Christmas Coated Nuts
Festive and crunchy, these coated nuts feature warm cinnamon and sugar flavors, perfect for holiday snacking or gifting, appealing to nut lovers and those enjoying sweet treats.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix the sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl.
- Whisk the egg white until frothy.
- Add the nuts to the egg white and toss to coat well.
- Add the dry mixture to the nuts and stir until evenly coated.
- Spread the coated nuts on a cookie sheet.
- Bake at 325°F for 20 minutes.
- Remove from oven and cool on foil.
Tips & Substitutions
To achieve the best texture, make sure to whisk the egg white until it's frothy but not stiff. For a different flavor profile, consider substituting half of the sugar with brown sugar for a deeper taste. You can also try using walnuts or cashews instead of pecans or almonds. If you're looking for a festive twist, add a pinch of nutmeg to the dry mixture for a spiced touch.
Serving Suggestions
These Christmas Coated Nuts make a delightful snack on their own but also pair beautifully with a cheese platter, especially with Blue Cheese Dressing Or Dip. They can be served alongside desserts, such as Thin Mints, or used as a topping for ice cream. They also make great gifts when packaged in decorative bags or jars.
Storage & Reheating
Once cooled, store the coated nuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. If you prefer them warm, you can reheat them in the oven at 300°F for about 5-10 minutes to restore their crunch. Avoid microwaving as it can make them soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Christmas Coated Nuts contains roughly 95 calories, with 2g protein, 19g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1790mg per serving (78% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of nuts?
Absolutely! While pecans and almonds are traditional, you can substitute them with walnuts, cashews, or even mixed nuts. Just keep in mind that the baking time may vary slightly depending on the nut variety you choose, so monitor them closely to avoid burning.
How can I make these nuts less sweet?
To reduce the sweetness, you can decrease the amount of sugar by 1/4 cup or substitute a portion of it with unsweetened cocoa powder or nutritional yeast for a savory twist. Adding extra salt can also help balance the sweetness without compromising the overall flavor.
Can I make these nuts ahead of time?
Yes, these nuts can be made in advance and stored. They maintain their flavor and crunch for up to two weeks when kept in an airtight container. This makes them perfect for holiday parties or as a topping for dishes like Angel Food Deluxe Cake.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).