make it with slivered or sliced almonds, too. The recipe also works with mixed nuts, cashews, pecans, walnuts… If that’s what you prefer!
  • Egg white: This is definitely needed here to help the sugar coating stick to the nuts. If you need an egg-free recipe, check out my old recipe made on the stove without eggs here.
  • Cocoa powder: You can leave this one out if you don’t have it on hand, it just helps with the color of the candied almonds.
  • Vanilla: If you don’t have any vanilla extract on hand, use the same amount of water. It won’t add flavor, but you need this touch of liquid to help the sugar dissolve.

Recipe tips

  • Make sure to evenly coat the almonds first with egg white, then with the sugar mixture. That way you’ll get an even glaze on all the nuts.
  • Careful when stirring the nuts during the baking time, then oven is on a lower temperature but it’s still hot. Use oven gloves and be cautious if you have young kids or pets around.
  • Watch the almonds closely for the last 10 minutes of baking, after increasing the oven temperature. They burn if you bake them for too long.
  • Let the almonds cool completely before packing them up to help them retain their crunchiness.

Storage tips

Keep the cooled nuts in an airtight jar or container at room temperature. I recommend eating the nuts within a week for the best taste and texture.

Nutrition is an estimate.

More recipe information

Course: Snack

Cuisine: American

Easy Candied Almonds Recipe - Savory Nothings (14)
About Nora
When I got married to my professional chef husband, I realized I had to step up my game in the kitchen. Now I share my favorite foolproof family recipes here on Savory Nothings: Chef-approved, kid-vetted and easy enough for everyday home cooks like you and me! Learn more.

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Comments

  1. DJE says

    Easy Candied Almonds Recipe - Savory Nothings (17)
    Love this recipe now that I’m limited in no gluten or dairy/milk. This is so simple and delicious, I love a good sweet snack. Tried this with pecans and I think that’s my favorite, holds on to the sugar even better than almonds

    Reply

    • Nora says

      Candied pecans are delicious for sure! Glad to hear you enjoyed the recipe!

      Reply

  2. Carol says

    Easy Candied Almonds Recipe - Savory Nothings (18)
    Excellent and so easy!
    Thank you.

    Reply

    • Nora says

      I’m so glad, Carol!

      Reply

  3. Maricel says

    Easy Candied Almonds Recipe - Savory Nothings (19)
    These are great recipe! Easy and delicious. Thanks Nora for sharing your recipe.

    Reply

    • Nora says

      I’m so glad, Maricel! And thank YOU for trusting in my recipe, I couldn’t do this without all of my amazing readers!

      Reply

  4. Joy says

    Best I’ve ever made! And better than the “mall” hands down.

    Reply

  5. Colleen LOWE says

    Easy Candied Almonds Recipe - Savory Nothings (20)
    Very tasty

    Reply

    • Nora says

      I’m so glad!

      Reply

  6. Amallia @DesireToEat says

    Congratulation Nora, Boy or Girl? So cute….tiny little feet.:-)

    Reply

    • Nora says

      Thank you Amallia! Girl 😀 I can’t stop looking at her cute feet 🙂

      Reply

Easy Candied Almonds Recipe - Savory Nothings (2024)

FAQs

What is the coating on Jordan almonds? ›

Jordan almonds are a familiar presence at Greek and Italian weddings. They are almonds covered in a sugar coating, typically with a white shell. The tradition of Jordan almonds in weddings dates back to the Middle Ages. Ancient Romans used these tiny candies to celebrate special occasions such as weddings and births.

What is another name for candied almonds? ›

Jordan almonds, also known as sugared almonds, dragées or confetti are sugar-coated almond candies.

What is the meaning of sugared almonds at a wedding? ›

If you want to be faithful to wedding traditions, the sugared almond wedding favours for each of the guests must contain five almonds representing each of the couple's wishes: love, health, happiness, fertility, and long life together.

