
Many of us look for the perfect snack to impress our guests during entertaining occasions, and I have just the recipe that fits the bill beautifully. Chocolate-Chili Spiced Nuts are not only easy to prepare but also combine the enticing flavors of sweet chocolate and spicy chili. This unique snack is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at your next gathering!

Chocolate-Chili Spiced Nuts for Entertaining
A delightful blend of mixed nuts coated with rich cocoa and a hint of chili, offering a sweet and spicy snack perfect for gatherings.
Prep: 10 min | Cook: 15 min | Total: 25 min
Servings: 4 cups
Ingredients
- 4 cups mixed nuts (such as almonds, pecans, walnuts, cashews)
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg white
- 1 tablespoon water
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, combine the cocoa powder, chili powder, cayenne pepper, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, salt, and granulated sugar.
- In a large bowl, whisk the egg white and water until frothy.
- Add the mixed nuts to the egg white mixture, stirring to coat evenly.
- Sprinkle the spice mixture over the nuts and toss until well-coated.
- Drizzle the melted butter and honey (or maple syrup) over the spiced nuts, stirring to combine.
- Spread the nuts in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the nuts are toasted and aromatic.
- Remove from the oven and let the nuts cool completely on the baking sheet. The coating will harden as they cool.
- Once cooled, transfer the nuts to a serving bowl or store in an airtight container.
Nutrition
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Fat: 18 g
- Carbs: 12 g
- Protein: 5 g
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Before I look into the recipe, let’s talk about the type of nuts you can use. I love to mix almonds, cashews, and pecans for a delightful blend of flavors. Feel free to use your favorites, as any combination will work perfectly! The mix of textures and tastes adds to the snack’s allure.
Here are the ingredients you’ll need for this recipe:
- 2 cups of mixed nuts (almonds, cashews, and pecans)
- 1/2 cup of dark chocolate chips (preferably 70% cocoa)
- 1/4 cup of honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (adjust according to your spice preference)
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s get started! First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
In a mixing bowl, combine the nuts with the honey or maple syrup, cayenne pepper, cinnamon, and sea salt. Toss everything together until the nuts are evenly coated. Next, spread the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet in an even layer.
Roast the nuts in the oven for about 10-15 minutes, stirring once halfway through to ensure they are toasted evenly. You’ll want them to be golden brown and aromatic. During the last minute of roasting, sprinkle the dark chocolate chips over the nuts. The heat will gently melt the chocolate, allowing it to coat the nuts as they cool.
Once done, remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the nuts to cool for a few minutes. The chocolate will harden slightly as they cool, creating a delightful coating. You can transfer the nuts to a serving bowl and even sprinkle a little extra sea salt on top for added flavor if you like.
These Chocolate-Chili Spiced Nuts are perfect for entertaining. Serve them in small bowls on your buffet table or as a snack during a game night with friends. They pair wonderfully with cocktails and can even complement artisanal cheeses if you’re going for a cheese board vibe.
Not only will your guests appreciate the delightful mix of sweet and spicy, but you’ll also enjoy how simple they are to prepare. Give this recipe a try, and I guarantee it will become a staple in your entertaining repertoire!
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