There is something undeniably magical about the scent of warm cinnamon and roasting nuts wafting through the house. If you are looking to capture that cozy feeling, these homemade candied pecans are the absolute perfect solution.
I vividly remember the first time I tried making these for a holiday gathering. I was worried they would be complicated or sticky, but I was shocked by how simple the process actually was.
The aroma alone was enough to draw my entire family into the kitchen before the timer even went off. Since that day, this recipe has become a non-negotiable tradition in my household every winter.
It is amazing how a few pantry staples can transform raw nuts into a gourmet treat. I often browse Cook Reel for easy snack ideas, but I always come back to this specific recipe.
These nuts strike the ideal balance between savory, salty, and intensely sweet. They are crunchy enough to satisfy a snack craving but elegant enough to serve at a dinner party.
Why you’ll love this Cinnamon Sugar Candied Pecans with Homemade Candied Pecans
- These nuts come together with just ten minutes of active preparation time, making them a stress-free treat for busy cooks.
- The combination of cinnamon and vanilla creates an irresistible aroma that makes your home smell better than any scented candle.
- You can easily customize the flavor profile of these homemade candied pecans by adjusting the spices to suit your personal taste.
- They act as a dual-purpose recipe, serving as both a delicious party appetizer and a thoughtful, handcrafted gift for friends.
- The texture is perfection, offering a satisfying crunch from the caramelized sugar shell that isn’t too hard on your teeth.
- This recipe is naturally gluten-free and vegetarian, making it a crowd-pleaser that accommodates various dietary needs.
Ingredients
- 1 pound raw pecan halves
- 1 large egg white
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
Directions
Step 1
Homemade candied pecans makes every moment feel energetic. Start by preheating your oven to 250°F (120°C) to ensure a slow, even roast. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a high-quality silicone baking mat to prevent the sugar from sticking to the pan.
Step 2
Grab a large mixing bowl and combine the egg white, water, and vanilla extract. Whisk these ingredients vigorously until the mixture becomes very frothy, bubbly, and opaque.
Step 3
Pour the raw pecan halves into the bowl with the frothy egg mixture. Use a spatula to toss them gently, ensuring every single nut is evenly coated in the liquid.
Step 4
In a separate small bowl, prepare your dry coating by whisking together the granulated sugar and packed brown sugar. Add the ground cinnamon and fine sea salt, stirring until no lumps remain and the spices are well distributed.
Step 5
Pour this cinnamon-sugar mixture over the wet, coated pecans in the large bowl. Toss everything again thoroughly until the nuts are completely and evenly covered in the sweet spice blend.
Step 6
Spread the coated pecans out in a single, even layer on your prepared baking sheet. Bake them for 45 minutes to 1 hour, making sure to stir the nuts every 15 minutes so they roast evenly.
Step 7
Remove the pan from the oven once the nuts are fragrant and toasted. Allow the pecans to cool completely right on the baking sheet, as the coating will harden and become crunchy only as they cool down.
Variations, pairings, and serving ideas
Variations for your homemade candied pecans
If you enjoy a bit of heat with your sweet treats, you can easily transform this recipe into a spicy snack. Simply add a quarter teaspoon of cayenne pepper or chipotle powder to the sugar mixture. The subtle kick of heat cuts through the sugar beautifully and adds a gourmet touch.
For a more autumnal twist, try swapping the standard cinnamon for a pumpkin pie spice blend. This introduces notes of nutmeg, ginger, and cloves that feel incredibly festive. It is a wonderful way to change the flavor profile without altering the cooking method.
You can also experiment with different liquids in place of the water for the egg wash. Using orange juice or even a splash of maple syrup can add a new dimension of flavor. Just be mindful that adding more sugar via maple syrup might make the coating slightly stickier.
Pairings
These nuts are the ultimate companion for a fresh salad, adding a necessary crunch and sweetness. They pair exceptionally well with bitter greens like arugula or kale. Toss them in with some goat cheese and sliced pears for a restaurant-quality starter.
Breakfast dishes also benefit greatly from a handful of these sugary gems. Sprinkle chopped candied pecans over your morning oatmeal or yogurt parfait. They add a decadent texture that turns a simple breakfast into a special occasion meal.
For a dessert pairing, serve these warm over vanilla bean ice cream. The contrast between the cold, creamy dairy and the crunchy, spiced nuts is unbeatable. You can also crush them and use them as a crust for cheesecakes or pies.
