Festive Cinnamon Vanilla Iced Almonds

Iced Almonds Recipe

Looking for a delightful and easy treat to give as a gift during the festive season? These Iced Almonds from The Best of Country Cooking 1999 are sure to impress with their elegant appearance and irresistible taste. If you’re a fan of sweet and crunchy snacks, you’ll love these, especially with the added touch of cinnamon for extra flavor. Not only are they a hit with hubby, but they’re also perfect for sharing with friends and family. Ready in just about 10 minutes, this recipe is simple yet scrumptious.

Ingredients

Butter: ¼ cup
Sugar: 2 ½ cups
Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon (optional, but recommended for added flavor)
Vanilla Extract: ¼ teaspoon
Almonds: 1 cup (raw, whole almonds work best)

Instructions

Melt the Butter: In a medium-high heat skillet, melt the butter until it becomes liquid and starts to bubble slightly. This is the base that will help caramelize the almonds and sugar.
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Combine Sugar and Almonds: Add the sugar to the melted butter. Stir well to combine. If you’re using cinnamon, add it here for a hint of spiced warmth. Mix everything together until the sugar is well coated with butter.
Cook the Mixture: Continue stirring constantly for about 10 minutes. You want to keep an eye on the mixture, as the sugar will gradually turn a golden brown. Stirring helps prevent the sugar from burning and ensures it coats the almonds evenly. (If you’re using a smaller burner or lower heat, this process might take closer to 15 minutes, so be patient.)
Add Vanilla Extract: Once the sugar has melted and is golden brown, remove the skillet from heat. Quickly stir in the vanilla extract, which will add a lovely aroma and extra flavor to the almonds.
Form Clusters: Working quickly, drop spoonfuls of the almond mixture onto a greased baking pan. You can form them into clusters or spread them out individually, depending on your preference.
Cool and Enjoy: Allow the almonds to cool completely on the baking pan. As they cool, the sugar coating will harden, giving the almonds a delightful crunch.
Serve or Gift: Once the almonds are cool, they are ready to be enjoyed. These make a great snack or a thoughtful gift. Store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh.