Christmas Nut Brittle

Prep: 10 min Cook: 30 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

Delicious Christmas Nut Brittle combines crunchy salted nuts with cinnamon-sugar coating, offering a sweet, spicy treat perfect for festive gatherings or gift-giving.

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Ingredients

  • 1 egg white
  • 1 1/2 tsp. water
  • 2 cups salted mixed nuts or peanuts
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp. cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Combine egg white and water in a bowl.
  2. Beat until very stiff.
  3. Add nuts and coat well with the egg white mixture.
  4. Stir together sugar and cinnamon, then add to the nut mixture and coat evenly.
  5. Arrange the coated nuts in a single layer on a well-greased brown paper or grocery sack cut to fit the cookie sheet.
  6. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 to 30 minutes until golden.
  7. Break the brittle into pieces while still warm (not hot).

Tips & Substitutions

For a crunchier texture, try roasting the nuts briefly before adding them to the egg white mixture. You can substitute the nuts with your favorite variety or use a mix of seeds for a different flavor. If you prefer a sweeter taste, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg to the sugar and cinnamon mixture. Remember to keep an eye on the brittle while baking to avoid burning.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this delightful Christmas nut brittle as a festive snack during holiday gatherings or package it as a thoughtful gift. It pairs beautifully with a warm cup of spiced cider or coffee. For a fun twist, try crumbling the brittle over vanilla ice cream or incorporating it into your favorite dessert recipes.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover nut brittle in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. If you live in a humid climate, you might want to keep it in the refrigerator to prevent it from becoming sticky. To re-crisp it, simply place the brittle in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Christmas Nut Brittle contains roughly 301 calories, with 3g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is a good source of calcium (10% of the Daily Value).

301 kcal 15% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 3.2g 6% DV
Total Fat 16.6g 21% DV
Carbs 34.9g 13% DV
Fiber 0.8g 3% DV
Sugar 15.4g 31% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 201.3mg 9% DV
Potassium 101.7mg 2% DV
Cholesterol 19.1mg 6% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 4mcg
Vitamin C 0.6mg 1% DV
Calcium 127.5mg 10% DV
Iron 1mg 5% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal
Contains Egg Peanut

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 egg substitutes in this recipe?

Yes, you can use aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas) as a substitute for egg white. Use about 3 tablespoons of aquafaba to replace one egg white. Whip it until stiff peaks form, just like you would with egg whites.

What types of nuts work best for this brittle?

You can use any combination of salted mixed nuts, such as almonds, cashews, and pecans, or stick to peanuts for a classic taste. Just be sure to adjust the saltiness in the recipe if you're using unsalted nuts.

How can I make this recipe more festive?

To add a festive touch, you can mix in dried fruits like cranberries or cherries after baking. You might also drizzle melted chocolate over the brittle once it's cooled for an extra special treat that's perfect for the holidays.

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).

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