As I pulled off the lid of my trusty crockpot, a delightful wave of warm cinnamon enveloped my kitchen—a true sensory wonder. Today, I’m excited to share my recipe for Crockpot Cinnamon Almonds, a sweet snack that transforms simple almonds into irresistible, crunchy treasures. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort, you can whip up a treat that’s perfect for heartwarming gatherings or as a thoughtful homemade gift. Not only do these almonds fill your home with cozy aromas, but they also offer a healthier alternative to store-bought snacks that are often laden with preservatives. Imagine the satisfaction of indulging in a delicious, guilt-free treat! Are you ready to elevate your snacking game? Let’s dive into this simple recipe!
Why are Crockpot Cinnamon Almonds a Must-Try?
Irresistible Aroma: The warm scent of cinnamon wafting through your home makes this recipe a delightful experience that everyone will adore.
Effortless Preparation: With just a few ingredients and your trusty crockpot, you can create a gourmet snack without breaking a sweat.
Perfect for Gifting: These almonds make thoughtful homemade gifts perfectly packaged for holidays, ensuring every bite brings joy to your loved ones.
Versatile Use: Enjoy them as a snack, sprinkle over salads, or use as toppings for desserts—these almonds elevate any dish! For another hassle-free recipe, check out my Chicken Enchilada Crockpot for a full meal experience.
Healthier Choice: Packed with protein, healthy fats, and fiber, these crunchy treats satisfy your sweet tooth while supporting your health.
Crockpot Cinnamon Almonds Ingredients
For the Almonds
• Almonds – Raw almonds provide a crunchy texture and healthy fats, making them the star of this recipe.
• Egg White – Coats the almonds to help the sugar mixture adhere; you can substitute with egg white powder if preferred.
For the Coating
• Granulated Sugar – Adds that essential sweetness and creates a delicious glaze; feel free to swap for coconut sugar for a less refined option.
• Ground Cinnamon – This aromatic spice gives these almonds their signature flavor; consider using pumpkin spice for a seasonal twist.
For Final Glaze
• Water – Added during the last 30 minutes to create a thick, glossy coating; omit if you prefer a less sticky finish.
With these simple ingredients, you can enjoy making your Crockpot Cinnamon Almonds, a sweet snack that delights everyone!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Crockpot Cinnamon Almonds
Step 1: Prep Almonds
Begin by whisking the egg whites in a large mixing bowl until they become frothy—this should take about 1–2 minutes. Add the raw almonds to the bowl, ensuring they are fully coated in the egg whites. This step is essential for the sugar mixture to adhere well when we prepare our delicious Crockpot Cinnamon Almonds.
Step 2: Mix Coating
In a separate bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon thoroughly. Pour this sweet mixture over the egg-white-coated almonds, tossing gently until every nut is evenly covered. You want to see a nice, even coating of the cinnamon sugar, ensuring that each bite of your Crockpot Cinnamon Almonds is bursting with flavor.
Step 3: Slow Cook
Transfer the coated almond mixture into your crockpot, spreading them out evenly for even cooking. Cover the crockpot and set it to low heat. Allow the almonds to cook for 3 to 4 hours, stirring gently every 20 to 30 minutes. This will help prevent burning while ensuring that the almonds are nicely toasted and thoroughly coated.
Step 4: Final Glaze
With about 30 minutes left on the cooking timer, add a small amount of water to the crockpot. This will create a glossy final coating on the almonds. Stir well to combine and ensure all almonds are evenly coated. This step enhances the crunchiness and sweetness of your Crockpot Cinnamon Almonds.
Step 5: Cool
Once the cooking time is complete, carefully remove the almonds from the crockpot and spread them out on a sheet of parchment paper. Let them cool completely at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This cooling process is crucial to achieving the perfect crunch that makes these Crockpot Cinnamon Almonds so delightful.
What to Serve with Crockpot Cinnamon Almonds?
These delightful almonds are not just a snack but also an opportunity to create a feast of flavors that will warm your heart and satisfy every craving.
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Creamy Yogurt Parfait: Layer these almonds in Greek yogurt with fresh fruits for a delicious breakfast or snack, offering a crunchy contrast to the smooth yogurt.
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Warm Spiced Cider: Serve a mug of hot spiced apple cider alongside these almonds for a cozy pairing that highlights the warm cinnamon flavor, perfect for chilly evenings.
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Mixed Green Salad: Toss these almonds into a mixed salad with crisp apples and tangy cheese to add a delightful sweetness and satisfying crunch to every bite.
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Chocolate Drizzle Popcorn: Create a sweet and salty popcorn mix with a drizzle of chocolate to enhance the decadent flavors of the Crockpot Cinnamon Almonds, making for a perfect movie night treat.
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Cheese Board: Incorporate these almonds on a cheese platter alongside soft cheeses and fruit preserves; the cinnamon-infused sweetness beautifully complements the creamy cheese.
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Coffee or Hot Chocolate: Pair with a steaming cup of coffee or rich hot chocolate for a delightful afternoon boost, as the flavors dance together beautifully.
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Ice Cream Topping: Add these crunchy almonds over vanilla ice cream for a simple yet sophisticated dessert that adds texture and flavors, promising a sweet ending to your meal.
Expert Tips for Crockpot Cinnamon Almonds
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Stirring Secrets: Remember to stir the almonds every 20-30 minutes. This helps prevent burning and ensures an even coating of flavor throughout your Crockpot Cinnamon Almonds.
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Cooling Crucial: After cooking, allow the almonds to cool on parchment paper. This step is vital for reaching maximum crunchiness, giving you that perfect bite.
