Honey Roasted Nuts are one of those simple homemade snacks where a few ingredients completely change a bowl of mixed nuts. Honey and butter coat the nuts before roasting, while cinnamon, nutmeg, and fresh orange zest add warm, aromatic flavor.

Dried cranberries and shredded coconut make this version a little different from basic honey-roasted nuts, adding chewy bites of fruit and another layer of sweetness against the crunchy roasted nuts. A small amount of cayenne is optional, but I like the little bit of heat it adds behind the honey and warm spices.

Serve them as a snack, set out a bowl when entertaining, or pack them into a jar for a homemade food gift.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Sweet, Spiced, and Citrusy: Honey provides the sweetness while cinnamon, nutmeg, and fresh orange zest give the nuts more depth than a basic honey coating.

Plenty of Texture: Crunchy roasted nuts, chewy dried cranberries, and shredded coconut give you something different in almost every bite.

Easy to Customize: Use a mixture of almonds, pecans, cashews, walnuts, or whichever nuts you enjoy.

A Little Heat If You Want It: Cayenne is completely optional, but even a small amount gives the sweet honey coating a nice contrast.

Great for Snacking or Sharing: Keep a batch on hand for snacking, add them to a snack board, or package them in a jar to give as a homemade gift.

The Sweet and Nutty Delight: Honey Roasted Nuts

These Honey Roasted Nuts are sweet, crunchy, and lightly spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and fresh orange zest. Dried cranberries and coconut add chewy texture and a little extra sweetness to every bite.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: About 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15–20 minutes

Oven Temperature: 350°F

Main Ingredients: Mixed nuts, honey, butter, warm spices, orange zest, dried cranberries, and coconut

Method: Oven-roasted

Ingredients

2 cups of mixed nuts (such as almonds, pecans, cashews, walnuts)

1/4 cup raw honey

2 tablespoons butter, unsalted

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Zest of 1 orange

1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

1/2 cup of dried cranberries

1/2 cup of sweetened shredded coconut

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the honey and butter. Stir until the butter is melted and the mixture is smooth.

Remove from heat and stir in the salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, zest and cayenne pepper if using.

Place the mixed nuts in a large bowl.

Pour the honey mixture over the nuts and mix well until all the nuts are evenly coated.

Gently fold in the dried cranberries and sweetened shredded coconut until evenly distributed throughout the nut mixture.

Spread the mixture in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.

Roast in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, stirring once halfway through to ensure even roasting. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.

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Once roasted, remove from the oven and let cool completely on the baking sheet. The mixture will become crunchier as it cools.

Once cooled, break any clusters apart and store in an airtight container.

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If you enjoy making easy snacks at home, try my Stovetop Brown Sugar Candied Nuts for another sweet and crunchy nut recipe.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of nuts work best for honey roasted nuts?

A mixed assortment works well. Almonds, pecans, walnuts, cashews, and peanuts can all be used, so you can keep the mixture varied or use your favorites.

Can I use just one type of nut?

Yes. You can make the recipe with a single nut if you prefer. Pecans, almonds, or cashews would all work especially well with the honey and warm spices.

Can I leave out the cayenne pepper?

Absolutely. The cayenne is optional. It adds just a little warmth behind the sweetness, but the nuts are still flavorful without it.

How long do honey roasted nuts stay fresh?

Once completely cooled, store the honey roasted nuts in an airtight container at room temperature. Keeping the container tightly sealed helps preserve their crunch and keeps the dried cranberries and coconut from picking up excess moisture.

How should I store honey roasted nuts?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature once they are completely cool. Keeping moisture out will help them stay crisp.

Can I leave out the dried cranberries or coconut?

Yes. Both can be omitted if you prefer a simpler honey-roasted nut mixture. You can also adjust the amounts to suit your taste.

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For something a little different, my Easy Banana Syrup: Quick & Delicious is a simple homemade syrup that’s great over pancakes, waffles, French toast, or desserts.

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