Candied Hazelnuts with Spicy Cinnamon and Cayenne Recipe

Introduction

Candied hazelnuts are a delightful snack or topping with a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and salty flavors. Roasted to golden perfection and dusted with a warm blend of spices, these hazelnuts add a wonderful crunch to salads, desserts, or simply on their own.

Ingredients

• 1 cup hazelnuts
• 1/2 cup confectioners sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon Kosher salt

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the hazelnuts in an oven-safe dish and roast for 20 minutes.
2. Step 2: Transfer the roasted hazelnuts to a clean towel and rub them to remove as much of the skins as possible.
3. Step 3: Place the hazelnuts in a bowl of water, then drain them in a sieve, shaking out the excess water.
4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, mix together the confectioners sugar, cayenne pepper, cinnamon, and Kosher salt.
5. Step 5: Add the hazelnuts to the spice and sugar mixture and toss well to coat them evenly.
6. Step 6: Transfer the coated hazelnuts to a sieve and shake off any excess coating.
7. Step 7: Arrange the hazelnuts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the sugar caramelizes lightly and the nuts turn golden.

Tips & Variations

• Try substituting cinnamon with nutmeg or allspice for a different warmth in flavor.
• Use raw hazelnuts for the best roasting results and fresher taste.
• If you prefer less heat, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper.
• For a glossy finish, you can toss the nuts in a small amount of egg white before coating with the sugar mixture.

Storage

Store candied hazelnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. Keep them dry to maintain crunchiness. To refresh, warm them briefly in a low oven before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other nuts instead of hazelnuts?

Yes, almonds, pecans, or walnuts work well with this recipe and can be prepared using the same steps.

What is the purpose of soaking the hazelnuts in water?

Soaking helps the sugar and spice mixture stick better to the nuts and makes it easier to remove loose skins after roasting.

Candied Hazelnuts with Spicy Cinnamon and Cayenne Recipe

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4.5 from 99 reviews

• Author: Simon
• Total Time: 42 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 1 cup 1x

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Description

These candied hazelnuts offer a delightful combination of sweet, spicy, and salty flavors with a crunchy texture, making them a perfect snack or topping for desserts and salads.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Hazelnuts

• 1 cup hazelnuts

Spice and Sugar Mix

• 1/2 cup confectioners sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon Kosher salt

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for roasting the hazelnuts.
2. Roast the hazelnuts: Place 1 cup of hazelnuts in an oven-safe dish and roast them for 20 minutes. Once roasted, transfer them to a clean kitchen towel and rub to remove as much of the hazelnut skins as possible to avoid bitterness.
3. Soak and drain: Put the peeled hazelnuts in a bowl and cover them with water briefly to help remove any remaining skins. Then transfer them to a sieve and shake off the water thoroughly.
4. Prepare the coating mixture: In a separate bowl, combine 1/2 cup confectioners sugar, 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1 teaspoon Kosher salt to create a flavorful and balanced coating.
5. Coat the hazelnuts: Add the drained hazelnuts to the sugar and spice mixture, tossing them until evenly coated. Then transfer the nuts back to a sieve and shake off the excess sugar mixture to prevent clumping.
6. Bake the coated hazelnuts: Spread the coated hazelnuts evenly on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Bake them in the oven for 10 to 12 minutes, watching carefully until the sugar caramelizes lightly and the nuts turn golden and fragrant.

Notes

• Removing the skins from hazelnuts improves flavor and texture by reducing bitterness.
• Be cautious not to overbake during the final caramelizing step to avoid burning the sugar.
• These candied hazelnuts make excellent toppings for salads, ice cream, or can be enjoyed as a snack.
• Store in an airtight container to maintain crunchiness for up to 2 weeks.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 32 minutes
• Category: Snack
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: candied hazelnuts, roasted hazelnuts, spiced nuts, sweet and spicy snack, caramelized hazelnuts