Irresistible Cinnamon Sugar Candied Pecans: The Ultimate Homemade Holiday Treat
Cinnamon sugar-coated candied pecans are more than just a snack; they are a delightful experience, perfect for gifting during the holidays or simply enjoying as a sweet, crunchy treat. This recipe is incredibly easy to follow, allowing you to create a batch of these irresistible nuts with minimal effort. Imagine the warm, inviting aroma filling your home – that’s the magic of homemade candied pecans, ready to bring joy to every bite!
Why This Candied Pecan Recipe is a Must-Try
There’s a reason why candied pecans become a staple around the holiday season, and this recipe captures that festive spirit perfectly. The combination of warm cinnamon spice blended with sweet sugar, all perfectly coating crunchy, rich pecans, evokes a nostalgic taste that instantly transports you back to cherished Thanksgiving and Christmas memories – or perhaps the delightful aroma wafting through a bustling shopping mall during the festive period. This recipe isn’t just about making a snack; it’s about crafting a sensory experience.
What makes this particular recipe stand out is its foolproof method. We achieve that desirable crisp, sweet shell without making the pecans overly sticky or greasy. The egg white coating acts as a fantastic binder, ensuring the cinnamon-sugar mixture adheres beautifully to each pecan half, resulting in a consistent, satisfying crunch with every bite. The balance of sweet and a hint of salt creates an incredibly addictive treat that’s hard to resist. Plus, it’s a wonderfully economical way to produce a large quantity of high-quality, homemade gifts that truly show you care.
Make a generous batch of these cinnamon sugar candied pecans to share with everyone on your list – teachers, friends, neighbors, and family. They pair wonderfully with other homemade goodies like chocolate turtles or saltine toffee, creating a diverse and thoughtful gift basket. Beyond gifting, these sweet and salty nuts are simply perfect for snacking on during a cozy evening, serving at holiday gatherings, or even incorporating into your favorite dishes for an extra touch of gourmet flavor.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Candied Pecans
Crafting these delectable candied pecans requires a few simple ingredients, most of which you likely already have in your pantry. The magic lies in the perfect blend and preparation. You’ll find all precise measurements and detailed instructions in the printable recipe card at the very end of this post, but here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need and why each component is vital for that signature candied pecan flavor and texture.
Ingredient Spotlight & Smart Substitutions
- Pecan Halves (4 cups): Pecan halves are ideal for this recipe as their size and shape ensure an excellent surface area for coating, providing a satisfying crunch in every bite.
- Substitution Suggestions: While pecans are classic, feel free to experiment with other nuts. Walnuts, cashews, and almonds are all fantastic alternatives. Just ensure they are raw and unsalted. For a mixed nut medley, combine different varieties – it adds an interesting depth of flavor and texture! Ensure the nuts are fresh for the best taste.
- Brown Sugar (½ cup) & Granulated White Sugar (½ cup): The combination of both brown and white sugar is crucial. Brown sugar adds a deeper, molasses-rich flavor and a slight chewiness, while granulated white sugar contributes to the crisp, sparkly exterior.
- Substitution Suggestions: For a slightly different flavor profile, you can adjust the ratio slightly, but avoid fully replacing one with the other to maintain the desired texture and sweetness. Maple sugar could be a unique addition for a more robust fall flavor, but use it sparingly as a partial substitute.
- Ground Cinnamon (1 Tbsp): This is the star spice, providing that warm, inviting aroma and classic holiday flavor. Using a good quality, fresh cinnamon makes a noticeable difference.
- Substitution Suggestions: Feel free to get creative with your spices! For a festive twist, try adding a pinch of nutmeg, ground cloves, or allspice. A “pumpkin pie spice” blend is also an excellent choice, especially around Thanksgiving. For those who enjoy a little heat, a tiny dash of cayenne pepper can add an unexpected and delightful kick, creating a sweet and spicy candied nut.
- Salt (1 tsp): Salt is not just for seasoning; it’s a flavor enhancer. In this recipe, it perfectly balances the sweetness of the sugars, preventing the pecans from being overly cloying and highlighting the nutty flavor.
- Tip: You can slightly increase or decrease the salt to your personal preference for a more pronounced sweet-and-salty profile. Flaky sea salt sprinkled on top immediately after baking can also add a gourmet touch.
