Candied Pecans

Candied pecans are sweet, crunchy, and irresistibly delicious, making them the perfect snack, topping, or gift for the holidays. With just a handful of ingredients, these pecans are coated in a cinnamon-sugar glaze that caramelizes as they bake, creating a crunchy, buttery texture with a hint of spice.

These pecans are great for salads, desserts, or snacking straight from the jar. Whether you’re making them for a holiday treat, a party, or just to satisfy a sweet craving, this easy candied pecans recipe will quickly become a favorite!

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowls
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
• Whisk
• Spatula

Ingredients Overview

• Pecans: The star of the recipe, offering a nutty crunch.
• Egg White: Helps the sugar mixture adhere to the nuts.
• Sugar & Cinnamon: Creates a caramelized, spiced coating.
• Vanilla & Salt: Enhances the flavor balance.

Ingredients

• 2 cups pecan halves
• 1 egg white
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

Step 1: Preheat Oven & Prepare Baking Sheet

1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

Step 2: Coat the Pecans

1. In a large bowl, whisk together egg white, water, and vanilla extract until frothy.
2. Add pecans and toss to coat evenly.

Step 3: Mix Sugar & Spices

1. In a separate bowl, mix granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
2. Pour over the pecans and toss until well coated.

Step 4: Bake the Pecans

1. Spread the coated pecans in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
2. Bake for 35-40 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even caramelization.

Step 5: Cool & Serve

1. Let the pecans cool completely—they will harden as they cool.
2. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container.

Prep Time

10 minutes

Cook Time

35 minutes

Total Time

45 minutes

Nutrition (per serving, ~8 servings)

• Calories: ~210
• Fat: ~17g
• Carbohydrates: ~14g
• Protein: ~2g

Expert Tips

• For Extra Crunch: Let the pecans cool completely before storing.
• Make Them Spicier: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a sweet-heat twist.
• Even Coating: Stir the pecans halfway through baking for an even crisp.

FAQs

Can I use other nuts?
Yes! Almonds, walnuts, or cashews work just as well.

How long do candied pecans last?
Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks at room temperature.

Can I freeze candied pecans?
Yes! Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months.

Storing & Freezing

• Storing: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
• Freezing: Freeze for up to 2 months, thaw at room temperature before serving.

Substitutions & Variations

• Sugar-Free Version: Use a sugar substitute like monk fruit or erythritol.
• Pumpkin Spice Flavor: Add 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg and 1/4 teaspoon cloves.
• Maple Glazed: Swap brown sugar for maple syrup for a deeper flavor.

Candied Pecans

Candied pecans are **sweet, crunchy, and irresistibly delicious**, making them the perfect snack, topping, or gift for the holidays. With **just a handful of ingredients**, these pecans are coated in a **cinnamon-sugar glaze** that caramelizes as they bake, creating a **crunchy, buttery texture** with a hint of spice.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• - Baking sheet
• - Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
• Whisk
• Spatula

Ingredients

  

• - 2 cups pecan halves
• - 1 egg white
• - 1 tablespoon water
• - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• - 1/4 cup brown sugar
• - 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• - 1/2 teaspoon salt
• - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

 

• #### **Step 1: Preheat Oven & Prepare Baking Sheet**
• Preheat oven to **300°F (150°C)**.
• Line a baking sheet with **parchment paper or a silicone baking mat**.
• #### **Step 2: Coat the Pecans**
• In a large bowl, whisk together **egg white, water, and vanilla extract** until frothy.
• Add pecans and toss to coat evenly.
• #### **Step 3: Mix Sugar & Spices**
• In a separate bowl, mix **granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt**.
• Pour over the pecans and toss until well coated.
• #### **Step 4: Bake the Pecans**
• Spread the coated pecans in a **single layer** on the prepared baking sheet.
• Bake for **35-40 minutes**, stirring halfway through to ensure even caramelization.
• #### **Step 5: Cool & Serve**
• Let the pecans cool completely—**they will harden as they cool**.
• Serve immediately or store in an airtight container.