Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Cinnamon Sugar Candied Pecans are the perfect combination of sweet, spicy, and nutty. The crunchy, caramelized coating gives these pecans a satisfying crunch, while the cinnamon and sugar create a mouthwatering flavor profile that’s hard to resist. The simple ingredients and easy oven method make these pecans a quick and delicious snack that’s great for holiday gatherings, as a topping for salads or desserts, or even as a gift. They’re the ideal balance of savory and sweet, making them an addictive treat!
Ingredients
- 1 cup (207g) sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg white
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cups (448g) pecan halves
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.
- In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
- In a separate large bowl, beat the egg white and vanilla extract together until frothy. You can use a hand mixer or whisk to achieve this.
- Add the pecans to the egg white mixture and toss them until evenly coated.
- Pour the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the pecans and toss again until the pecans are fully coated in the sugar and cinnamon mixture.
- Drizzle the melted butter over the pecans and stir to combine, ensuring the pecans are well coated with the butter.
- Spread the pecans out in an even layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes, until the pecans are golden brown and fragrant. Be careful not to over-bake them to avoid burning.
- Remove the pecans from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes. They will continue to harden as they cool.
- Once cooled, transfer the candied pecans to an airtight container for storage.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Approximately 4-6 servings
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Option: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the cinnamon-sugar mixture for a sweet and spicy twist.
- Maple Flavor: Substitute the vanilla extract with maple extract for a deliciously autumnal flavor.
- Nuts: You can also make this recipe with other nuts, such as almonds, walnuts, or cashews, for a different variation.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store the candied pecans in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. They will stay crunchy and fresh.
- Reheating: To restore their crispness, reheat the pecans in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes.
FAQs
Can I make these candied pecans ahead of time?
Yes, these candied pecans can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. They make a great snack for the holiday season!
Can I use a different type of nut?
Yes, you can use any other type of nut you prefer, such as walnuts, almonds, or cashews. The recipe works with any variety of nuts.
Can I make these without the egg white?
The egg white helps the sugar and cinnamon coating to stick to the pecans and create a crispy texture. However, if you’re allergic to eggs, you can try replacing the egg white with a mixture of cornstarch and water as a binding agent.
Can I use brown sugar instead of white sugar?
Yes, you can substitute brown sugar for white sugar for a richer flavor with a slight molasses undertone. Brown sugar will make the candied pecans slightly more caramelized.
Can I use store-bought cinnamon sugar?
If you don’t have cinnamon and sugar on hand, you can use pre-made cinnamon sugar. Just substitute the amount of cinnamon and sugar in the recipe with an equivalent amount of cinnamon sugar.
How can I prevent the pecans from sticking to the baking sheet?
Using parchment paper or a silicone baking mat will prevent the pecans from sticking to the baking sheet and make cleanup easier.
Can I make these candied pecans without butter?
Yes, you can omit the butter if you’d like to make a dairy-free version of the candied pecans. Instead, you can use a bit of coconut oil or simply skip the butter altogether.
Can I freeze these candied pecans?
Yes, you can freeze the pecans. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container and store them for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Can I add chocolate to the candied pecans?
Yes, for a decadent twist, you can drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled pecans for an extra layer of sweetness.
How can I make the candied pecans crispier?
If the pecans aren’t as crispy as you’d like, you can bake them for a few extra minutes, but be careful not to burn them. Stir the pecans occasionally to ensure even baking.
Conclusion
Cinnamon Sugar Candied Pecans are a deliciously sweet and crunchy snack that’s perfect for any occasion, especially the holidays. With a simple ingredient list and easy preparation, these candied pecans are a treat everyone will love. They’re perfect for snacking, adding to holiday gift baskets, or using as a topping for salads or desserts. Once you try them, you’ll find it hard to resist reaching for more!
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Cinnamon Sugar Candied Pecans
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cinnamon Sugar Candied Pecans are a sweet and crunchy treat that combines the warmth of cinnamon with the richness of caramelized pecans. Perfect for snacking, gifting, or adding to holiday treats, these crunchy candied pecans are a must-try. The irresistible combination of cinnamon, sugar, and toasted nuts makes these pecans the perfect balance of savory and sweet.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (207g) sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg white
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cups (448g) pecan halves
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together sugar, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg white and vanilla extract until frothy.
- Add pecans to the egg white mixture and toss until fully coated.
- Pour the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the pecans and toss again until evenly coated.
- Drizzle melted butter over the pecans and stir to combine.
- Spread pecans in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes, until golden brown and fragrant.
- Let the pecans cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes before transferring them to an airtight container for storage.
Notes
- Variations: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder for a spicy kick, or substitute vanilla extract with maple extract for an autumn twist.
- Storage/Reheating: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. Reheat at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes to restore crispness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