- Egg Whites (2 large): The egg whites are the secret to the perfectly coated and crispy texture. When whipped, they create a light, airy foam that acts as a binder, helping the sugar and spice mixture adhere to the pecans and creating a delicate, crisp crust during baking.
- Tip: Ensure your egg whites are at room temperature before whipping, as this helps them achieve maximum volume and stiffness. Make sure no egg yolk accidentally gets into the whites, as fat can prevent them from whipping properly.
- Water (1 Tbsp): A small amount of water helps achieve the right consistency for whipping the egg whites.
- Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): Vanilla adds a layer of warm, aromatic sweetness that complements the cinnamon and pecans beautifully.
- Tip: Use good quality pure vanilla extract for the best flavor. Almond extract can also be a delightful alternative or addition for a slightly different nutty aroma.
How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Candied Pecans: A Step-by-Step Guide
These step-by-step photos and detailed instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe successfully. For the full printable version of this recipe, complete with precise measurements and comprehensive instructions, simply Jump to Recipe at the bottom of the page.
- Prepare Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 300°F (150°C). This ensures that the oven is at a consistent temperature when the pecans go in, crucial for even baking and a perfectly crisp coating. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, granulated white sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt. Whisk these ingredients together thoroughly until they are uniformly mixed. This ensures every pecan gets an even coating of flavor. Set this mixture aside.
- Whip Egg Whites: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, or using a hand mixer, beat the egg whites, water, and vanilla extract together. Continue beating on high speed until stiff white peaks form. This means the egg whites should hold their shape when the whisk is lifted, creating a light, airy foam that will perfectly coat the pecans.
- Coat Pecans with Egg Whites: Gently add the pecan halves to the whipped egg whites. Use a rubber spatula to carefully fold and coat the pecans completely with the fluffy egg white mixture. Be gentle to maintain the volume of the egg whites while ensuring all pecans are covered.
- Add Sugar Mixture and Spread: Gradually add the reserved sugar mixture to the egg white-coated pecans in three additions, folding gently with the rubber spatula after each addition until all the sugar mixture is fully incorporated and the pecans are evenly coated. Once combined, spread the coated pecans in a single, even layer on the parchment paper-lined baking sheet. This even layer is crucial for uniform baking and crispness.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake the pecans for approximately 40 minutes. It’s important to toss them gently with a spatula every 15 minutes or so to ensure they bake evenly and develop a consistent, crisp coating on all sides. This also helps prevent any sticking.
- Cool Completely: Once baked, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Carefully slide the parchment paper with the candied pecans off the hot baking sheet onto a cooling rack. Allow the pecans to cool completely on the parchment paper. They will continue to crisp up as they cool. This step is crucial for achieving that desired crunchy texture. Once cooled, they are ready to be packaged as gifts or served as a delicious snack!
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips for Candied Pecans
Proper storage is key to maintaining the crispness and flavor of your candied pecans. Store them in an airtight container or jar, kept at room temperature, for up to 1 week. The airtight seal prevents them from absorbing moisture and losing their crunch. You do not have to refrigerate them for short-term storage, but if you’d like them to last a little longer than a week, placing them in the refrigerator can extend their freshness for up to 2-3 weeks. For even longer storage, these delightful nuts can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just be sure they are in a freezer-safe, airtight container to prevent freezer burn.
Several factors can lead to sticky or soft candied pecans. The most common reasons include insufficient baking time, too low of an oven temperature, or not allowing them to cool completely. Ensure your oven is accurately preheated to 300°F (use an oven thermometer if unsure), and bake for the full 40 minutes, tossing regularly. It’s critical to let them cool fully on the parchment paper after baking; they will crisp up considerably as they cool. Humidity can also play a role, so store them in an airtight container as soon as they are cool.
This particular recipe relies on whipped egg whites to create that light, crisp, and beautifully coated texture. The egg whites act as a fantastic binder and contribute to the signature crunch. While there are other candied nut recipes that use butter or oil, they typically result in a different texture, often more caramelized or chewy. For this specific recipe and its intended outcome, egg whites are an essential ingredient.
Absolutely! Candied pecans are an excellent make-ahead treat. They retain their freshness and crunch for about a week when stored properly at room temperature in an airtight container. This makes them perfect for preparing a few days before a holiday gathering or for creating homemade gifts well in advance, saving you precious time during busy periods.
