These Spiced Nuts are inspired by the famous Union Square Café Bar Nuts — the ultimate cocktail snack! Warm, buttery roasted nuts tossed with fresh rosemary, a hint of brown sugar, and a whisper of cayenne for gentle heat. They’re sweet, salty, savory, and absolutely irresistible.
💗 Perfect for parties, gifting, or snacking straight off the tray — these spiced nuts are a simple, elegant recipe that always impresses!
Why This Recipe Is So Delicious
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Warm + buttery perfection: Each nut gets coated in a fragrant rosemary butter that’s downright addictive.
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A little heat, a little sweet: Cayenne and brown sugar balance beautifully for a crave-worthy bite.
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Quick + easy: Just 20 minutes start to finish — no stovetop juggling or fancy equipment.
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Crowd favorite: A classic for cocktail hour, holidays, and gift jars.
✨ Before You Begin
✨ Use fresh rosemary — dried just won’t deliver the same flavor or aroma.
✨ Toast the nuts lightly — this brings out their natural oils and deepens the flavor.
✨ If your nuts are already salted, skip or reduce the added salt to taste.
✨ Dark brown sugar adds deeper molasses notes, but light brown sugar works beautifully too.
✨ Toss the nuts in the butter mixture while they’re still warm so everything sticks perfectly.
Ingredients for Spiced Nuts Recipe
This is just a quick glance at what you’ll need. For exact measurements and the full ingredient list, head down to the recipe card below.
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Roasted Nut Combination: Choose a reduced-salt roasted mix so you can better control seasoning. Costco’s “extra fancy” mixed nuts are a great option if you don’t mind a little salt.
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Fresh Rosemary: Finely chopped — the fragrance is key to the recipe’s charm.
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Cayenne Pepper: Adds gentle heat; use more or less depending on preference.
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Brown Sugar: Packed dark brown sugar for richness (or light brown if that’s what you have).
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Salt: Taste as you go; add while warm for best adhesion.
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Unsalted Butter: The base for the spiced coating that gives these nuts their signature flavor.
Pro Tips
⭐ Toast evenly: Spread the nuts in a single layer and stir halfway through baking for even browning.
⭐ Customize your mix: Almonds, cashews, pecans, and hazelnuts are classic, but pistachios add a fun twist.
⭐ Serving idea: Serve these warm in a bowl beside cocktails, or sprinkle over a salad for crunch and flavor.
⭐ Gift-worthy: Package cooled nuts in small mason jars tied with twine — perfect for holiday hostess gifts!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use raw nuts?
Yes, but extend the toasting time to about 12–14 minutes, stirring once or twice so they don’t burn.
How spicy are these?
They have just a subtle warmth. For a bolder kick, increase the cayenne to ½ teaspoon.
Can I make them ahead?
Absolutely! They store beautifully and can even be frozen — see storage tips below.
Storing + Freezing Tips
Storing
- Keep your spiced nuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4–5 days.
Freezing
- Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then re-crisp in a 250°F oven for 5 minutes before serving.
How To Make Union Square Cafe Bar Nuts
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
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Spread nuts out on a baking sheet. Toast in the oven until light golden brown, about 10 minutes.
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In a large bowl, combine rosemary, cayenne, sugar, salt and melted butter. Add nuts and thoroughly toss the toasted nuts in spiced butter and serve warm or room temperature.
More Appetizer Recipes You’ll Love
- Bisquick Sausage Balls – A party staple made with savory sausage, cheddar cheese, and Bisquick — tender inside, golden outside, and downright addictive!
- Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts – Sweet, salty, and smoky — these bite-sized gems disappear fast at every party!
- Hot Crab Dip – Creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender crab — a rich and crowd-pleasing favorite.
- Mississippi Sin Dip – A warm, cheesy baked dip loaded with ham and green onions — pure Southern comfort.
- Million Dollar Dip – A five-ingredient classic with bacon, cheese, and almonds — quick, easy, and always a hit.
- Air Fryer Arancini – Crispy, golden risotto balls stuffed with melty cheese — a fun Italian-inspired appetizer.
Tried This Recipe?
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Thanks for stopping by my kitchen today — happy cooking, friends! ❤️ Kathleen
The Union Square Cafe's Bar Nuts
Ingredients
- 2 16 Ounce Bags of Reduced Salt Roasted Assorted Nuts
- 4 Tablespoons Fresh Rosemary Finely Chopped
- 1/4 Teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
- 1 Tablespoon Brown Sugar Packed
- 1 Teaspoon or as needed Salt
- 2 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter Melted
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Spread nuts out on a baking sheet. Toast in the oven until light golden brown, about 10 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine rosemary, cayenne, sugar, salt and melted butter. Add nuts and thoroughly toss the toasted nuts in spiced butter and serve warm or room temperature. Enjoy!
Fans Also Made:
None found
Nutrition
Source: Union Square Cookbook
These are a staple in our house, for a quick snack or when company comes. They’re a great addition to a charcuterie board.
Hi, Barb! That’s amazing! Thanks for sharing your feedback 🙂