Cinnamon Sugar Candied Nuts Snack Mix

My Go-To Crunchy Snack: Cinnamon Sugar Candied Nuts

As a busy mom, finding time for myself is a luxury, but one thing I always make time for is a delicious and satisfying snack. That's where my Cinnamon Sugar Candied Nuts Snack Mix comes in. It's incredibly easy to make, requires minimal ingredients I usually already have on hand, and is the perfect sweet and salty treat to power me through the afternoon slump or to share with my family after a long day. I've tweaked this recipe over time, perfecting the balance of sweetness, spice, and crunch. The candied nuts themselves are addictive, but the addition of pretzels, chocolate raisins, and dried cranberries elevates it to a whole new level of deliciousness.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. I often adjust the nuts based on what I have available – pecans, walnuts, almonds, cashews – all work wonderfully. The same goes for the add-ins. Sometimes I'll swap out the chocolate raisins for more cranberries or even add some chopped dark chocolate for an extra decadent touch. Feel free to experiment and find your perfect combination! One time, I even added some pumpkin seeds for a nice extra crunch. I’ve tried different types of pretzels, too, and I’ve even included other types of dried fruits like apricots or cherries.

The process itself is incredibly simple. It's all about getting the nuts evenly coated in the cinnamon-sugar mixture and then baking them to perfection. The aroma that fills my kitchen while these are baking is heavenly, and the anticipation of that first bite is almost unbearable. This snack is wonderful as it is – the balance of sweet, salty, and crunchy is simply perfect. But if you're feeling extra fancy, I've experimented with adding a drizzle of melted white chocolate or a sprinkle of sea salt after the nuts have cooled. Both elevate the snack to a more gourmet-like experience.

This recipe isn't just a simple snack; it's a versatile treat that can be customized to suit any occasion. It's perfect for a movie night in, a quick energy boost during a busy day, or even a delightful addition to a holiday gathering. I've packaged smaller portions in cute little bags and gifted them to friends and family during the holidays, and it's always a huge hit. It’s a recipe that keeps on giving, both in terms of enjoyment and versatility.

Beyond its ease and deliciousness, this snack holds a special place in my heart because it brings a little bit of joy to my otherwise hectic days. The satisfying crunch, the perfect blend of sweet and salty, and the sense of accomplishment in making something so delicious from simple ingredients are all things that I deeply cherish. For me, it's more than just a snack; it's a reminder to take a moment, breathe, and enjoy the little things in life. So whether you're a seasoned baker or a complete novice in the kitchen, this Cinnamon Sugar Candied Nuts Snack Mix is a must-try. You won't be disappointed!

Tips for Success:

• Use high-quality ingredients. The flavor of your nuts and the type of sugar used will greatly affect the overall taste.
• Don't overcrowd the baking sheet. Ensure the nuts are in a single layer to promote even baking.
• Let the nuts cool completely before tossing with the add-ins. This prevents the add-ins from sticking to each other too much.
• Store the snack mix in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
• Feel free to get creative with the add-ins! Experiment with different nuts, dried fruits, and even pretzels or other candies.

I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do. Let me know in the comments if you try it, and what your favourite variations are! Happy snacking!

Step-by-step

• Preheat oven to 300F, with rack on upper middle position.
• Line large baking sheet with parchment paper.
• In a large bowl, whisk together the egg white and vanilla until very frothy.
• Add all nuts to frothy egg mixture. Stir to coat evenly.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
• Add sugar mixture to the nut mixture. Stir until fully coated.
• Spread nuts in a single layer on parchment-lined baking sheet, and bake for 30 minutes, quickly stirring 1-2 times in between.
• Let cool completely.
• Toss with pretzels, chocolate raisins, and dried cranberries.
• Sub with any add-ins you prefer.
• Store in airtight container.