What are candied almonds made of? ›

Combine sugar, water, and cinnamon in a saucepan over medium heat; bring to a boil. Add almonds; cook and stir mixture until liquid evaporates and leaves a syrupy coating on almonds. Pour almonds onto the prepared baking sheet; use two forks to separate clumps and spread into an even layer.

What is so special about Jordan almonds? ›

The traditional bomboniere includes five Jordan almonds, which symbolize health, wealth, happiness, fertility, and a long life. Jordan almonds are thought to be a fertility symbol due to their egg shape. They are also thought to represent the bittersweet nature of life considering the almond's bittersweet flavor.

Are sugared almonds the same as Jordan almonds? ›

Jordan almonds are an extremely popular (and delicious!) wedding favor. They're also known as sugared almonds or 'dragees,' and they can be seen at wedding receptions all across the country. You'll find Jordan almonds in glasses, bowls, boxes, tulle, and many other attractive vessels.

Why are my candied almonds chewy? ›

If your sugared almonds are sticky rather than crunchy on the outside, it's likely because you didn't bake them for long enough. Next time, bake the almonds for an additional 5 minutes.

What do 5 almonds mean at a wedding? ›

The Traditional Bomboniere – A Sachet of Five Jordan Almonds

The perfect wedding bomboniere, which is Italian for wedding favor, includes five Jordan almonds to represent five wishes for the bride and groom. These are health, wealth, happiness, fertility, and a long life.

What is the Italian tradition sugared almonds? ›

Confetti: In Italian, "confetti" means "candied." However, when we speak of confetti in the context of a wedding, we are referring to sugar-coated almonds. These almonds carry a special symbolism, representing the bittersweetness of marriage and the start of a new life together.

What is a wedding bomboniere? ›

A bomboniere (Italian pronunciation: [bombo'njε:re]), singular "bomboniera", ( Italian pronunciation: [bomboˈnjɛːra]; Italian, from French bonbonnière, a box containing "bonbons") is a kind of fragrant-smelling party favor given out on special occasions such as weddings, baptism, First Communion or Confirmation.

What do Italians call wedding almonds? ›

Wedding Favors:

But, in Italy it's traditional to give guests sugared almonds called confetti.

What does 5 sugared almonds mean? ›

Sugared almonds, also known as Jordan almonds are almonds coated in a sugar candy. Sugared almonds originated in Italy. They are given to guests at Italian weddings, and are usually wrapped in matching tulle tied with a ribbon. The five sugar coated almonds represent health, wealth, happiness, fertility, and long life.

Do candied almonds go bad? ›

How long do candied almonds last? These last for up to 1 week at room temperature, 2 weeks in the refrigerator, and 2 months in the freezer.

What is the shelf life of candied almonds? ›

As a bonus, these candied almonds will make your house smell AMAZING while they bake! Long shelf life: up to 2 months in the fridge or 6 months in the freezer. Enjoy them by themselves, or add them to trail mix or salad (feel free to substitute them for the pecans in my brussels sprouts salad!).

What is the Italian name for candy coated almonds? ›

Those candy almonds, confetti, are the Italian sweetmeat for which paper confetti is named—small, bright colored, and thrown like Mardi Gras beads at Renaissance parties.

What do they spray on almonds? ›

Pesticides are also a big problem when it comes to almonds. More pesticides are used on almonds than any other crop in the state of California. One of the most widely used pesticides is glyphosate (Roundup). Roundup is toxic to bees, which are essential for pollinating almond trees.

What is almond bark coating? ›

Almond bark (also known as vanilla flavored candy coating) is a chocolate-like confection made with vegetable fats instead of cocoa butter and with coloring and flavors added. It can be bought in packages, blocks, or round discs where candy and baking supplies are sold.

What are sugar covered almonds called? ›

Sugared almonds have exported themselves across all corners of the globe, with the exploring of the “New World”, they became incredibly popular and known as “Jordan Almonds”.

Why do people like Jordan almonds? ›

The egg-shaped Jordan Almond embodies fertility, and some believe the Jordan Almond is an aphrodisiac. There is symbolism in the almond itself. Since ancient times, almonds were thought to have medicinal properties and bring good fortune.

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