Cozy up with these easy Candied Pecans made with cinnamon, vanilla, and roasted pecans. Sweet, crunchy, and perfect for snacking, gifting, or topping salads and desserts during the holidays and all season long.
Candied Pecans
Sweet, crunchy, and warm with cinnamon spice, these Candied Pecans are the kind of treat that makes your whole kitchen smell like the holidays. They’re lightly caramelized, perfectly crisp, and totally irresistible, just like the ones you snag from street vendors at Christmas markets. Whip up a batch for snacking, sprinkle them over your favorite fall salads and desserts, or package them in jars for a simple homemade gift everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Candied Pecans are one of the simplest snacks to whip up during the holidays and beyond. You only need a handful of pantry staples, one bowl for coating, and a quick bake in the oven for ultra-crunchy results. They’re way better than the bagged kind from the store, and they make your kitchen smell absolutely amazing. Warm cinnamon, buttery pecans, sweet caramelized sugar… heaven.
These are also a great make-ahead treat. Store them for weeks and use them for snacking, charcuterie boards, or wrapping in cute jars for holiday gift-giving.
Recipe Tips & Variations
- Watch closely during the last 10 minutes. They can go from perfect to overdone quickly.
- Stirring ensures an even coating and prevents sticking.
- Let them cool completely before storing so they stay crunchy.
- Double the batch! They disappear fast!
- Spicy Candied Pecans: Add a pinch of cayenne or chili powder for sweet heat.
- Maple Flavor: Replace the water with maple syrup for a deeper fall-inspired flavor.
- Different Nuts: This coating works great with almonds, cashews, or walnuts too.
How to Use Candied Pecans
These versatile sweet nuts are delicious straight from the pan, but that’s just the beginning! Try them as a topping on:
- Spinach salads with fruit
- Sweet potato casseroles
- Ice cream, yogurt, or cheesecake
- Charcuterie and dessert boards
- Holiday or hostess gifts - pack in jars or bags for a sweet homemade present for friends, teachers, hostesses, or neighbors.
More Homemade Candy Recipes You'll Love
- Divinity Candy - A classic, fluffy Southern confection made with vanilla and pecans for a melt-in-your-mouth holiday treat.
- 2 Ingredient Peanut Butter Fudge - Rich, creamy fudge that comes together in minutes with just two simple pantry ingredients.
- Rolo Pretzel Turtles - Sweet, salty, and chewy chocolate-caramel bites made right on a pretzel. Perfect for gifting or snacking.
- Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels - Addictively crunchy pretzels coated in buttery cinnamon-sugar for an easy holiday snack everyone loves.
- Saltine Toffee - A sweet-and-salty classic with a crispy cracker base, buttery toffee, and melted chocolate on top.
Candied Pecans Video
Candied Pecans
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg white
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 pound pecan halves
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 250°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine sugars, cinnamon, and salt. Whisk to combine. Set aside.⅓ cup granulated sugar, ⅓ cup brown sugar, 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon salt
- In a second large mixing bowl, whisk egg white, water, and vanilla together in a large bowl until frothy.1 large egg white, 1 tablespoon water, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Toss pecans in the egg white mixture to coat.
- Slowly pour in sugar mixture and stir until pecans are evenly coated.
- Spread onto prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
- Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, stirring every 10 to 15 minutes, until pecans are evenly browned.
Notes
- Storage: Store candied pecans in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator for several weeks.
Nutrition
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