Name: Spiced Roasted Nuts Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ½ cups raw unsalted nuts (pecans, walnuts, peanuts, cashews, almonds, or a mix); 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 teaspoons pure maple syrup; 2 heaping tablespoons fresh rosemary leaves, finely chopped (or 2 ¼ teaspoons crushed dried rosemary); 1 tablespoon light brown sugar, heaping and packed; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper; 2 teaspoons coarse sea salt; scant ¼ teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper; 1 tablespoon turbinado sugar; 2 teaspoons flakey Maldon sea salt

Jump to Recipe· 4.8 from 33 reviews

Hey there! If you’re on the hunt for a snack that’s bursting with flavor and perfect for cozy nights or entertaining friends, you’re going to love my Spiced Roasted Nuts Recipe. I’ve made these countless times and trust me, they hit that perfect balance of sweet, savory, and a little kick of spice that keeps you coming back for more. Read on, and I’ll walk you through every step to make sure your batch turns out absolutely delicious!

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Why This Recipe Works

Balanced Flavor Profile: The mix of sweet maple syrup, earthy rosemary, and a hint of cayenne pepper creates an irresistible combo that’s never overwhelming.
Simple Yet Impactful Technique: Roasting the nuts with infused butter helps the spices cling beautifully, giving an even roast and deep flavor.
Customizable Nut Mix: Whether you prefer pecans, almonds, or cashews, you can tailor this recipe to whatever nuts you have or prefer.
Great Make-Ahead Snack: These nuts taste even better after resting a few hours or overnight, perfect for prepping ahead of time.

Spiced Roasted Nuts, flavorful roasted nut snack, homemade spiced nuts, easy roasted nuts recipe, hearty snack ideas - The image shows a white bowl lined with white parchment paper filled with a mix of roasted nuts including cashews, pecans, and peanuts, all golden brown with a slight shine from oil or seasoning. The nuts are heaped in the bowl, covering the entire surface. Next to the bowl is a small dark bowl with coarse salt and black pepper. A soft light blue cloth is casually placed on the white marbled surface beside the bowl. The scene looks clean and simple with natural daylight. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Spiced Roasted Nuts Recipe shines because each ingredient plays a distinct role — from the rich, buttery base to the aromatic rosemary and warming spices. When you use fresh, raw nuts and quality ingredients (like real maple syrup), the flavors just pop in every bite.

Spiced Roasted Nuts, flavorful roasted nut snack, homemade spiced nuts, easy roasted nuts recipe, hearty snack ideas - Flat lay of a natural mix of raw pecans, walnuts, peanuts, cashews, and almonds, a small piece of unsalted butter, a few fresh rosemary sprigs with finely chopped leaves in a small white bowl, a small white bowl of amber pure maple syrup, a small white bowl of light brown sugar, a small white bowl of ground cumin, a small white bowl of bright red cayenne pepper powder, a small white bowl of coarse sea salt, a small white bowl of freshly cracked black pepper, a small white bowl of golden turbinado sugar, a few flakes of Maldon sea salt, all arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Raw Unsalted Nuts: Starting raw and unsalted lets us control the salt and flavor perfectly; plus, roasting brings out their natural oils and crunch.
Unsalted Butter: It adds richness and helps the seasoning stick to every nut.
Pure Maple Syrup: This natural sweetener gives a subtle sweetness and aids caramelization during roasting.
Fresh Rosemary Leaves: Rosemary’s piney aroma pairs amazingly with nuts, and fresh is best for that punch of herbaceous flavor.
Light Brown Sugar: Adds depth and a little molasses note that complements the maple syrup.
Ground Cumin: Brings warmth and a gentle earthiness to the mix.
Cayenne Pepper: Just a touch for gentle heat, but you can adjust to your taste.
Coarse Sea Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
Fresh Cracked Black Pepper: Adds a nice finishing bite without overpowering.
Optional Turbinado Sugar and Flakey Maldon Salt: For a lovely sweet-salty crunch when sprinkled on hot nuts post-roast.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love making this Spiced Roasted Nuts Recipe my own by switching up the nuts or playing with the spice levels. Don’t hesitate to tweak the cayenne or swap rosemary for another herb if you want! You can really have fun here while keeping the method consistent.

Variation: One of my favorite twists is adding smoked paprika in place of cumin for a smoky vibe that’s amazing around the holidays.
Dietary Modifications: For a vegan option, swap butter with coconut oil and it still turns out fantastic.
Seasonal Changes: Try adding a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg in winter for cozy holiday-spiced nuts!

Step-by-Step: How I Make Spiced Roasted Nuts Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Pan

First, I set the oven rack to center and preheat it to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even roasting without burning. Then, I line a large baking sheet with parchment paper — trust me, it makes cleanup a breeze!

