This easy candied pecans recipe makes delicious roasted cinnamon sugar pecans in just 20 minutes. Perfect for snacks, holiday gifts, or in salads and desserts. You'll want to make this easy recipe throughout the holiday season!
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My grandma's candied pecan recipe is super easy and takes less than 30 minutes to make. If you're craving the taste of cinnamon sugar roasted pecans, this easy recipe is for you!
We used to buy those bags of Trader Joe's candied pecans, but they would disappear in a day. These homemade cinnamon sugar pecans last longer because you can make a big batch!
Not only are these delicious candied pecans a great snack, but they're also perfect party appetizers. Add them to your charcuterie boards or holiday cheese boards. They also make great gifts!
Ingredients
You only need 5 simple ingredients for this easy candied pecans recipe. You can find them in your grocery store or online:
- Raw pecan halves--not seasoned or already roasted
- Large egg white -- helps the coating stick to the nuts
- Granulated sugar -- adds sweetness
- Ground cinnamon -- adds a touch of warm spice
How to Make Candied Pecans
First, preheat your oven to 300 degrees. Then, line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper.
Next, add an egg white to a large mixing bowl, and lightly whisk until just foamy. Add your pecans to the bowl, and gently stir.
Grandma's recipe says to use your hands, but I think a spatula or wooden spoon works better! Gradually add the cinnamon and sugar, stirring well after each addition.
Stir until the nuts are completely coated with the cinnamon sugar mixture. Then, spoon them onto the prepared baking sheet.
Make sure to spread the pecans evenly in a single layer. They won't cook evenly if they're all clumped together.
It's okay if your pecans overlap a little. But, spread them out as much as you can.
Cooking Time
Bake the pecans for 10 minutes. They will still be a bit sticky. Then, turn over with a spatula or wooden spoon, and bake another 10 minutes.
The roasted nuts are cooked at this point. But if you want crispier pecans, you can bake for another 7 to 10 minutes. Just watch so that they don't get too dark or burn.
The crunchy coating will harden and crisp up more as the pecans cool down.
So, the total cook time is for perfectly roasted candied pecans is 20 to 30 minutes, depending on how crispy you like your pecans!
Variations
Some of our favorite ways to use these candied nuts is as a topping for sweet potatoes, or sweet potato casserole. Use them to top your chocolate pecan pies or on top of salads. They're delicious as a salad topper for this cranberry chicken apple salad or any salad!
Instead of pecans, you can follow this same recipe for candied roasted walnuts or cashews. A combination of different nuts makes for the perfect addition to any charcuterie board!
For a bit of spice, sprinkle some cayenne pepper over the candied nuts. Pumpkin pie spice can also add a festive flavor, and salt can cut the sweetness.
For more of a sweet snack, add maple syrup or maple sugar to the cinnamon sugar coating. These sweet crunchy nuts are the perfect topping for some vanilla ice cream or butter pecan ice cream!
How to Store
How long do candied pecans last? Store your candied pecans in an airtight container at room temperature. They keep well for about 2 weeks.
For longer storage, you can refrigerate the cinnamon sugar pecans for 1 to 2 months, or freeze the nuts in a freezer safe container for several months.
Candied pecans also make great last-minute gifts. Fill up some cute mason jars and tie a ribbon around the tops, and you've got a delicious holiday gift you made with your own hands!
Helpful Tips
- Make sure you are using raw pecans, not pecans that are roasted or already seasoned
- If you can only find whole pecans, that's fine-- you'll just have to break them in half yourself
- Stir the pecans every 10 minutes. Don't bake them for 20 minutes straight
- Candied pecans will firm up as they cool down, so don't over bake them
- You can use melted butter instead of egg whites
- You can use brown sugar in place of white sugar
Recipe
Easy Candied Pecans
Ingredients
- 1 pound raw pecan halves
- 1 large egg white
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 300 degrees
- Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper
- Add egg white to a large mixing bowl, and whisk lightly until foamy
- Pour pecans into mixing bowl, and stir to coat with egg white
- Gradually add the sugar and cinnamon, stirring well after each addition, until pecans are coated with cinnamon sugar mixture
- Pour pecans onto prepared baking sheet, and spread evenly into single layer. Place in middle rack in oven
- Bake for 10 minutes, then stir and turn over with spatula. Bake for another 10 minutes, and stir again. You can bake for an additional 7 to 10 minutes for crispier pecans, or remove after 20 minutes. Pecans should be dry and crisp, but will crisp up more as they cool
Notes
Nutrition
We think these are the best candied pecans, and I hope you enjoy this wonderful recipe as much as we do! Don't forget to leave a star rating and comment!
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Cathy says
Love this recipe! Candied pecans are the best!
Eliana says
These Candied Pecans are so delicious! Dangerously good...
Catalina says
This is my favorite snack! I can't wait to make it again!
Serena says
Candied pecans are my all time favorite snack this time of the year. Love this recipe!
Cate says
Those are so good! I love candied pecans, so I couldn't wait to give this one a try. They're a classic.