Candied Cinnamon Pecans Recipe

If you love snacks that are both sweet and a little bit spicy, you’re going to absolutely fall for this Candied Cinnamon Pecans Recipe. I promise you, they’re the perfect balance of crunchy, sweet, and warmly spiced—making them a fantastic treat to munch on anytime or to gift to friends and family. I’ve been making these for years, and every time I do, my kitchen smells incredible and my loved ones go crazy for them. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll be hooked!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind this Candied Cinnamon Pecans Recipe happens because of a simple combination of spices and sugar working together to coat the pecans perfectly. You’ll want to use fresh pecans and pure cinnamon to get that cozy, authentic flavor that really pops.

• Pecan halves: Always go for fresh, whole pecan halves; avoid pieces for even cooking and coating.
• Egg white: This acts like a sticky glue so the sugar and cinnamon cling to the nuts beautifully.
• Water: Helps whisk the egg white and creates a smooth coating for the pecans.
• Vanilla extract: Adds that warm, extra depth of flavor that makes these pecans irresistible.
• Granulated sugar: The sweet base of the candy coating—ensure it’s fresh for best results.
• Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon brings that signature, comforting spice punch to the pecans.
• Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors and balances out the sweetness perfectly.

Variations

While this Candied Cinnamon Pecans Recipe is fantastic as is, I love playing with a few variations depending on my mood or what I have on hand. Feel free to spice it up or dial it back—the nuts are incredibly forgiving and open to your creative touch.

• Spicy Kick: I sometimes add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cinnamon sugar mix for a sweet-heat combo that’s got my family hooked.
• Maple Twist: Swap vanilla extract for maple syrup (reduce the sugar slightly) for a cozy fall-inspired flavor.
• Nut Mix: Mix pecans with walnuts or almonds for a more diverse nutty snack that’s just as delicious.
• Gluten-Free or Paleo-friendly: This recipe is naturally gluten-free and Paleo if you swap granulated sugar for coconut sugar.

How to Make Candied Cinnamon Pecans Recipe

Step 1: Get everything ready and preheat your oven

I find that prepping your baking sheet ahead—lining it with parchment paper—is a game changer to prevent sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Set your oven to 250 degrees Fahrenheit so it’s ready to gently toast those pecans to perfection.

Step 2: Whisk the egg white with water and vanilla

This part is key—whisk the egg white vigorously until it’s frothy and light. Trust me, the frothier, the better, because it helps the sugar and cinnamon stick evenly to every pecan. This little trick ensures no clumps and a gorgeous, even coating.

Step 3: Mix your sugar, cinnamon, and salt separately

Take a small bowl and whisk together your dry ingredients. The cinnamon should be well distributed so every bite bursts with that cozy spice. The tiny pinch of salt is a secret weapon here—it amplifies the sweetness and balances the flavor beautifully.

Step 4: Coat pecans with egg white mixture

Pour your pecan halves into the frothy egg white mix and toss them well. You want each pecan beautifully coated, but not drowning in liquid. I like to use my hands for this step because it’s easier to get a good mix and feel when they’re evenly coated.

Step 5: Add the cinnamon sugar mixture and toss again

Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mix over the coated pecans and give everything a good toss—again, I find hands work best here. You’ll see the pecans getting a lovely textured, sugary coating. This is where the magic happens!

Step 6: Bake low and slow, stirring often

Spread the pecans evenly on your parchment-lined sheet and pop them in the oven for an hour. Every 15 minutes, give them a good stir to ensure all sides get that even caramelized coating. Patience here really pays off—you’ll end up with perfectly crunchy, not burnt, pecans that have a deep flavor.

Step 7: Cool completely and store

Once they come out of the oven, let the pecans cool fully on the baking sheet. This hardens the sugar coating to that irresistible snap. Once cooled, store them in an airtight container—they’ll stay fresh and crunchy for weeks.

How to Serve Candied Cinnamon Pecans Recipe

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle these candied cinnamon pecans over salads to add a sweet crunch or chop them up as toppings for oatmeal and yogurt bowls. They’re also divine piled on warm baked brie for a stunning appetizer.

Side Dishes

Pair these pecans with cheese boards, roasted veggies, or even a simple autumn fruit salad. When entertaining, I often serve them alongside mulled wine or hot cider, and they’re always a hit!

Creative Ways to Present

Once, I packaged these candied cinnamon pecans in cute mason jars tied with ribbon for holiday gifts—such a crowd-pleaser! You can also present them in small paper cones for wedding favors or sprinkle over desserts like ice cream or cakes for an extra-special touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover candied pecans in airtight containers at room temperature. They tend to stay crunchy and delicious for up to two weeks, and I love that I can just grab a handful when I need a quick pick-me-up.

Freezing

Freezing works surprisingly well! I just pop them into a freezer-safe bag with the air squeezed out, and when I thaw them, they retain their crispiness perfectly. Just let them come to room temp before serving.

Reheating

If your candied pecans ever seem a bit soft, a quick 5-minute warm-up in a 300°F oven restores their crunchiness beautifully. Just spread them on a baking sheet and keep a close eye so they don’t burn.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Candied Cinnamon Pecans Recipe turns out every single time. It’s one of those recipes I keep returning to, whether I want to impress guests or just enjoy a cozy snack with a book. You’ll find that making these pecans yourself is so satisfying—and they taste way better than anything store-bought. Give it a try, and I’m betting you’ll want to make these little crunchy gems a regular part of your kitchen adventures. Enjoy!

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