Are you ready to infuse your home with the delightful scents of the holiday season? Nothing says Christmas quite like the warm aroma of freshly baked treats. Today, we’re bringing a traditional German Christmas baking recipe right to your kitchen – Zimtmandeln, or Cinnamon Almonds. These sweet and crunchy almonds coated in a cinnamon sugar glaze are a staple at Christmas markets throughout Germany, and now you can enjoy them in the comfort of your own home. Gather your ingredients and let’s get baking!
Zimtmandeln – Cinnamon Almonds
Ingredients:
– 2 cups whole almonds
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup water
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar, water, cinnamon, and salt. Stir the mixture until the sugar has dissolved and the syrup begins to bubble.
3. Add the whole almonds to the syrup, stirring continuously to coat them evenly. Let the almonds simmer in the syrup for about 5-7 minutes, or until the syrup has thickened and coats the almonds completely.
4. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract, ensuring the almonds are well coated.
5. Using a slotted spoon, scoop the almonds out of the syrup one by one, allowing any excess syrup to drip back into the saucepan. Place the almonds in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake the almonds in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, stirring once halfway through the baking time to ensure even cooking. The almonds are ready when they appear glossy and the syrup has dried out.
7. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the almonds cool completely before serving. The almonds will harden as they cool, creating a crunchy coating.
8. Once cooled, transfer the Zimtmandeln to an airtight container to store. These festive treats make a wonderful homemade gift or a delightful addition to your holiday dessert table.
Get ready to transport your taste buds to a Christmas market in Germany with these aromatic and delicious Zimtmandeln. The combination of sweet cinnamon sugar and crunchy almonds is sure to delight your senses and bring a taste of the holidays to your home. Whether you enjoy them as a festive snack or package them up to share with loved ones, these Cinnamon Almonds are a perfect addition to your holiday baking traditions. Enjoy the warm flavors and cozy vibes of the season with every bite of these delightful treats. Happy baking!
