Name: Maple Cinnamon Almonds Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1.5 cup raw whole almonds; 1/3 cup pure maple syrup; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

The warm, sweet aroma of cinnamon and maple syrup toasting on crunchy almonds is simply irresistible. This Maple Cinnamon Almonds Recipe is a delightful snack that's as easy to make as it is delicious—perfect for cozy afternoons or gifting during the holidays.

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 Almonds Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Maple Cinnamon Almonds Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Maple Cinnamon Almonds Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made countless candied nut recipes, but the magic of this Maple Cinnamon Almonds Recipe lies in its simplicity and natural sweetness. No refined sugars here—just pure maple syrup coating crunchy almonds with a cozy sprinkle of cinnamon that’s impossible to resist.

Natural Sweetener: Using pure maple syrup gives these almonds a rich, caramel-like sweetness without the heaviness of processed sugar.
Quick & Easy: You can whip this snack up in about 20 minutes, no fancy equipment needed—just a skillet and some patience.
Perfect Crunch: The almonds toast just right, ending up crunchy with a delicate coating that isn’t sticky or clumpy.
Versatile Snack: Great on its own, tossed in salads, or sprinkled on desserts for a satisfying texture and flavor boost.

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

Each ingredient in this Maple Cinnamon Almonds Recipe has its role for delivering that perfect blend of sweet, spicy, and crunchy goodness. Selecting quality ingredients makes a big difference, so here’s why I use what I do.

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 absorb the flavor coating without losing crunch. Fresh almonds give the best results, so check the freshness date when you buy.
Pure maple syrup: Adds natural, gentle sweetness with a subtle caramel depth unlike granulated sugar or honey. Look for 100% pure maple syrup for the real deal.
Ground cinnamon: This warm spice complements maple wonderfully and adds an inviting aroma to the almonds as they cook.
Kosher salt: Just a pinch balances the sweetness and deepens the overall flavor profile. I never skip the salt—it wakes everything up.

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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 to keep this recipe classic, but it’s also a fantastic base for your own spin. Feel free to adjust to your taste or dietary needs—it's super forgiving.

Variation: Add a pinch of ground nutmeg or cayenne for a warm or spicy kick—I’ve tried both, and it adds an unexpected but delightful twist.
Dietary Tip: This recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it an easy snack to share with friends with dietary restrictions.
Sweetness Level: If you prefer a less sweet treat, just reduce the maple syrup slightly; the almonds still get that nice coating without overwhelming sweetness.
Nut Swap: Don’t just stop at almonds—try pecans, walnuts, or cashews with the same maple-cinnamon coating for fun variations.

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

Step 1: Mix the Maple and Spices

Start by combining the maple syrup, almonds, ground cinnamon, and kosher salt in a large nonstick skillet. Stir gently until every almond is evenly coated. This step is the foundation—you want the almonds to bathe in that sweet-spiced syrup for the best flavor.

Step 2: Toast and Stir

Place the skillet over medium heat and keep stirring the almonds for about 10-12 minutes. The syrup will thicken, then evaporate, leaving behind a delicate, powdery coating. Watch closely so the almonds don’t burn—if the pan gets too hot, lower the heat. You’ll know it’s done when the almonds smell toasty and cinnamon-rich with no wet spots left in the pan.

Step 3: Spread and Cool

Quickly transfer the almonds to a parchment-lined baking sheet, spreading them out evenly. Resist the urge to dig in right away! Let them cool completely to set the coating and allow the nuts to crisp up. This cooling step is crucial for that satisfying crunch.

Step 4: Enjoy or Store

Once cooled, your maple cinnamon almonds are ready to enjoy immediately or store. They keep great in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze them if you want to keep them longer—more on storage below.

Top Tip

After making this Maple Cinnamon Almonds Recipe a dozen times, I’ve found a few tips that really guarantee success and keep you from ending up with sticky or burnt nuts.

Use Medium Heat: Cooking on medium heat allows the syrup to thicken slowly without burning the almonds or rushing the process.
Keep Stirring: Frequent stirring avoids clumping and uneven toasting—plus, it helps you catch the moment when the coating turns powdery.
Don’t Skip Cooling: Letting the almonds cool completely on parchment ensures a crisp texture that’s much more enjoyable than warm, soft nuts.
Use Nonstick Skillet: This prevents the coating from sticking and burning on the pan—a regular skillet works too, but nonstick saves hassle.

How to Serve Maple Cinnamon Almonds Recipe

maple cinnamon almonds - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually serve these almonds plain because the maple and cinnamon flavors shine on their own, but sometimes I sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top right after cooking for that extra punch. Adding a dusting of powdered sugar can feel festive too, especially for holiday gatherings.

Side Dishes

These almonds pair wonderfully with a cheese board—sharp cheddar or creamy brie work great. I also toss a handful into salads for crunch and subtly sweet notes, or scatter them on top of oatmeal or yogurt bowls for an upgraded breakfast experience.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I like to serve the almonds in small glass jars tied with twine and a handwritten tag as gifts. Or, layer them with dried fruits and chocolate chips in a pretty bowl for a custom trail mix. They also look lovely sprinkled around dessert platters for extra texture and flavor!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep my leftover Maple Cinnamon Almonds in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay crisp and flavorful for about a week—perfect for keeping around your desk for quick snacks.

Freezing

Freezing works surprisingly well! I store them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, and when I pull them out later, they thaw quickly at room temperature without losing their crunch or flavor.

Reheating

If you want to freshen up the crunch after storage, pop the almonds in a warm oven (about 300°F/150°C) for 5 minutes—just keep an eye on them so they don’t burn. This little reheat brings back that toasty aroma and crisp texture perfectly.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

Absolutely! Pecans, walnuts, cashews, and even pecans work beautifully with maple syrup and cinnamon. Just follow the same toasting instructions and keep an eye on them as different nuts may toast at slightly different rates.

How do I prevent the maple syrup from making the almonds sticky?

Stirring constantly over medium heat allows the syrup to evaporate properly and form a thin, powdery coating rather than a sticky glaze. Also, spreading the almonds out on parchment to cool helps the coating set and crisp up.

Can I make this recipe sugar-free or use a sugar substitute?

This recipe relies on maple syrup for that signature flavor and sticky coating. While you can experiment with sugar substitutes, the texture and taste might differ significantly. Using a pure maple syrup alternative that is low sugar might work, but expect different results.

What’s the best way to store these almonds to keep them fresh?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to keep crisp. For longer storage, freeze in a sealed container for up to two months. Avoid storing in a humid environment to prevent sogginess.

Final Thoughts

This Maple Cinnamon Almonds Recipe is one of those simple pleasures that always brightens my day. Whether you’re snacking solo, gifting friends, or jazzing up a meal, these almonds bring a little cozy magic to whatever you pair them with. I hope you enjoy making and sharing them as much as I do—happy snacking!