How to Candy Nuts: 3 Ways

Arrange a rack in the middle of the oven and preheat to 325°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease with olive oil or cooking spray.

For maple-cinnamon pecans: In a medium bowl, whisk together ⅓ cup maple syrup, 2 tbsp dark brown sugar, 1 ½ tsp cinnamon, ¼ tsp ground nutmeg, 1 tsp kosher salt, and ¼ tsp ground black pepper. Add 2 cups raw pecan halves, and toss to thoroughly coat.

Using a slotted spoon, transfer pecans to the prepared baking sheet (leaving any excess mixture behind). Spread pecans into an even layer, and bake for 18 to 20 minutes until toasted and glazed.

Remove pecans from oven and immediately sprinkle with flaky sea salt (if using).

Allow pecans to cool for around 30 minutes. Once hardened, break up any nuts that may have clumped together.

For honey-rosemary parmesan cashews: In a medium bowl, whisk 1 egg white until foamy. Add ¼ cup grated Parmesan, 2 tbsp light brown sugar, 2 tbsp honey, 2 tbsp melted butter, 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp ground black pepper. Add 2 cups raw cashews and toss to thoroughly coat.

Using a slotted spoon, transfer cashews to the prepared baking sheet. Spread out nuts in an even layer and bake for 13 to 16 minutes, until toasted and glazed, stirring nuts two or three times during cooking to ensure even cooking.

Remove cashews from oven and immediately sprinkle with finely chopped rosemary, more freshly grated Parmesan, black pepper, and flaky sea salt (if using). Allow to cool for around 30 minutes.

For smoky-spiced almonds: In a medium bowl, whisk 1 egg white until foamy. Add ¼ cup dark brown sugar, 1 ½ tsp smoked paprika, ½ tsp cayenne pepper, 1 tsp kosher salt, and ½ tsp ground black pepper, until thoroughly combined. Add 2 cups raw almonds and stir to thoroughly coat.

Using a slotted spoon, transfer almonds to the prepared baking sheet. Spread out nuts into an even layer and bake for 18 to 20 minutes, until toasted and glazed.

Remove almonds from oven and immediately sprinkle with flaky salt (if using). Allow to cool for around 30 minutes. Once hardened, break up any nuts that may have clumped together.