Sugar Plums (Sugared Almonds)

Nov 3, 2026 · By VanillaGoods

Dessert Candy confections Vanilla: Extract Medium

Toasted almonds coated in a crunchy, sparkling sugar shell scented with aniseed. This is our simplified home version of the old comfit, built with two quick sugar coatings instead of days of panning. Makes 40 pieces in about 1 hr 40 min.

Prep 15 min

Cook 25 min

Cooling 1 hr

Total 1 hr 40 min

Yield 40 pieces

Diet Dairy free, Gluten free, Vegan

Ingredients

Adjust yield

pieces

1 ⅔ cups (200 g)whole blanched almonds
¼ oz (3 g)aniseed
1 cup (200 g)granulated sugar, divided into 2 batches of 100 g
6 tbsp (90 ml)water, divided
1 tsp (5 ml)pure vanilla extract

Fresh ingredient guides

AlmondsHow to pick, season & nutrition · 188 kcal per 30 g

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Instructions

Heat the oven to 350 F (175 C). Toast the almonds on a sheet pan for 10 to 12 minutes until golden and fragrant, then keep them warm.
Line a baking sheet with parchment.
In a wide, heavy skillet, bring 100 g of the sugar and 45 ml of the water to a boil, stirring until dissolved, and cook to 240 F (116 C).
Add the warm almonds, aniseed and half the vanilla and stir constantly off the heat until the syrup turns cloudy, crystallizes and clings in a sandy coating, about 2 to 3 minutes.
Return to low heat and stir 1 to 2 minutes until the sugar just starts to melt and turn glossy. Remove from heat.
Repeat the process with the remaining 100 g sugar and 45 ml water for a second, thicker coating.
Spread the coated nuts on the parchment and separate them with a fork while they cool.
Cool completely for 1 hour so the shell hardens.

Tips

Keep the almonds warm so the syrup does not shock and seize.
Stir constantly during crystallization; stopping gives clumps.
Do not cook past a light caramel color on the second coat or the flavor gets bitter.
Hot sugar syrup reaches 240 F (116 C); use a long spoon and keep children away.

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Recipe FAQ

How long does it take to make sugar plums (sugared almonds)?

Plan on 15 minutes of prep and 25 minutes of cooking, plus 1 hour to chill. The recipe makes 40 pieces.

How should I store sugar plums (sugared almonds)?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.

Can I make sugar plums (sugared almonds) ahead?

Yes. It needs time to chill and set, so it is a good one to make the day before you serve it.

Can I use a different form of vanilla?

Yes. This recipe uses 1 tsp pure vanilla extract (5 ml). Each teaspoon of pure vanilla extract can be swapped for 1 teaspoon of vanilla bean paste, the seeds of half a vanilla bean, or 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla powder. Paste and seeds add the classic dark specks.

Is this recipe vegan?

Yes, as written. Check that packaged ingredients such as chocolate, sprinkles and plant butter are labeled vegan.

Serve it with mulled wine.

Estimated · per serving

Nutrition

Per serving = 1 of 40 servings this recipe makes.

49 Calories / serving

2.5g Fat

6.1g Carbs

1.1g Protein

5.2g Sugar

Whole recipe (40 servings): ~1960 cal · 100g fat · 244g carbs · 44g protein · 208g sugar

Estimated values per serving, calculated from standard ingredient data. Not verified Nutrition Facts; actual values vary with brands, measurements, and preparation.