Spiced Honey Roasted Almonds with crunchy coating and gingerbread flavor are a wonderful seasonal holiday treat. They also make great homemade gifts.
These honey roasted almonds are inspired by German gebrannte Mandeln - a Christmas market staple. Growing up in Germany, Christmas markets were an essential part of our holiday season. For several week(ends) before Christmas, everyone would stroll through the market scouting out Christmas presents or simply to enjoy the festive atmosphere.
I will never forget the aroma of roasted almonds that filled the air. They were irresistible! I am not in Germany anymore, but luckily I figured out this recipe that takes roasted almonds from the Christmas market and brings them home. Now I can enjoy them any time of year.
Ingredients (& Substitutions)
- whole almonds - raw
- honey - liquid
- molasses
- gingerbread spice mix - or substitute cinnamon
- coconut sugar - or any granulated sugar (I like demerara or muscovado)
- sea salt
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Place the almonds on a parchment-lined baking sheet in an even layer; roast them for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring once halfway.
- Stir the honey with the molasses and gingerbread spice mix in a medium-sized microwave-safe mixing bowl. Microwave for a few seconds until the mixture is liquidy.
- Toss the almonds with the mixture until they are well coated. Return them to the baking sheet in an even layer and roast them for another 5 minutes.
- Stir the sugar with the salt in a medium bowl. Allow the almonds to cool for 5 minutes and then toss them with the sugar mixture until coated.
- Store the almonds in an airtight container until ready to eat.
Hint: Make sure you use a large enough baking sheet to ensure the almonds can sit in a flat layer and roast evenly. This will help all the almonds toast and become golden brown at the same time rather than having different levels of doneness.
Variations
These almonds are delicious as they are but if you prefer different flavours or nuts, you can feel free to vary this recipes. Here are some ideas:
- Add some chocolate - If you are a chocolate fiend, once the almonds are cooled, consider tossing in some luscious dark chocolate pieces for a chocolate almond snack mix.
- Take advantage of citrus season - A little orange zest is always wonderful in a gingerbread cake, so why not try adding some to the honey-molasses mixture for some brightness?
- Switch out the nuts - Instead of or in addition to whole almonds, you could use cashews, Brazil nuts, hazelnuts, pecans, and/or walnuts.
- Toss in a little dried fruit - You can stir some dried fruit like dried cranberries, chopped dried apricots, and/or raisins into the almond mixture once it is cooled. The jewel tones of the fruit would make the mixture look extra festive!
Storage
Simply store the almonds in an airtight container once they have cooled. They should be able to stay fresh for a few weeks or even up to a month, but I don't recommend any longer than that as the coating may become stickier as the almonds sit over time.
Top Tip
Stirring the almonds halfway through the initial roasting time will help the almonds toast evenly and prevent burning.
FAQ
While almonds are nutrient-dense, the added honey and gingerbread spices enhance the flavor but may also increase the sugar content. Enjoy them in moderation as a seasonal treat or gift, considering the overall balance of your diet.
Almonds are a nutritious snack with various health benefits, but moderation is key. While they provide healthy fats and essential nutrients, excessive consumption can lead to an increase in calorie intake. Balance them with a variety of other healthy foods in your daily diet.
Absolutely! While the recipe features gingerbread spices for that festive touch, feel free to experiment with other flavors such as cinnamon, vanilla, or even a hint of cayenne for a spicy twist. Adjust the seasonings to suit your taste preferences.
To maintain their freshness and crunch, store the almonds in an airtight container or mason jar at room temperature. Keep them away from direct sunlight or heat sources. Properly stored, they can last for several weeks, making them an ideal make-ahead holiday treat or gift.
Simply fill mason jars with the almonds and add a label and ribbon! Then, you will have beautiful and delicious homemade Christmas gifts to give to those who are closest to you.
Several spice companies have their own blend of gingerbread spice mix, so you should be able to find a mix at your grocery store. However, if you can't find it, you could make your own with typical gingerbread spices. Check out this Gingerbread Spice Mix if you decide to make your own.
In this recipe, all you need to do is roast the almonds in the oven for 5 to 7 minutes before tossing them with a honey-molasses mixture and roasting them for an additional 5 minutes. Then, you allow them to cool before tossing them with coconut sugar.
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Recipe
Honey Roasted Almonds
Ingredients
- 12 ounces raw whole almonds (340 g)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons molasses
- 2 teaspoons gingerbread spice mix or substitute cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons coconut sugar or unrefined cane sugar (like demerara or muscovado)
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 300°F/150°C.
- Spread the raw almonds in a single layer on a parchment paper lined baking sheet. Roast for 5-7 minutes - tossing once in between.12 ounces raw whole almonds
- Combine honey, molasses, and gingerbread spice in a medium bowl. Heat the mixture for a few seconds (in the microwave) to make it really liquid.2 tablespoons honey, 2 tablespoons molasses, 2 teaspoons gingerbread spice mix
- Add the roasted almonds and toss to coat evenly. Spread coated almonds again on the lined baking sheet in a single layer and return to the oven to bake for 5 more minutes.
- Combine sugar and salt in a medium bowl. Let roasted almonds cool for 5 minutes, then sprinkle with the sugar + salt mixture and toss to combine.2 tablespoons coconut sugar, 1 teaspoon sea salt
- Store the cooled almonds in an airtight container.
Nutrition
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