Homemade Spiced Roasted Nuts (for Holiday Gifts) (2024)

I can’t wait to share one of my favorite snack recipes with you today – Savory Spiced Christmas Roasted Nuts. I love to eat them and to give them away!

These crunchy delights aren’t just any regular roasted nuts. They’re perfectly spiced, utterly irresistible, and so much fun to share.

Whether you’re hosting a gathering, looking for healthy snacks, or hunting down that perfect gift for a loved one, this recipe is going to be a big hit.

I’ve always loved giving gifts of food during the holidays. Since I had Lily, that tradition has taken on new meaning.

​This girl loves to give gifts. Whether it’s to our family members or to our neighbors, she’s always looking for ways to share with other people.

So, I like to look for ways to provide her with those gifts. Enter these roasted nuts! Not only are these a fun gift, but they also provide a fun way to make the gift right at home.

​My girl loves getting up onto the counter (yeah, I’ve given up trying to keep her off, lol) and helping me whip up a batch of these nuts. Make sure you get the kids involved in your own home. They’ll never forget it.

So, between the wonderful spicy flavor and the gift giving opportunity, these roasted nuts are a star. I promise you’re in for a treat!

Some of our other favorite holiday recipes we have on our site include: Christmas Jello Salad, Christmas Sandwich Cookies, and Christmas Trail Mix.

WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS:

1. Simple and Quick: It’s incredibly easy to make and takes very little time. We’re tossing them together with our spices and baking them for just a bit. Easy peasy!
2. Healthy Snacking: Nuts are packed with good fats and proteins, making them an excellent snack choice. The spices we’re using also have their own health benefits!
3. Perfect for Gifting: Put them in a gift box or gift tin, and you’ve got the best homemade gifts ready! I love the gift wrapping part just as much as I love baking them. It’s a big reason I look forward to the Christmas season every year.

INGREDIENTS NEEDED (SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST FOR THE FULL RECIPE CARD):

• Raw almonds
• Raw cashews
• Olive oil
• Chili powder
• Garlic powder
• Curry powder
• Crushed black pepper
• Salt

HOW TO MAKE ROASTED NUTS:

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F.
2. Mix the nuts in a big bowl. Add the oil and spices and stir well to combine.
3. Spread the nuts in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 15-18 minutes, stirring it well at 10-minute mark.The nuts should be browned but not burnt.
4. Let the nuts cool before transferring to an airtight container for storage.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS RECIPE:

CAN I USE OTHER NUTS?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix in natural pistachios, walnuts, pecans, or any of your favorite nuts. Most of these will pair wonderfully with the spices we’re using.

Really, the best way to know what works is to try it out. Experience is key with the cooking and baking process.

HOW DO I KNOW WHEN THEY’RE READY?

The nuts will be lightly browned but not burnt, and they will have a pleasant aroma. Always remember to give them a good stir halfway through roasting to ensure even cooking.

Keep an eye on them. The last thing you want is scorched nuts!

ARE THESE GOOD TO GIVE FOR GIFTS?

Yes! These spiced nuts make a thoughtful gift.

Pack them in a nut gift basket or a pretty gift tray, and you have the perfect gift for family members or as an excellent hostess gift.

ANY ADDITIONS?

Though I haven’t tried all of these options, I’m sure someone would love every one of them.

• Drizzle of honey or maple syrup for sweetness.
• Sprinkle of rosemary or thyme for an herby touch.
• A dash of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
• Mix in some dried cranberries or raisins after the nuts have cooled.
• Add sesame seeds or flax seeds for extra crunch.
• Mix in some coconut flakes.
• Add some parmesan cheese for a cheesy touch.
• Toss in some dried orange or lemon zest for a citrusy hint.
• Add a sprinkle of cinnamon for a sweet-spiced flavor.

ANY SUBSTITUTIONS?

Sure thing! I’ve got you covered on the subs, as always. Let me know in the comments if you know of any other options!

• Swap olive oil for coconut oil or melted butter.
• Use sea salt instead of regular salt for a different flavor profile.
• Substitute chili powder with paprika or cayenne pepper (just a little cayenne will do!).
• Replace garlic powder with onion powder.
• Use lemon pepper instead of black pepper for a citrusy kick.
• Instead of curry powder, try some turmeric for a milder spice and beautiful color.

HOW TO STORE:

Refrigerator: Keep them in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.

Freezer: You can freeze roasted nuts for up to 3 months. Just ensure they’re completely cooled before storing.

Roasted Nuts are a wonderful eating and giving experience.They carry the warmth of holiday cheer, the thoughtfulness of a carefully crafted gift, and the sheer joy of biting into something truly delicious.

So this holiday season, spread some joy, one nut at a time. Happy snacking and gifting!

If you’ve tried this ROASTED NUTS, let me know how it turned out in the comments! You can follow me over on PINTEREST, INSTAGRAM OR FACEBOOK to find some more of our mouthwatering recipes!