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Close-up of sweet and spicy macadamia nuts, a gluten-free snack idea.

Sweet and Spicy Macadamia Nuts

These Sweet and Spicy Macadamia Nuts are the perfect mix of crunchy, buttery, and lightly spiced. A simple homemade snack that pairs perfectly with your favourite drink or cheese board.

Course: Snack
Cuisine: International
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 5 1/2 cups
Author: Manuela Zangara

Ingredients

  • 5 ½ cups whole macadamia nuts
  • 2 tbsp maple syrup
  • 2 tbsp butter or vegetable spread – melted
  • 1 ½ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ¼ tsp cayenne pepper – reduce or omit if sensitive to spice
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika

Instructions

  1. Line a large baking tray with baking paper. Set it aside.
  2. In a bowl, combine the maple syrup, melted butter or spread, salt, vanilla, cayenne pepper, and smoked paprika. Whisk gently until well blended.
  3. Add the macadamia nuts and stir until evenly coated.
  4. Pour the mixture onto the prepared baking tray and spread the nuts into a single, even layer.

  5. Bake in a preheated oven at 160°C – 325°F. Stir after the first 10 minutes, then every 5 minutes, until almost no maple syrup remains on the baking paper and the nuts are deeply golden, 20 to 25 minutes in total.

    Note: The coating will be slightly sticky when hot, but will harden as the macadamia nuts cool.

  6. Remove the tray from the oven and stir the nuts once more. Spread them out again in an even layer. Let them cool for about 10 minutes, then, while still warm, gently separate any large clumps.
  7. Let the macadamia nuts cool completely on the tray before eating or storing.

Recipe Notes

Store the macadamia nuts in an airtight container or sealed bag at room temperature for up to 2 months.