If you can resist eating them all before packaging them, these sweet & salty Maple Cinnamon Roasted Cashews make fantastic holiday or hostess gifts!
Roasted cashews - okay, all roasted nuts - have always been a favorite in my family, ever since I was a kid. Every year, without fail, we gave my grandfather a box of his favorite roasted nuts on his birthday. And there was always (always!) a bowl of them set out when we entertained.
Perfect for nibbling while sipping on your pre-dinner cocktail or glass of wine. Back in the day, they went equally well with Shirley Temples!
These easy roasted nuts are sweetened with maple syrup and spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice and a pinch of salt. A lovely mix of sweet and salty.
Wrap them for easy holiday gifts (more ideas for that later) or keep them all to yourself to snack on or toss into salads. These cashews, my homemade flavored salts and Maple Pistachios Granola are some of my favorite food gift ideas. Try my Maple Pecans for another variation, or mix the cashews and pecans together.
How to roast cashews:
Roasting cashews at home truly couldn't be easier!
Start by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper, which makes cleaning a lot easier when sticky maple syrup is involved.
For these maple syrup cashews, melt the coconut oil, maple syrup and the spices in a microwave-safe bowl. It takes about 30 seconds on HIGH in the microwave. Stir well to blend the spices into the maple syrup.
Toss the cashews and the maple syrup mixture together in a bowl. Then spread them onto the prepared baking sheet. Grab a rubber spatula and scrape out all of the maple syrup, drizzling it over the nuts. You don't want to miss a drop! Spread the nuts into a single layer.
The nuts need just 15 minutes or so in a 350 degrees F oven. Give them a stir every 5 minutes so that they warm evenly.
Watch them carefully in the last 5 minutes to make sure the nuts don't burn!
Let the cashews cool on the baking sheet before serving or storing.
Can I leave out the allspice?
If you don't have ground allspice on hand, there's no need to dash to the store. While the allspice does add a nice background flavor to the cinnamon and nutmeg, it's not essential.
How to store roasted nuts:
You have a few options. I like to store roasted nuts in canning jars, such as these wide mouth ones (affiliate link).
Glass or plastic food storage containers or even resealable freezer bags will also do the trick.
DON'T FORGET! Be sure the nuts are completely cool before transferring to a storage container. If they are still warm when you seal them up, they will soften rather than maintaining their crunch.
How long do roasted cashews last?
In cool weather, the cashews should last 4 to 5 days on the counter if sealed properly. In warm weather, I don't suggesting leaving them out (sealed) for more than 2 to 3 days.
Roasted nuts can also be store in the refrigerator or freezer. They should last 3 to 4 weeks in the fridge and up to 3 months in the freezer (be sure the container is freezer-friendly).
How do you package nuts for gifts?
Cellophane gift bags: Scoop the nuts into the bags, then tie with colorful twine. Alternatively, roll down the top of the bag, then seal it with a seasonal or personalized sticker.
Mason jars: There are so many types and shapes of mason jars that are ideal for gift giving. Use small 7 ounce jars (affiliate link) when you want to give out "just a little something" or opt for something bigger, like these tulip jars. Tie with some colored raffia or twine, and attach a gift tag.
If you're not giving out the nuts for a few days, be sure to refrigerator them.
Other food gift ideas:
How to Make Flavored Salts {Cookin' Canuck}
Maple Pisatchio Granola {Cookin' Canuck}
Olives, Kicked Up a Notch {The Healthy Foodie}
Lemon Infused Olive Oil {Cooking with Mamma C}
Printable Recipe
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Maple Cinnamon Roasted Cashews
Ingredients
- 1 pound raw cashews
- 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground allspice (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon (slightly rounded) kosher salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and place the oven rack in the middle of the oven. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place the cashews in a large bowl.
- In a medium microwave-safe bowl, combine the maple syrup, coconut oil, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice and salt. Melt on HIGH in the microwave, about 30 seconds, stirring to combine.
- Pour the maple syrup mixture over the cashews. Toss to coat.
- Transfer the cashews to the prepared baking sheet. Scrape any extra maple syrup mixture out of the bowl with a spatula and stir into the cashews. Spread the cashews in a single layer.
- Roast for 15 minutes, stirring the cashews every 5 minutes. Watch carefully in the last 5 minutes to ensure that they don’t burn.
- Allow the cashews to cool on the baking sheet. Some of them may stick together. Break them apart, if desired.
- Once the cashews are completely cooled, transfer to an airtight container.
Notes
Nutrition
Disclosure: I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
Stephanie White
Delicious!
Jacquie
Just made and I say wonderful! Not to sweet, not to salty they are just right. And easy. Just as a side note I used refined coconut oil rather than unrefined. Don't know the difference, but my nuts tasted great.