The festive season is upon us, and what better way to get into the holiday spirit than with some delicious Christmas nuts? From classic flavors to unique and creative twists, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you're hosting a holiday party or just looking for a tasty snack to munch on while decorating the tree, these Christmas nuts are sure to be a hit.
The importance of nuts during the holiday season cannot be overstated. Not only do they provide a delicious and satisfying snack, but they also make for great gifts and decorations. With so many varieties to choose from, it's easy to get overwhelmed. That's why we've put together this list of the top 7 Christmas nuts you must try this holiday season.
The Magic of Christmas Nuts
From sweet and spicy to savory and smoky, Christmas nuts are a staple of the holiday season. Whether you're a fan of traditional flavors or like to try new and exciting things, there's a Christmas nut out there for you. With their rich, complex flavors and satisfying crunch, it's no wonder why Christmas nuts are a favorite among both kids and adults.
1. Peppermint Bark Pecans
These delicious pecans are infused with the invigorating flavor of peppermint and topped with rich, creamy chocolate. The perfect combination of sweet and savory, peppermint bark pecans are a must-try this holiday season.
How to Make Peppermint Bark Pecans
- 1 cup pecan halves
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup crushed candy canes
- 1 tablespoon peppermint extract
Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread pecans in a single layer and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until fragrant. Melt white chocolate chips in a double boiler. Stir in crushed candy canes and peppermint extract. Toss pecans in chocolate mixture until coated. Spread on parchment paper and refrigerate until set.
2. Spiced Cranberry Pecans
These sweet and spicy pecans are infused with the warmth of cinnamon and the tartness of cranberries. Perfect for snacking on while watching your favorite holiday movie, spiced cranberry pecans are a delicious and festive treat.
How to Make Spiced Cranberry Pecans
- 1 cup pecan halves
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup cranberries
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread pecans in a single layer and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until fragrant. Mix brown sugar, cranberries, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a bowl. Toss pecans in sugar mixture until coated. Spread on parchment paper and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until caramelized.
3. Chocolate Dipped Hazelnuts
These rich and decadent hazelnuts are dipped in creamy chocolate and perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. With their crunchy texture and smooth, velvety chocolate coating, chocolate dipped hazelnuts are a treat you won't want to miss.
How to Make Chocolate Dipped Hazelnuts
- 1 cup hazelnuts
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon shortening
Melt chocolate chips in a double boiler. Stir in shortening until smooth. Dip hazelnuts in chocolate mixture until coated. Place on parchment paper and refrigerate until set.
4. Maple Bourbon Pecans
These delicious pecans are infused with the rich flavor of maple syrup and the smoothness of bourbon. Perfect for snacking on while enjoying your favorite holiday cocktail, maple bourbon pecans are a unique and tasty treat.
How to Make Maple Bourbon Pecans
- 1 cup pecan halves
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons bourbon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread pecans in a single layer and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until fragrant. Mix maple syrup, bourbon, and salt in a bowl. Toss pecans in syrup mixture until coated. Spread on parchment paper and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until caramelized.
5. Pistachio and Cranberry Biscotti
These crunchy biscotti are infused with the sweetness of pistachios and the tartness of cranberries. Perfect for dipping in your favorite holiday coffee or tea, pistachio and cranberry biscotti are a delicious and festive treat.
How to Make Pistachio and Cranberry Biscotti
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup pistachios
- 1/4 cup cranberries
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Mix flour, sugar, pistachios, cranberries, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. Divide dough in half and shape into logs. Place on parchment paper and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden. Slice into biscotti and bake for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until crispy.
6. Spiced Walnut and Apple Mix
This delicious mix of walnuts and apples is infused with the warmth of cinnamon and the sweetness of sugar. Perfect for snacking on while enjoying your favorite holiday movie, spiced walnut and apple mix is a tasty and festive treat.
How to Make Spiced Walnut and Apple Mix
- 1 cup walnuts
- 1 cup dried apple rings
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Mix walnuts, apple rings, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a bowl. Spread on parchment paper and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes, or until fragrant.
7. Chocolate Covered Cherry Almonds
These delicious almonds are covered in rich, creamy chocolate and infused with the sweetness of cherry. Perfect for snacking on while enjoying your favorite holiday dessert, chocolate covered cherry almonds are a tasty and festive treat.
How to Make Chocolate Covered Cherry Almonds
- 1 cup almonds
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup dried cherries
- 1 tablespoon shortening
Melt chocolate chips in a double boiler. Stir in shortening until smooth. Dip almonds in chocolate mixture until coated. Place on parchment paper and refrigerate until set. Melt chocolate chips in a double boiler. Stir in dried cherries until smooth. Dip chocolate covered almonds in cherry mixture until coated. Place on parchment paper and refrigerate until set.
We hope you've enjoyed this list of the top 7 Christmas nuts you must try this holiday season. From classic flavors to unique and creative twists, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you're a fan of sweet and spicy or savory and smoky, these Christmas nuts are sure to be a hit at your holiday party or gathering.
Don't forget to share your favorite Christmas nut recipes with us in the comments below! And if you have any questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask.
What is the best way to store Christmas nuts?
+The best way to store Christmas nuts is in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. This will help to preserve their flavor and texture.
Can I make Christmas nuts ahead of time?
+
What is the best type of nut to use for Christmas nuts?
+The best type of nut to use for Christmas nuts is a matter of personal preference. Some popular options include pecans, walnuts, and hazelnuts.