Sweet, toasty, and just a little bit addictive—this Maple Cinnamon Candied Almonds Recipe is one of those simple pleasures you can whip up in no time. The rich warmth of cinnamon pairs perfectly with the natural sweetness of pure maple syrup, turning plain almonds into a snacking sensation you'll want to keep coming back to.

A white bowl filled with shiny, brown almonds covered in a light layer of sugar and cinnamon powder. The almonds are whole and rough-textured, filling the bowl completely and looking crunchy. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with soft white cloth partially visible around it, and a small glass jar of cinnamon powder with a simple label is placed near the top right corner. The overall look is clean and simple with a focus on the warm, brown nuts. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Maple Cinnamon Candied Almonds Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Maple Cinnamon Candied Almonds Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Maple Cinnamon Candied Almonds Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’m genuinely excited to share this Maple Cinnamon Candied Almonds Recipe because it’s one of those quick, rewarding treats that tastes way fancier than it really is. Trust me, once you make these, you'll feel like you’ve discovered a little secret snack treasure.

Simple Ingredients: You only need four pantry staples, which makes it easy to pull together anytime.
Natural Sweetness: Using pure maple syrup means you get that fantastic caramelized flavor without any refined sugar.
Perfect Texture: The almonds come out crunchy and coated in just the right amount of cinnamon maple goodness.
Versatile Snack: These candied almonds work great on salads, in trail mixes, or just by the handful for an anytime treat.

A white bowl filled with a single layer of toasted almonds coated in a light, grainy seasoning that gives them a slightly rough texture, sitting on a white marbled surface. Around the bowl, a few almonds are scattered, and in the background, a white ceramic container with a dark sauce inside is partially visible. The scene is softly lit, focusing on the warm, brown tones of the almonds and the clean white surroundings photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The beauty of this Maple Cinnamon Candied Almonds Recipe is in its simplicity—each ingredient plays its part perfectly, and you don’t need anything fancy to make it taste amazing. I always recommend using raw whole almonds for the best roast and crunch, and pure maple syrup really brings that warm, natural sweetness without overpowering the cinnamon.

Flat lay of raw whole almonds scattered beside a small white ceramic bowl filled with golden pure maple syrup, a small white bowl containing warm brown ground cinnamon powder, and a tiny white bowl with coarse kosher salt crystals, all arranged with perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Raw whole almonds: They toast beautifully and hold their crunch after coating with maple syrup.
Pure maple syrup: Adds depth of flavor and a rich sweetness that caramelizes nicely.
Ground cinnamon: Brings warming spice that complements the nuts and syrup perfectly.
Kosher salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and bring out all those flavors.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love experimenting with this recipe to match my mood or what I have on hand. You can easily tweak the spice or sweetness, or even switch up the nuts if almonds aren’t your favorite.

Variation: Adding a pinch of nutmeg or a dash of vanilla extract can layer in extra warmth and complexity. One time, I tried a pinch of cayenne—it added a fun unexpected kick! You might enjoy that too.
Nut Swaps: Pecans and walnuts work wonderfully here if you want a change from almonds.
Dietary Modification: This recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free, which makes it an easy pick for many dietary needs.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Maple Cinnamon Candied Almonds Recipe

Step 1: Combine Your Ingredients in the Skillet

Grab a large nonstick skillet and toss in the maple syrup, raw almonds, ground cinnamon, and kosher salt all at once. Give it a good stir so every almond gets beautifully coated. This initial mixing sets the stage for that magical coating later on, so don’t rush it!

Step 2: Toast and Cook the Almonds with Care

Keep the skillet on medium heat and stir frequently for about 10 to 12 minutes. You’ll notice the syrup starting to evaporate and the almonds beginning to look dry and powdery—this is the key moment. Watch for that toasty aroma and a thin sugary coating forming. Stirring often prevents burning and ensures even cooking, so stay close and keep the spatula moving.

Step 3: Spread Almonds Out to Cool

Once the syrup has evaporated completely and the almonds have that lovely cinnamon dusting, take the pan off the heat. Spread the almonds in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This cooling step is crucial because it allows the coating to harden and the almonds to crisp up perfectly.

Step 4: Cool Completely Before Serving

Patience here pays off. Let them cool fully before you dig in—this usually takes about 20 to 30 minutes. Warm almonds can feel soft or sticky, but once cool, they’ve transformed into crunchy, maple-cinnamon delights.

Top Tip

From the many times I’ve made this recipe, I can tell you that the stirring and temperature control are your best friends here. It’s easy to rush and end up with burnt syrup or sticky almonds if you’re not attentive.

Consistent Stirring: Keeps your almonds evenly coated and prevents burning—don't skip this step!
Medium Heat: Cooking on too high heat can caramelize the syrup too fast and burn it before the coating forms well.
Use Nonstick Skillet: This makes cleanup much easier and helps the coating release without sticking.
Cooling Time: Giving your almonds enough time to cool fully makes all the difference in texture.

How to Serve Maple Cinnamon Candied Almonds Recipe

maple cinnamon almonds - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like sprinkling a tiny bit of flaky sea salt over the cooled almonds just before serving—it adds a subtle contrast to the sweetness that’s so satisfying. Sometimes, I toss a handful over a cheese board with some aged cheddar and a few slices of apple. It’s a total crowd pleaser.

Side Dishes

Pairing these candied almonds with a fresh green salad (think spinach or arugula) dressed lightly with balsamic vinaigrette makes for a crunchy, flavorful side. They’re also lovely tossed into oatmeal or yogurt for breakfast or as a snack with your afternoon tea.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gatherings, I like to fill small mason jars with the Maple Cinnamon Candied Almonds and tie them with a rustic twine bow to give as gifts. Another fun idea is to layer them in clear glass jars alternating with dried fruits and chocolate chips—instant DIY trail mix in pretty packaging!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. I find they stay crisp and fresh for up to one week—perfect for munching throughout the week or sharing with friends.

Freezing

Freezing works surprisingly well with these almonds. Just make sure they’re completely cool before placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They keep great for up to two months, and you can enjoy a crunchy treat anytime by thawing at room temperature.

Reheating

If you want to refresh the crunch after freezing, a quick toss in a warm skillet (off the heat, just residual heat) or a few minutes in the oven at low temperature will do the trick. Just watch closely so you don’t burn them again!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other nuts besides almonds in the Maple Cinnamon Candied Almonds Recipe?

Absolutely! Pecans, walnuts, and even cashews work beautifully. Just adjust cooking time slightly, as some nuts roast faster than almonds.

How do I prevent the maple syrup from burning during cooking?

Cook over medium heat and stir frequently. Using a nonstick skillet helps, and don’t rush the process—slow and steady ensures the syrup caramelizes without burning.

Can I make this recipe ahead for a party?

Yes! These maple cinnamon candied almonds keep well at room temperature for about a week, so you can prepare them a few days in advance. Just store in an airtight container to maintain crispness.

Are these candied almonds vegan?

Yes, this recipe uses pure maple syrup for sweetness, making it naturally vegan and free from any animal products. Plus, it’s gluten-free as well!

Final Thoughts

Making these Maple Cinnamon Candied Almonds has become my go-to quick treat whenever I want something sweet but wholesome. I love how straightforward the recipe is and how it fills the kitchen with such a cozy aroma. I really hope you enjoy baking them as much as I do—they’re truly an easy way to add a little sweetness and spice to your day.