Orange And Cinnamon Spiced Nuts
A festive mix of roasted nuts enhanced with orange zest, cinnamon, and nutmeg, perfect for snacking or gifting during the holiday season.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F.
- Spread nuts in a 15 x 10 x 1-inch jelly roll pan.
- Bake, stirring occasionally, for 20 to 25 minutes or until lightly toasted.
- In a small bowl, stir together sugar or fructose, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- In a small mixer bowl, beat egg whites at high speed until soft peaks form, about 1 to 2 minutes.
- Gradually add sugar mixture to egg whites and beat until stiff peaks form, about 1 to 2 minutes.
- Fold in orange peel and toasted nuts by hand.
- Place the jelly roll pan in the oven and melt butter for 4 to 6 minutes.
- Spread the nut mixture over the melted butter in the pan.
- Bake, stirring every 10 minutes, for 25 to 30 minutes or until nuts are brown and no butter remains.
- Cool completely before storing in an airtight container.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more complex flavor, consider adding a splash of vanilla extract to the egg whites. If you're looking for a lower sugar option, substitute honey or maple syrup for the sugar or fructose. You can also use a mix of nuts like walnuts or cashews, based on your preference. Be careful not to overbake as nuts can go from toasted to burnt quickly.
Serving Suggestions
These Orange and Cinnamon Spiced Nuts make a delightful snack on their own or can be served as part of a charcuterie board. They pair beautifully with a cheese platter or alongside a small bowl of Cranberry Yogurt Sauce. Consider serving them during holiday gatherings or as a thoughtful homemade gift.
Storage & Reheating
Store the spiced nuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks to maintain their crunch. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator where they can last for up to a month. Reheat in the oven at low heat for a few minutes to revive their crispness before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Orange And Cinnamon Spiced Nuts contains roughly 1284 calories, with 24g protein, 118g carbohydrates, and 83g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (90% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (52% of the Daily Value), and protein (48% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1945mg per serving (85% 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 make these nuts vegan?
Yes, you can make this recipe vegan by replacing egg whites with aquafaba, the liquid from canned chickpeas. Whip the aquafaba until stiff peaks form, then fold in the sugar mixture and nuts as directed.
What can I use instead of orange peel?
If you don't have orange peel, lemon zest can be a great substitute for a different citrus flavor. Alternatively, you could use a teaspoon of dried orange zest if fresh is not available.
How can I adjust the spice levels?
Feel free to adjust the amount of cinnamon and nutmeg according to your taste. If you prefer a spicier profile, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick or experimenting with other spices like ginger or allspice.
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).