It’s the holiday season again, a time to improve your gingerbread cookie baking skills and enjoy the warmth of roasting chestnuts. For those of us without a fireplace, here’s the good news: you can easily roast sweet, buttery chestnuts right in your oven.

We consulted with experts to gather the best advice for roasting chestnuts at home.

Buying the Right Chestnuts

The journey to perfect roasted chestnuts begins at your local grocery store. It’s best to choose chestnuts that are uniform in size as this will help them roast evenly in the oven, advises Dr. Kristen Hamm, an assistant professor at La Salle University.

When picking chestnuts, look for ones that are smooth, shiny, and free from blemishes or mold. “Feel them to ensure the skin isn’t too dry,” Hamm recommends.

How to Cook Chestnuts for Easy Peeling

After bringing the chestnuts home, wash away any dirt. The next step is to score them by cutting an “X” on the shell without damaging the skin inside, explains Michelle Gooden, a dietitian at Emory Healthcare. Scoring is essential; not doing it can lead to chestnuts exploding in your oven.

Next, soak the chestnuts in water for at least an hour, or overnight if possible, Hamm suggests. Soaking softens the chestnuts for roasting and makes peeling easier later, Gooden notes.

Roasting Chestnuts

Preheat your oven to 400 to 425 degrees Fahrenheit to roast the chestnuts, Hamm advises. Spread them out on a baking sheet without overcrowding.

Roast the chestnuts for about 10 to 25 minutes, as recommended by Hamm. Remember to turn them halfway through to ensure even roasting, Gooden adds.

The roasting time will vary based on the chestnut size (smaller ones need less time). Be cautious not to cook them too long, as this may dry them out, notes Hamm.

When the shells begin to open, they are done. Let them cool for a while before gently cracking and peeling off the skin. “From there, you can season them to your liking,” Gooden advises.

Are Roasted Chestnuts Healthy?

Definitely! Chestnuts are full of various vitamins and minerals with antioxidant properties, such as magnesium and potassium, which support heart health by regulating blood pressure and reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases, according to Hamm.

Unlike most nuts, chestnuts are lower in calories and fat while rich in essential fatty acids, making them a good choice for weight management. “They also provide a significant amount of vitamin C,” Hamm notes, which is beneficial for boosting immunity and promoting skin health.

Chestnuts are also high in fiber, says Gooden. Foods rich in fiber can slow down carbohydrate digestion, which can help stabilize blood sugar levels. This makes chestnuts a great snack for those with diabetes, she adds.

When roasted, chestnuts mostly keep their nutrients intact, says Gooden.

“Overall, [roasted chestnuts] remain a wonderful source of antioxidants and fiber, making them a healthy snack choice,” Hamm concludes.