Serving ideas
When hosting a party, serve these pecans in small decorative bowls scattered around the room. They make for excellent grazing food that guests can grab by the handful. You can also include them as a crunchy element on a cheese or charcuterie board.
If you are looking for a charming way to present them, roll parchment paper into cones. Fill the cones with the nuts and stand them up in a wire rack or deep bowl. This makes for a fun, grab-and-go presentation that works well for outdoor gatherings.
For a stunning dessert table, place these nuts alongside other sweet treats. They look beautiful piled high on a cake stand or platter. If you want to offer a variety of textures, try serving them next to soft, chewy Cherry coconut magic bars.
Storage and make-ahead tips
Storage
Proper storage is essential to maintain the crunch of your homemade candied pecans. Once they have cooled completely, transfer them immediately to an airtight container. If left out in humid air for too long, the sugar coating can become sticky and soft.
You can keep them at room temperature in a dark, dry place for up to two weeks. Glass jars with rubber seals work particularly well for this. They look attractive on the counter while keeping the nuts fresh.
If you want to store them for longer, these pecans freeze beautifully. Place them in a heavy-duty freezer bag and store them for up to two months. You do not even need to thaw them before eating, as they taste delicious straight from the freezer.
Make-ahead
This recipe is a fantastic candidate for meal prepping or holiday planning. You can make a massive batch weeks in advance of your event. Since they store so well, you can cross this item off your to-do list early.
If you are preparing these for gifts, buy your jars or cellophane bags ahead of time. Portion the cooled nuts into the bags and seal them tightly. They will stay fresh and ready to gift whenever you need a last-minute present.
You can also mix the dry sugar and spice ingredients ahead of time. Store the spice blend in a small jar until you are ready to bake. This makes the actual cooking process even faster on the day you decide to roast the nuts.
Common mistakes when making Cinnamon Sugar Candied Pecans
- One of the most common errors is setting the oven temperature too high, which burns the sugar before the nut is roasted. Keep the oven at 250°F and be patient with the slow roasting process.
- Forgetting to whisk the egg white until it is frothy is another frequent mistake. The froth is what creates the light, crisp shell, so do not skip this step or rush through it.
- Many people fail to stir the nuts every 15 minutes while they are baking. Stirring is crucial to ensure that the outer pecans do not burn while the center ones remain raw.
- It is easy to misjudge the doneness of the pecans because the coating is still soft when hot. Trust the timing and remember that they will crisp up significantly as they cool down.
- Crowding the pan prevents the nuts from drying out properly and can lead to a chewy, rather than crunchy, texture. Always use a large enough sheet pan to keep them in a single layer.
Final notes
Making these cinnamon sugar candied pecans is one of the most rewarding low-effort kitchen projects you can tackle. The result is far superior to anything you can buy at the grocery store. Plus, the pride of sharing something homemade makes them taste even better.
Do not be afraid to get creative with the spices once you have mastered the base recipe. Cooking is all about experimenting and finding what flavors bring you joy. Whether you keep them for yourself or give them away, they are sure to disappear quickly.
I hope this recipe brings a little bit of warmth and sweetness to your kitchen this week. Enjoy the process of baking and the delicious crunch that follows. Happy cooking!
Loved this Cinnamon Sugar Candied Pecans? Try these next
- Cherry coconut magic bars
- Classic chocolate chip cookies
- Easy banana bread
- No-bake oatmeal energy bites
- Spiced apple cider donuts
Cinnamon Sugar Candied Pecans
These perfectly crunchy, sweet, and salty glazed nuts are oven-roasted with a warm cinnamon spice blend. They make an addictive snack, a festive holiday gift, or a gourmet topper for salads and desserts.
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 pound raw pecan halves
- 1 large egg white
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, vigorously whisk together the egg white, water, and vanilla extract until the mixture is very frothy and bubbly.
- Add the pecan halves to the frothy egg mixture and toss gently with a spatula until every nut is evenly coated.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, packed brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and sea salt until well combined and no lumps remain.
- Pour the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the coated pecans. Toss again until the nuts are thoroughly and evenly covered in the spice blend.
- Spread the pecans out in a single even layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure they roast evenly and don't burn.
- Remove from the oven and allow the pecans to cool completely on the baking sheet. The coating will harden and become crunchy as they cool.
Notes
Store these candied pecans in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. For a spicy variation, add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the sugar mix. They also freeze well for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 31g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 27g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg