Sweet Salty Holiday Nut Bowl

Featured in: Simple Sweet Treats

Delight in a festive medley of toasted cashews, pecans, and almonds coated with a sweet and salty glaze. Tossed with crunchy pretzels and dried cranberries, this nut bowl offers a balanced crunch and a nuanced hint of cinnamon and cayenne. Perfect for sharing or gifting during holiday gatherings, it requires minimal prep and a quick bake. Customize by swapping nuts or adding seeds for extra texture.

Updated on Fri, 12 Dec 2025 16:51:00 GMT
Golden, roasted Sweet and Salty Holiday Nut Bowl filled with crunchy pretzels and cranberries. Save
Golden, roasted Sweet and Salty Holiday Nut Bowl filled with crunchy pretzels and cranberries. | honeyflint.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 staple in my family gatherings; everyone looks forward to its crunchy and flavorful bite.

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

Step 1:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2:
In a large bowl, combine cashews, pecans, and almonds.
Step 3:
In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, maple syrup (or honey), brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper (if using).
Step 4:
Pour the sweet and salty mixture over the nuts and toss to coat evenly.
Step 5:
Spread the coated nuts in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 6:
Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the nuts are golden and fragrant.
Step 7:
Remove from the oven and immediately add the pretzels and dried cranberries. Toss gently to combine.
Step 8:
Let the mixture cool completely on the baking sheet. The coating will harden as it cools.
Step 9:
Once cool, transfer to a serving bowl or airtight container.
Close-up of a festive Sweet and Salty Holiday Nut Bowl: a perfect snack with holiday flavors. Save
Close-up of a festive Sweet and Salty Holiday Nut Bowl: a perfect snack with holiday flavors. | honeyflint.com

This nut bowl makes family gatherings cozy and festive every holiday season.

Notes

For extra crunch, add 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds. Pair with sparkling wine or spiced cider for a festive touch.

Required Tools

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

Allergen Information

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

Delicious Sweet and Salty Holiday Nut Bowl with a mix of sweet, savory, and perfectly spiced nuts. Save
Delicious Sweet and Salty Holiday Nut Bowl with a mix of sweet, savory, and perfectly spiced nuts. | honeyflint.com

Enjoy this sweet and salty treat as a snack or gift this holiday season.

Recipe FAQs

What nuts work best for this mix?

Cashews, pecans, and almonds provide a great balance of flavors and textures, but walnuts or hazelnuts can be good substitutes.

Can I make this mix gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free pretzels to keep the mix safe for gluten-sensitive diets.

How do I achieve the perfect coating on the nuts?

Mix melted butter, maple syrup or honey, brown sugar, salt, and spices thoroughly before tossing with the nuts for an even glaze.

Is there a way to add extra crunch?

Including pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds after baking adds a delightful additional crunch.

How should I store the nut bowl for freshness?

Keep the mix in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain crispness.

Sweet Salty Holiday Nut Bowl

A festive mix of roasted nuts, pretzels, cranberries, and warm spices for holiday snacking.

Prep duration
10 minutes
Time to cook
20 minutes
Total duration
30 minutes
Recipe by Julia Fenmore

Recipe group Simple Sweet Treats

Skill level Easy

Cuisine type American

Makes 8 Portions

Diet info Meatless

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 preferred)
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)

Preparation steps

Step 01

Prepare Oven and Baking Sheet: Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 02

Combine Nuts: In a large mixing bowl, combine cashews, pecans, and almonds.

Step 03

Mix Sweet and Salty Glaze: Whisk melted butter, maple syrup or honey, brown sugar, sea salt, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper together until smooth.

Step 04

Coat Nuts Evenly: Pour glaze over nuts and toss thoroughly to ensure even coating.

Step 05

Bake Nuts: Spread coated nuts in a single layer on prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, stirring halfway through until golden and fragrant.

Step 06

Add Pretzels and Cranberries: Remove nuts from oven and immediately add pretzels and dried cranberries. Toss gently to combine.

Step 07

Cool and Store: Allow mixture to cool completely on the baking sheet to harden. Transfer to serving bowl or airtight container for storage.

Tools needed

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

Allergy details

Review each item for allergens and check with your doctor if unsure.
  • Contains tree nuts (cashews, pecans, almonds).
  • Contains gluten unless gluten-free pretzels used.
  • Contains dairy (butter).

Nutrition details (each serving)

Information here is just a guide—talk to your doctor for personal advice.
  • Calorie count: 260
  • Fat content: 17 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 23 grams
  • Proteins: 5 grams