Sweet Salty Holiday Nut Mix

Featured in: Bright Seasonal Dishes

This festive bowl combines cashews, pecans, and almonds roasted with a sweet and spicy glaze. The mixture is baked to golden perfection, then tossed with crunchy pretzels and dried cranberries for extra texture and flavor. The blend offers a balanced hit of sweetness, saltiness, and warming spices like cinnamon and cayenne pepper. Perfect for holiday gatherings or as a flavorful snack to enjoy anytime, it’s easy to prepare in under 30 minutes and customizable with other nuts or seeds.

Updated on Fri, 12 Dec 2025 13:56:00 GMT
Golden-brown Sweet and Salty Holiday Nut Bowl: a festive snack with pretzels, cranberries, and spiced nuts. Pin It
Golden-brown Sweet and Salty Holiday Nut Bowl: a festive snack with pretzels, cranberries, and spiced nuts. | platefullyjoy.com

A festive, irresistible mix of roasted nuts, crunchy pretzels, dried cranberries, and a hint of sweet spice—perfect for holiday snacking or gifting.

This nut bowl has become a holiday tradition in my family because it’s so versatile and addictive.

Ingredients

  • Nuts: 1 cup raw cashews, 1 cup raw pecans, 1 cup raw almonds
  • Sweet and Salty Components: 1 cup mini pretzels (use gluten-free if needed), 1/2 cup dried cranberries, 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted, 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 teaspoon sea salt, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (optional for a slight kick)

Instructions

Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Combine Nuts:
In a large bowl, combine cashews, pecans, and almonds.
Mix Coating:
In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, maple syrup (or honey), brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper (if using).
Coat Nuts:
Pour the sweet and salty mixture over the nuts and toss to coat evenly.
Arrange Nuts:
Spread the coated nuts in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake:
Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the nuts are golden and fragrant.
Add Pretzels and Cranberries:
Remove from the oven and immediately add the pretzels and dried cranberries. Toss gently to combine.
Cool:
Let the mixture cool completely on the baking sheet. The coating will harden as it cools.
Serve:
Once cool, transfer to a serving bowl or airtight container.
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This recipe always sparks joy at gatherings when everyone asks for seconds.

Storage Tips

Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week to maintain freshness and crunch.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with sparkling wine or spiced cider for a festive touch that enhances the flavors.

Allergen Information

Contains tree nuts cashews pecans almonds gluten unless using gluten-free pretzels and dairy from butter. Always check labels for hidden allergens.

The delicious Sweet and Salty Holiday Nut Bowl; imagine a mix of crunchy, roasted nuts with a sweet glaze. Pin It
The delicious Sweet and Salty Holiday Nut Bowl; imagine a mix of crunchy, roasted nuts with a sweet glaze. | platefullyjoy.com

This nut bowl is the perfect blend of savory and sweet that’s sure to delight everyone at your holiday table.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use other nuts in this mix?

Yes, feel free to swap pecans or cashews with walnuts, hazelnuts, or pistachios for varied flavors and textures.

How can I make this mix gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pretzels to ensure the mix is suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.

What gives the mix its sweet and salty flavor?

A combination of melted butter, maple syrup or honey, brown sugar, sea salt, and spices creates a balanced sweet and salty coating.

Can I prepare this mix ahead of time?

Yes, store it in an airtight container for up to one week to maintain freshness and crunch.

What spices are used in this nut bowl?

Ground cinnamon and a touch of cayenne pepper add warmth and a slight kick to the flavor profile.

Sweet Salty Holiday Nut Mix

A festive blend of nuts, pretzels, cranberries, and spices, perfect for holiday enjoyment or gifting.

Time to Prep
10 minutes
Time to Cook
20 minutes
Overall Time
30 minutes
Recipe by Olivia Reed


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Makes 8 Number of Servings

Diet Info Vegetarian-Friendly

What You'll Need

Nuts

01 1 cup raw cashews
02 1 cup raw pecans
03 1 cup raw almonds

Sweet and Salty Components

01 1 cup mini pretzels (use gluten-free if needed)
02 1/2 cup dried cranberries
03 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
04 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
05 2 tablespoons brown sugar
06 1 teaspoon sea salt
07 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
08 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (optional)

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 01

Preheat Oven: Set oven temperature to 350°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 02

Combine Nuts: In a large bowl, mix raw cashews, pecans, and almonds together.

Step 03

Prepare Coating: Whisk melted butter, maple syrup or honey, brown sugar, sea salt, ground cinnamon, and cayenne pepper in a small bowl until blended.

Step 04

Coat Nuts: Pour the sweet and salty mixture over nuts and toss to ensure even coverage.

Step 05

Arrange on Baking Sheet: Spread coated nuts evenly in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 06

Bake Nuts: Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden and aromatic.

Step 07

Add Pretzels and Cranberries: Remove from oven and gently fold in mini pretzels and dried cranberries while warm.

Step 08

Cool Mixture: Allow the nut mixture to cool completely on the baking sheet, allowing the coating to harden.

Step 09

Serve or Store: Transfer cooled mixture to a serving bowl or airtight container for storage.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Spatula

Allergy Notice

Be sure to review ingredients for allergens. When unsure, talk with a healthcare provider.
  • Contains tree nuts (cashews, pecans, almonds).
  • Contains gluten unless using gluten-free pretzels.
  • Contains dairy from butter.

Nutrition (For Each Serving)

Nutritional details are meant for general guidance. Don't rely on them for medical reasons.
  • Calorie Count: 260
  • Fats: 17 g
  • Carbohydrates: 23 g
  • Proteins: 5 g