Like from the Christmas market – only even better!
The scent of caramelized sugar and warm almonds is simply a part of the Advent season. The best part: Candied almonds are easy to make at home – in a pan or a Dutch Oven.
You decide how sweet they become and whether you refine them classically with cinnamon, wintery with gingerbread spice, or delicately with vanilla. Perfect as a snack for cozy evenings – or as a loving last-minute gift from the kitchen.
Ingredients
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200 g almonds (with skin)
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150 g sugar
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75 ml water
Optional for flavoring:
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1 tsp cinnamon
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1 sachet vanilla sugar or a little vanilla extract
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1 tsp gingerbread spice
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1 tsp cocoa
Preparation
1️. Make sugar syrup
Place sugar, water, and optional spices in a large pan or a Dutch Oven.
Bring to a boil over medium heat until the sugar has completely dissolved.
2️. Caramelize almonds
Add almonds to the boiling sugar syrup.
Continue heating, stirring constantly.
First, the water evaporates – the sugar becomes dry and crystallizes white around the almonds.
Now, definitely keep stirring!
After a short time, the sugar begins to melt again and caramelizes slightly.
The almonds get a glossy, caramel-like surface.
Important:
Do not set the heat too high, otherwise the sugar will burn and become bitter.
3️. Let cool
Once the almonds are shiny and caramelized, remove the pan from the heat.
Immediately spread the almonds onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and pull them apart slightly with two forks to prevent them from sticking together.
Let cool completely.
💡Tips for perfect candied almonds
- Stir constantly – sugar burns quickly
- Medium heat is completely sufficient
- For a more intense flavor: add a pinch of salt
- They will keep for several days in an airtight container
🎁Gift idea
Once cooled, fill into small jars or paper bags, decorate beautifully – and you have a homemade Christmas gift.
Many thanks to Dutch Oven BBQ for the photos!
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