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These Slow Cooker Cinnamon Almonds taste just like the warm candied nuts from the mall! Sweet, crunchy, and spiced with cinnamon, they’re perfect for gifting.

Every year around the holidays, I can’t resist those warm, cinnamon-sugar almonds at the mall. The smell alone is enough to stop me in my tracks, and somehow a little paper cone of those sweet, crunchy nuts always finds its way home with me. They’re nostalgic, cozy, and just the right mix of sweet and spiced.

That’s why I had to figure out how to make them at home, and the slow cooker makes it unbelievably easy. These Slow Cooker Cinnamon Almonds only take a few minutes of prep, and then your crockpot does the rest. As they cook, your whole house fills with that same irresistible scent you’d smell walking through the food court in December.

They’re one of my favorite things to package up for holiday gifts, teachers, neighbors, and family all love getting a little bag or jar of these. They also make a great snack for holiday movie nights, cookie trays, or even to set out at parties. The best part? They’re just as addictive as the mall version but way more budget-friendly.

What Are Slow Cooker Cinnamon Almonds?

Slow Cooker Cinnamon Almonds are a homemade version of the classic candied nuts you often find at malls and holiday markets. Whole almonds are coated in a frothy egg white mixture that helps the cinnamon-sugar stick, then slow-cooked until crunchy, caramelized, and perfectly spiced.

The slow cooker method makes them simple and hands-off, you just stir occasionally while they cook low and slow. The result is sweet, crunchy almonds that taste like Christmas in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: Just a few ingredients and your slow cooker does the work.

• Holiday-perfect: They smell amazing while cooking and taste like a festive treat.

• Budget-friendly gift: Makes a big batch you can divide into jars or bags for gifts.

• Better than the mall: Fresh, homemade, and customizable.

• Crowd-pleasing: Everyone loves these, they vanish fast!

When to Serve Cinnamon Almonds

• Holiday parties: Set out in a bowl for snacking.

• Christmas gifts: Package in mason jars, tins, or treat bags with ribbon.

• Movie nights: A sweet, crunchy snack that feels cozy.

• Cookie trays: Adds a little variety to all the cookies.

• Winter afternoons: Perfect with a mug of hot cocoa or coffee.

Ingredients 

• 1 egg white – helps the cinnamon-sugar mixture stick to the almonds.

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract – adds warmth and flavor.

• 3 cups whole almonds – the star of the show, raw and unsalted.

• 1 cup brown sugar – for caramel-like sweetness.

• 1 cup granulated sugar – balances with a crisp finish.

• 3 tablespoons cinnamon – warm, spicy flavor.

• 2 tablespoons water – added at the end to help form a crunchy coating.

How to Make Slow Cooker Cinnamon Almonds

1. Prep the coating: In a large bowl, whisk together egg white and vanilla until frothy.

2. Coat almonds: Add almonds to the bowl and stir until evenly coated.

3. Mix sugar & spice: In a separate bowl, stir together brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon.

4. Combine: Toss the coated almonds in the sugar mixture until fully covered.

5. Cook: Spray slow cooker with non-stick spray, add almonds, and cook on high for 2 hours, stirring every 15–30 minutes.

6. Finish: After 2 hours, add water and stir. Cook for another hour, stirring occasionally.

7. Cool: Use a slotted spoon to transfer almonds to parchment paper to cool completely.

8. Serve or gift: Once cooled, package them up or enjoy immediately!

Substitutions

• Almonds: Use pecans, walnuts, or cashews — or a mix.

• Cinnamon: Swap part of the cinnamon for pumpkin pie spice.

• Sugars: Use all brown sugar for a deeper caramel flavor.

• Egg white: Aquafaba (chickpea liquid) works as a vegan alternative.

Variations

• Pumpkin spice almonds: Replace 1 tablespoon of cinnamon with pumpkin spice.

• Cocoa almonds: Add 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder to the sugar mixture.

• Spiced nuts: Add a pinch of cayenne for sweet heat.

• Mixed nut batch: Try a blend of almonds, pecans, and cashews.

• Vanilla sugar coating: Roll cooled nuts in vanilla sugar for extra sweetness.

Tips & Tricks

• Stir often: Prevents burning and keeps the coating even.

• Use parchment: Spread almonds on parchment to cool for easy cleanup.

• Gift idea: Bag in cellophane with a ribbon for an easy edible gift.

• Crunch test: Nuts will crisp up more as they cool, so don’t worry if they’re slightly soft when hot.

• Make a double batch: These disappear quickly, so you may want to!

FAQs

Can I make these without a slow cooker?
Yes, you can bake them at 250°F for about 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes.

Do I need raw almonds?
Yes, use raw unsalted almonds for best results. Pre-roasted almonds may overcook.

Can I freeze cinnamon almonds?
Yes, freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temp before serving.

How long do they last?
Up to 2 weeks in an airtight container at room temperature.

Can I cut the recipe in half?
Yes, just halve all ingredients and cooking time will be the same.

Serving Ideas

• In holiday gift jars or treat bags.

• On charcuterie or dessert boards.

• Mixed into popcorn for sweet and salty snack mix.

• Sprinkled on yogurt or ice cream.

• Set out in bowls for parties and gatherings.

Storage and Make Ahead Tips

• Room temp: Store in airtight containers for up to 2 weeks.

• Freezer: Freeze up to 2 months.

• Make ahead: Great for gifting, make several days before parties.

If you love snacks that smell like holiday magic, these Slow Cooker Cinnamon Almonds are going to steal the show! Sweet, crunchy, and full of cozy spice — perfect for snacking or gifting. And if you need more slow cooker treats or desserts, check out these favorites from the site:

• Slow Cooker Banana Bread — Moist, spiced banana bread baked entirely in the crockpot, ideal for breakfast or snacks.

• Peppermint Crockpot Candy — Sweet and salty candy made in the slow cooker with white chocolate, peanuts, and crushed peppermint.

• Slow Cooker Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate — Creamy, pumpkin-spiced hot chocolate made in your crockpot for cozy cold evenings.

• No Bake Caramel Apple Lush — A layered no-bake dessert with cream cheese, pudding, apple pie filling, and caramel.

• Spiced Caramel Apple Poke Cake — A moist spice cake poked and filled with caramel-apple goodness for a fall dessert favorite.

• Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispies Treats — A festive twist on classic Rice Krispies Treats with pumpkin spice for the ultimate fall snack.

Final Thoughts

These Slow Cooker Cinnamon Almonds are everything I love about the holidays, cozy, nostalgic, and absolutely delicious. They make the whole house smell amazing while they cook, and they’re such a simple treat to whip up in big batches. Whether you’re packaging them as gifts, setting them out for a party, or just snacking with your family during a Christmas movie night, these almonds are guaranteed to disappear fast.