Step 2: Melt Butter and Infuse with Rosemary and Maple

I melt the butter gently, either in the microwave at half power or on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Once melted, I stir in finely chopped fresh rosemary and let it steep for a minute to infuse that lovely aroma. Then, in goes the pure maple syrup for that sweet touch. This flavored butter is key—it coats the nuts and locks in all those fantastic flavors.

Step 3: Season and Coat the Nuts

Into a big bowl, I toss the raw nuts with brown sugar, ground cumin, cayenne pepper, sea salt, and black pepper. Then, I pour over the rosemary-maple butter and stir well, making sure every nut gets a shiny, flavorful coat. This step is where the magic happens, so stir patiently until everything is evenly covered.

Step 4: Roast, Stir, and Finish

I spread the coated nuts in a single, even layer on the prepared baking sheet. Then, into the oven they go for 10 minutes. After that, I pull them out, give them a good stir to prevent clumping, and spread them back out for another 5-8 minutes. They’re ready when they’re aromatic and a light golden color (remember, they darken a bit as they cool).

Step 5: Optional Sweet & Salty Finish and Cool

When the nuts are hot from the oven, I like to sprinkle them with Turbinado sugar and flaky Maldon sea salt — this twin crunch of sweet and salt elevates the experience, making these nuts go from great to unforgettable. After giving them a quick toss, I spread them out again to cool for about 15 minutes.

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Tips from My Kitchen

Fresh Rosemary Is Key: Using fresh rosemary instead of dried really lifts the flavor — it’s fragrant and bright.
Adjust Your Heat: I’ve learned to go easy with cayenne at first; you can always add more after roasting, but you can’t take it away!
Don’t Skip Stirring Mid-Roast: Stirring halfway ensures even browning and prevents burnt spots on the nuts.
Cool Completely Before Storing: Warm nuts trap moisture and will lose their crunch — let them cool fully on the pan.

How to Serve Spiced Roasted Nuts Recipe

Spiced Roasted Nuts, flavorful roasted nut snack, homemade spiced nuts, easy roasted nuts recipe, hearty snack ideas - A close-up image shows a mix of nuts spilling out from a red-striped container onto a dark surface. The nuts include cashews, pecans, walnuts, and peanuts, all roasted to a golden-brown color and lightly seasoned with small bits of herbs and spices, creating a textured and crunchy look. A sprig of fresh rosemary rests near the nuts, adding a touch of green to the warm palette. The white marbled texture background highlights the rich colors of the nuts and container, giving the scene a fresh, natural feel. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I love garnishing these nuts simply with a sprig of fresh rosemary for an elegant touch and extra aroma that guests always notice and ask about. You could also add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt right before serving if you skipped it earlier.

Side Dishes

These spiced roasted nuts pair perfectly with a nice cheese board, cured meats, fresh fruits like apples or pears, and a crisp white wine. They’re also amazing as a snack alongside cocktails or a steaming mug of tea on chilly afternoons.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I like serving them in rustic wooden bowls lined with parchment and grouped with festive cinnamon sticks or dried orange slices for color and scent. Even filling small mason jars makes them perfect for gifts!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After the nuts cool completely, I store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They hold their crunch and flavor for about a week, making them an easy snack to grab anytime.

Freezing

If you want to keep them longer, freezing works great too! I portion them into freezer-safe bags and thaw at room temperature when needed. The texture stays surprisingly good, almost like freshly roasted.

Reheating

To refresh leftover nuts, I spread them on a baking sheet and warm them at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. This revives their crunch and brings back some roasted aroma without drying them out.

FAQs

Can I use salted nuts for this spiced roasted nuts recipe?

It’s best to start with raw, unsalted nuts so you can control the overall saltiness. Using salted nuts might make the snack too salty since the recipe already includes sea salt. If salted nuts are all you have, skip or reduce added salt in the recipe accordingly.
How spicy is this spiced roasted nuts recipe?

The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, which gives a mild kick without overwhelming heat. If you prefer less spice, cut it in half, or double it if you love things fiery. Adjusting cayenne after roasting isn’t easy, so start conservatively.
Can I make this recipe with just one type of nut?

Absolutely! Whether you opt for all almonds, all pecans, or a single favorite nut, the method and flavors work beautifully. Just keep the same total nut quantity for balanced seasoning and roasting time.
How long can I store spiced roasted nuts?

Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, they stay fresh and crunchy for about a week. For longer storage, freezing in sealed bags is a great option and keeps the nuts tasty for several months.

Final Thoughts

This Spiced Roasted Nuts Recipe has become my go-to snack whenever I want something that feels special but is super simple to make. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do — it’s fantastic for sharing, gifting, or just keeping a bowl handy for yourself. Give it a try, tweak it your way, and don’t be surprised if it disappears faster than expected at your next gathering!