Sweet, crunchy, and full of citrusy brightness, these Honey Orange Glazed Almonds make an irresistible snack or homemade gift. Whole almonds are coated in a buttery honey glaze, cooked until caramelized, then finished with fresh orange zest for a fragrant twist. Perfect for holiday treats, party nibbles, or a simple everyday indulgence.
INGREDIENTS:
1 tablespoon butter
3/4 cup honey
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups whole natural almonds
1 tablespoon fresh grated orange zest
METHOD:
Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease the paper. Set aside.
In a large nonstick skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the honey and salt, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil.
Add almonds to the skillet and cook, stirring constantly, for 10–12 minutes, or until the honey darkens to a rich caramel color and thickly coats the nuts.
Stir in the orange zest, then immediately spread the almonds in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Use a spatula to separate clumps.
Let the almonds cool completely, then break apart any clusters. Store in an airtight container.
YIELD: 2 cups
VARIATION:
For a festive holiday twist, add 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon or 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom to the honey mixture while it cooks. The warm spices pair beautifully with the orange zest, giving the almonds a cozy holiday flavor. For extra sparkle, sprinkle the glazed almonds lightly with sanding sugar right after spreading them on the baking sheet.
