Save Last winter, my kitchen became the unofficial gathering spot after evening walks. Friends would wander in, cheeks pink from the cold, expecting something warm to drink. I started making these spiced nuts on a whim during one particularly brutal cold snap, and now they are the first thing anyone asks about when they walk through the door. The smell of turmeric and cinnamon roasting with nuts has become synonymous with good conversation and snow falling outside the window.
I remember bringing a jar to my sisters house for what was supposed to be a quick visit. Her two year old, usually suspicious of anything new, kept coming back and grabbing small handfuls. By the time I left three hours later, the container was empty and my sister was already texting me for the recipe. Now whenever we host family game night, this mix is the first thing to disappear.
Ingredients
- Raw almonds: Starting with raw nuts means you control the roast and the flavor absorption completely
- Raw cashews: These become buttery and creamy in the oven, providing a perfect texture contrast to the crunchier almonds
- Raw walnuts: Their earthy flavor pairs beautifully with the warming spices, especially the cumin
- Raw pumpkin seeds: Pepitas add a lovely green pop and extra crunch that makes each bite interesting
- Raw sunflower seeds: These tiny seeds pack a surprising amount of flavor and help stretch the mix further
- Ground turmeric: The golden color alone is worth it, but the anti inflammatory benefits are a real bonus
- Ground cinnamon: Just enough warmth to make these feel cozy without tasting like dessert
- Smoked paprika: This is the secret ingredient that makes people ask what exactly is in this mix
- Ground cumin: Provides a subtle earthiness that grounds all the sweeter spices
- Ground black pepper: Adds just enough backend heat to keep things interesting
- Cayenne pepper: Optional but recommended if you like things with a little kick
- Sea salt: Essential to balance the maple syrup and bring out all the spice flavors
- Extra virgin olive oil: Helps the spices adhere evenly and contributes its own fruity notes
- Maple syrup or honey: Just enough to create a light caramelized coating and help the spices stick
Instructions
- Heat things up:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking
- Gather your crew:
- Combine all the nuts and seeds in a large bowl, giving yourself enough room to toss everything around
- Mix the magic:
- Whisk together the olive oil, maple syrup, and all those beautiful spices until completely blended
- Coat everything:
- Pour the spiced oil mixture over the nuts and toss thoroughly until every piece is evenly coated
- Spread them out:
- Arrange the mixture in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet, giving each piece space to toast
- Toast to perfection:
- Bake for 15 minutes, stirring halfway through, until everything is golden and your kitchen smells incredible
- The hard part:
- Let them cool completely before diving in or storing in an airtight container for up to two weeks
Save These spiced nuts have become my go to host gift. There is something personal about bringing food you made yourself, and watching peoples faces light up when they try the first piece never gets old. One friend now requests them for her birthday every year instead of cake.
Making It Your Own
The beauty of this recipe is how forgiving it is. I have swapped in pecans during autumn when they are on sale, added chia seeds for extra nutrition, and even tossed in some dried rosemary for a savory version. The spice blend is endlessly customizable too.
Serving Ideas
While these are perfect for snacking straight from the jar, do not overlook them as a topping. I love them on morning yogurt with fresh berries, sprinkled over roasted butternut squash soup, or even chopped and added to roasted vegetable salads for extra protein and crunch.
Storage And Batch Tips
I always double this recipe because it disappears faster than expected. The cooled nuts keep beautifully in glass jars, which makes them easy to grab for gifts or road trips. Just make sure they are completely cooled before sealing or they will lose their crunch.
- Wait until the nuts are room temperature before storing to prevent condensation
- Label your jars with the date so you know when you made them
- Keep a small jar at work and a larger one at home for constant snacking
Save There is something deeply satisfying about making something so delicious from such simple ingredients. Once you start, you will wonder why you ever bought spiced nuts from a store.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I customize the nuts and seeds in this mix?
Absolutely! You can swap in pecans, hazelnuts, or chia seeds based on your preferences or what you have available. Just keep the total quantities roughly the same for even coating and baking.
- → How long do spiced nuts stay fresh?
When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, your spiced nuts and seeds will stay fresh and crunchy for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a month.
- → Is this mixture suitable for meal prep?
Yes! This spiced nut and seed blend is excellent for meal prep. Make a batch on Sunday and portion into small containers or jars for easy grab-and-go snacks throughout the week.
- → Can I make this without sweetener?
Yes, you can omit the maple syrup or honey if you prefer a purely savory mix. The spices provide plenty of flavor on their own, though the sweetener does help the spices adhere better to the nuts and seeds.
- → What's the best way to serve spiced nuts and seeds?
Enjoy them straight from the jar as a satisfying snack, sprinkle over Greek yogurt or oatmeal, use as a crunchy topping for salads and grain bowls, or package them in small bags for hiking and travel.