Handcrafted Holiday: Part 2 – Sweet, Spiced, and Shelved for Love

The holidays are a time to slow down and savor the joy of giving. But let’s be real: as a homesteading mom, “slow down” often feels like a luxury. Between homeschooling, meal prep, and tending to the chickens, the idea of crafting beautiful gifts can feel daunting. That’s why I’m here to share a simple, flavorful, and heartfelt idea: homemade candied nuts.

These treats check all the boxes—they’re affordable, delicious, easy to make, and shelf-stable for weeks. Whether you’re looking for a stand-alone gift or something to complement a curated collection of thrifted or handcrafted treasures, candied nuts bring a touch of gourmet elegance without breaking the bank.

Sweet Simplicity for the Season

The beauty of handmade gifts is that they embody the spirit of the holidays—thoughtfulness, warmth, and love. Candied nuts are a perfect example of this. They’re easy to make, budget-friendly, and brimming with festive flavors that feel special without being complicated.

Whether you’re creating gifts for teachers, neighbours, or loved ones, these nuts are versatile enough to suit anyone. Packaged in a simple mason jar or a thrifted tin and paired with other handmade or carefully chosen items, they transform into gifts that delight the senses. Best of all, these treats are shelf-stable for weeks, making them ideal for busy moms who want to plan ahead.

Candied nuts are more than a snack—they’re a heartfelt gesture that shows you care. And during the holiday season, there’s nothing more meaningful than giving something made with your own two hands.

Your Turn to Craft

Here are five holiday-inspired candied nut recipes, each featuring a different nut type. These recipes are simple, flavorful, and perfect for gifting or snacking, with shelf-stable results for at least 2–3 weeks if stored in an airtight container. Choose from one of these or make them all:

1. Cinnamon Sugar Pecans
2. Maple Rosemary Walnuts
3. Spiced Honey Almonds
4. Cranberry Orange Cashews
5. Peppermint Cocoa Hazelnuts

1. Cinnamon Sugar Pecans

Ingredients:

• 2 cups pecan halves
• 1 egg white
• 1 tbsp water
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk egg white and water until frothy. Toss in pecans to coat evenly.
3. In a separate bowl, combine sugars, cinnamon, and salt. Sprinkle over pecans and mix.
4. Spread pecans in a single layer on the baking sheet.
5. Bake for 40 minutes, stirring halfway through. Cool completely before storing.

2. Maple Rosemary Walnuts

Ingredients:

• 2 cups walnut halves
• ¼ cup pure maple syrup
• 1 tsp chopped fresh rosemary
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Toss walnuts with maple syrup, rosemary, cinnamon, and salt.
3. Spread on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
4. Bake for 20–25 minutes, stirring once, until glossy and fragrant.
5. Let cool completely; they’ll crisp up as they cool.

3. Spiced Honey Almonds

Ingredients:

• 2 cups raw almonds
• 3 tbsp honey
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg
• ½ tsp salt

Instructions:

1. Melt honey and butter in a skillet over medium heat. Stir in vanilla, ginger, nutmeg, and salt.
2. Add almonds and toss to coat.
3. Transfer almonds to a parchment-lined baking sheet, spreading them out.
4. Bake at 300°F (150°C) for 20 minutes, stirring halfway.
5. Cool completely; separate almonds if they stick together.

4. Cranberry Orange Cashews

Ingredients:

• 2 cups raw cashews
• 2 tbsp orange juice
• 1 tbsp orange zest
• ¼ cup dried cranberries, chopped
• 3 tbsp granulated sugar
• ¼ tsp ground cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Toss cashews with orange juice, orange zest, cranberries, sugar, and cinnamon.
3. Spread cashews on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake for 15–20 minutes, stirring once, until lightly caramelized.
5. Cool completely before transferring to storage containers.

5. Peppermint Cocoa Hazelnuts

Ingredients:

• 2 cups hazelnuts
• ¼ cup cocoa powder
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp peppermint extract
• 1 egg white

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk egg white until frothy, then stir in peppermint extract. Add hazelnuts and toss to coat.
3. In a separate bowl, mix cocoa powder and powdered sugar. Coat hazelnuts in the mixture.
4. Spread hazelnuts evenly on the baking sheet.
5. Bake for 30–35 minutes, stirring halfway through. Let cool completely to crisp up.

Crafting the Perfect Gift

Candied nuts are incredibly versatile. Here are a few ideas to elevate them into complete gift sets:

1. For the Coffee Lover: Pair a jar of Peppermint Cocoa Hazelnuts with a thrifted mug, a small bag of coffee beans, and a handwritten note on how to enjoy them as a sweet topping for a latte.
2. For the Cozy Enthusiast: Add a jar of Spiced Honey Almonds to a bundle of homemade beeswax candles and a cozy thrifted throw.
3. For the Foodie: Create a charcuterie-themed gift with Maple Rosemary Walnuts, a thrifted wooden board, and a small jar of local honey.
4. For the Traditionalist: Pair Cinnamon Sugar Pecans with a mason jar of homemade pancake mix and a thrifted spatula.

These combinations transform a simple jar of candied nuts into something extraordinary—proof that you don’t need to spend a fortune to create a gift that feels priceless.

Your Turn to Craft

Now that you have the recipes and the inspiration, it’s time to get started. Choose one (or all!) of the five recipes I’ve shared and let your creativity shine. Remember, the beauty of handcrafted holidays lies in their imperfections and the heart behind them.

Wrap your candied nuts in clear cellophane bags tied with twine, or nestle them into small mason jars. Attach a handwritten label or a sprig of greenery for an extra festive touch.

When your loved ones open these gifts, they won’t just taste the sweetness of spiced pecans or honey almonds. They’ll taste the love, effort, and intention that went into every bite.

So, what are you waiting for? Roll up your sleeves, preheat the oven, and let’s make this holiday season as sweet as the memories you’re about to create.

Here’s to simple, meaningful, handcrafted holidays!