Orange Candied Almonds Citrus

Orange Candied Almonds are the ultimate sweet snack that looks just as stunning wrapped up as a gift as it does sprinkled on salads or nibbled on right out of the jar. The zing from fresh orange zest lifts the classic candied almond to something a little extra, and I love making these for the holidays or just when I want to brighten up a winter day. If you crave something crunchy, toasty, and unexpectedly citrusy, this recipe is for you.

These almonds started as a festive snack for our family movie nights and ended up a go to whenever I need a homemade gift or a quick treat with coffee.

Ingredients

• White granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and a crisp coating Choose fine white sugar for even melting
• Brown sugar: Provides caramel notes and extra depth Opt for soft, fresh packed sugar for best texture
• Salt: Brightens and balances all the flavors Use flaky sea salt if available for even seasoning
• Zest from one orange: Gives a punch of freshness and visual appeal Choose an unwaxed, firm orange for the boldest zest
• Egg white: Binds all ingredients and creates the signature candy shell Make sure it is fresh and at room temperature for better frothing
• Fresh orange juice: Boosts natural citrus flavor Choose juice squeezed moments before using for best aroma
• Raw almonds: Offers crunch and roasty flavor Pick plump and uniform nuts without any splits or bruises

Instructions

Prep the Oven and Baking Tray:

Preheat your oven to 250 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with a generous amount of foil or parchment paper making sure the corners do not curl up. The right tray set up means cleanup is quick and sugars will not stick or burn

Mix the Dry Ingredients:

Combine the white sugar brown sugar salt and orange zest in a medium bowl. Stir this well so the zest is evenly distributed and you smell a lovely citrus cloud. Set aside

Whip Egg White and Juice:

In a large mixing bowl whisk the egg white vigorously until it turns foamy and holds soft peaks usually about one minute. Once it is airy whisk in the orange juice which will thin it a bit

Coat the Almonds:

Add raw almonds to the foamy egg mixture and toss thoroughly to ensure every almond glistens with the froth. Be patient and toss well this moisture helps the sugars and zest stick evenly

Sugar the Almonds:

Dump the almond mixture into your bowl of combined sugars. Mix with a wide spatula making sure every almond gets a generous coat of the citrus sugar mixture. Do not rush this step or you risk uneven flavor

Arrange on Tray:

Spread the coated almonds in a single layer on your lined baking sheet. Space them out so there are no huge clumps which can cause sticky messes rather than crisp results

Bake and Stir:

Bake the almonds on the center rack for one hour. Every twenty minutes open the oven and give the nuts a gentle stir to make sure they roast evenly and the sugar does not form hard clumps

Cool Completely:

Once baked let the almonds cool right on the tray until absolutely crisp and dry. This cooling stage is key for the crunch and prevents them from sticking in storage

Fresh orange zest is my favorite part because it cuts through all the sweetness and makes the almonds feel so special. One December my daughter and I made these together to fill mason jars for the neighbors and her giggling every time the orange zest cloud burst from the bowl is now a cherished holiday memory.

Storage Tips

Let the candied almonds cool completely before sealing them in an airtight container. If they feel a bit tacky after storage just pop on a tray in a warm oven for a few minutes to recrisp. A cool dark pantry is best for storing up to two weeks but you can freeze them snug in a zip top bag for up to three months with no loss of crunch

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have brown sugar just use all white sugar with an extra pinch of salt for balance. Pecans or cashews work instead of almonds but make sure they are raw and unsalted. If you want to try a different citrus lemon zest gives a fresh tangy bite

Serving Suggestions

Pile the almonds in glass jars or cello bags and tie with ribbon for quick edible gifts. Chop roughly for tossing onto green salads or granola bowls. They are also wonderful crumbled over vanilla ice cream for an easy dessert

Cultural Context

Candied nuts are a classic market snack around the world but adding orange zest gives them a sunny California twist. In my family the citrus ties in memories of winter holidays when oranges fill supermarket carts and every treat has a hint of zest

Seasonal Adaptations

You can swap in lemon or blood orange zest for a different winter citrus flavor Try adding a tiny pinch of cinnamon or cardamom to the sugar mix for warmer notes Roast double the batch but keep them spaced out so they crisp and do not steam

Success Stories

A friend once included these almonds in a care package for her college student and now all her daughter’s roommates request a holiday jar. I have heard from several readers that these are more popular than cookies at exchange parties

Freezer Meal Conversion

Let the almonds cool and then freeze flat in a single layer in a freezer bag. They thaw quickly and stay fresh for months making them perfect for stashing in advance or even shipping cross country

These almonds are beautiful for gifting or savory snacking, and the citrus twist makes them stand out at any time of year. Enjoy creating a jarful of sunshine in your own kitchen!

Common Recipe Questions

→ How do I prevent the almonds from sticking together?

Stir the almonds every 20 minutes while baking and spread them in an even layer to promote even coating and prevent clustering.

→ Can I use parchment paper instead of foil?

It's recommended to use foil, as sugars can stick to parchment or silicone. Foil allows for easier removal and cleanup.

→ How can I store the finished almonds?

Allow almonds to cool completely, then store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place for up to two weeks.

→ Can these be frozen for longer storage?

Yes, once cooled, place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

→ Is it possible to double or triple the batch?

Absolutely. Roast in batches if needed and leave space between almonds to ensure thorough, even baking.