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Storage Smarts: To keep your almonds fresh and crunchy, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Proper storage can extend their delicious life for up to two weeks.
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Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet treat, feel free to decrease the amount of granulated sugar or substitute with coconut sugar for a healthier option.
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Flavor Variations: Play with different spices! Substitute ground cinnamon with pumpkin spice for a delightful seasonal twist that adds a whole new dimension to your Crockpot Cinnamon Almonds.
Crockpot Cinnamon Almonds Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to personalize your delicious Crockpot Cinnamon Almonds with these creative twists!
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Nut Swap: Replace almonds with pecans or walnuts for a different nutty delight. Each nut brings its unique flavor profile—try pecans for a buttery richness!
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Egg-Free Version: Use aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas) instead of egg whites for a vegan-friendly alternative. This magic ingredient will help the sugar stick just as well!
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Coconut Sweetness: Substitute granulated sugar with coconut sugar for a less refined option that still delivers a sweet glaze. You’ll enjoy a hint of caramel-like flavor!
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a surprising kick that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of cinnamon. This twist will elevate the flavor experience!
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Seasonal Spice: Swap ground cinnamon with pumpkin spice mix for a festive feel around the holidays. The sweet and warm aromas will wrap your kitchen in bliss.
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Crunch Boost: Toss in some sesame seeds or sunflower seeds along with the almonds for added texture. These crunchy little additions offer delightful contrast in every bite.
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Salted Variation: Sprinkle a touch of sea salt over your finished almonds for a sweet-and-salty combination that enhances the overall flavor. The balance will keep you reaching for more!
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Chocolate Drizzle: Once cooled, drizzle some melted dark chocolate over your almonds for a decadent treat. This indulgent touch brings chocolate lovers to the table!
For a complete meal to accompany your almonds, don’t miss my easy Chicken Enchilada Crockpot recipe that’s perfect for gatherings. Happy cooking!
Make Ahead Options
These Crockpot Cinnamon Almonds are ideal for meal prep, perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time. You can prepare the almond mixture (egg white-coated almonds and cinnamon sugar coating) up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. For best results, keep them in an airtight container to maintain freshness. When ready to cook, simply transfer the mixture to your crockpot and follow the cooking instructions as usual. Adding water during the last 30 minutes ensures that your almonds will develop that delightful glossy coating, making them just as delicious as if you made them fresh that day!
How to Store and Freeze Crockpot Cinnamon Almonds
Airtight Container: Store your cooled Crockpot Cinnamon Almonds in an airtight container to maintain their crunch and freshness. They can last up to 2 weeks at room temperature.
Refrigeration: If you prefer, you can also refrigerate the almonds in an airtight container, where they will stay fresh for about 3 weeks, but the texture may slightly change.
Freezing Tips: For longer storage, freeze the almonds in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to 3 months—simply allow them to thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating: If the almond coating loses its crunch after refrigeration or freezing, spread them on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes.
Crockpot Cinnamon Almonds Recipe FAQs
What kind of almonds should I use for Crockpot Cinnamon Almonds?
Absolutely! For the best results, I recommend using raw almonds, as they provide the perfect crunchy texture and healthy fats. Roasted almonds can become too hard during the cooking process, so stick with raw for these delicious treats!
How should I store my Crockpot Cinnamon Almonds?
To keep your crunchy delights fresh, store your cooled Crockpot Cinnamon Almonds in an airtight container at room temperature. This will maintain their crunch for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, consider refrigerating them, where they’ll stay fresh for about 3 weeks—but be aware that the texture may change slightly.
Can I freeze Crockpot Cinnamon Almonds?
Yes, indeed! For up to 3 months of deliciousness, freeze your Crockpot Cinnamon Almonds in a freezer-safe bag. Be sure to remove as much air as possible. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature. If they’ve lost some crunch, spread them on a baking sheet and reheat in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes.
What if my almonds aren’t getting crispy enough?
Very good question! If your Crockpot Cinnamon Almonds are not crunchy enough, make sure that you’re stirring every 20-30 minutes during the cooking process to promote even cooking. Additionally, the final cooling on parchment paper is crucial—this step allows moisture to escape, ensuring that your almonds reach that perfect level of crispness.
Are there any allergies or dietary considerations I should be aware of?
Absolutely! If anyone in your household has nut allergies, be cautious as these almonds can pose a risk. For those needing egg-free options, you can substitute egg whites with egg white powder or a flaxseed gel (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water mixed and allowed to sit for a few minutes). Always double-check ingredients to accommodate dietary restrictions effectively.
How can I personalize my Crockpot Cinnamon Almonds?
Very easily! You can swap out the almonds for pecans or walnuts for a delightful twist. Adding a pinch of sea salt to the sugar mixture enhances the sweetness and flavor complexity. Additionally, consider incorporating different spices, such as pumpkin spice, for a festive touch during the holidays!
Crockpot Cinnamon Almonds: Irresistibly Sweet & Easy Snack
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Whisk the egg whites in a large mixing bowl until frothy, about 1–2 minutes. Add the raw almonds and coat well.
- In a separate bowl, mix the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Pour this over the egg-white-coated almonds and toss gently.
- Transfer the almond mixture into the crockpot, spreading them evenly. Cover and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours, stirring every 20 to 30 minutes.
- Add the water to the crockpot with about 30 minutes left, stirring to ensure all almonds are evenly coated.
- Once done, remove the almonds and spread them on parchment paper to cool completely for about 30 minutes.
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