While not strictly “essential” if you have strong arms, a stand mixer with a whisk attachment or a good electric hand mixer will make whipping the egg whites significantly easier and more effective. You will also need a large baking sheet and parchment paper to prevent sticking. Beyond that, standard kitchen bowls and a rubber spatula are all you need.
Creative Ways to Serve and Enjoy Your Candied Pecans
These cinnamon sugar candied pecans are incredibly versatile, making them a fantastic addition to various occasions and dishes. Their sweet, spicy, and crunchy profile enhances almost anything they touch.
For Gifting: The holidays are synonymous with thoughtful, homemade gifts, and these candied pecans fit the bill perfectly. Package them in charming cellophane bags tied with festive ribbons, or elegantly display them in beautiful mason jars. Add a homemade tag with a personalized message, and you’ve created a truly special present that everyone will adore. They’re perfect for teachers, colleagues, neighbors, or as a delightful hostess gift.
As a Snack: Of course, the simplest way to enjoy them is straight out of the jar! They are an addictive snack on their own, perfect for satisfying a sweet craving or for an afternoon pick-me-up. Keep a bowl handy for guests during holiday gatherings.
In Savory Dishes: Don’t limit these to just sweet applications! The sweet and salty crunch of candied pecans makes them an exceptional topping for various salads, especially those featuring apples, goat cheese, or dried cranberries. They add a sophisticated texture and flavor contrast that elevates a simple salad to gourmet status.
In Sweet Dishes: These pecans are a dessert’s best friend. Sprinkle them over vanilla or butter pecan ice cream, layer them into yogurt parfaits, or use them as a crunchy garnish for cheesecakes, pies, or cupcakes. They are also fantastic mixed into oatmeal or scattered over French toast or pancakes for a decadent breakfast or brunch.
In Mixes and Platters: Boost your homemade trail mix by adding a handful of candied pecans for a burst of flavor and energy. They also make a wonderful addition to a charcuterie board or cheese platter, offering a sweet counterpoint to savory cheeses and meats. For movie night, try tossing them with plain popcorn for a sweet and salty cinematic treat!
Explore More Delicious Candy Recipes
If you loved making these candied pecans, you’ll surely enjoy exploring more homemade candy creations. Here are some of our other favorite easy-to-make candy recipes perfect for gifting or indulging:
- Effortless Microwave Caramels
- Classic Homemade Peanut Brittle
- Rich Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls
- Festive Peppermint Candy Cane Bark
- Crunchy Popcorn Chocolate Bark
- Unique Potato Candy
- Addictive Saltine Toffee
- Decadent Chocolate Truffles
- Fun Homemade Lollipops
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Candied Pecans
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Course:
Snack
Cuisine:
American
8
servings
45
minutes
450
Amanda Davis
Ingredients
-
½
cup
brown sugar -
½
cup
granulated white sugar -
1
Tbsp
ground cinnamon -
1
tsp
salt -
2
egg whites -
1
Tbsp
water -
1
tsp
vanilla extract -
4
cups
pecan halves
Things You’ll Need
-
Insulated baking sheets -
Electric mixer
Before You Begin
- The baking process can get really sticky and take a bit to flip the pecans. If some end up off the parchment paper and on the baking sheet itself after the first flip, it’s okay. They will not stick too bad to the baking sheet.
Instructions
-
Preheat the oven to 300F.
-
Combine the sugars, cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl. Whisk until combined and set aside.
-
In the bowl of a stand mixer with a whisk attachment, beat the egg whites, water, and vanilla together until stiff white peaks form.
-
Add the pecans to the egg whites and use a rubber spatula to fold and coat the pecans with the egg whites.
-
Add the sugar mixture in thirds to the pecans and fold with the rubber spatula. Once all combined, lay in an even layer on a parchment paper lined baking sheet.
-
Bake for 40 minutes, tossing every 15 minutes or so.
-
Remove the parchment paper and allow the pecans to cool fully on the baking sheet before jarring as gifts or serving as snacks.
Nutrition
Serving:
1
serving (1/2 cup)
|
Calories:
450
cal
|
Carbohydrates:
34
g
|
Protein:
5
g
|
Fat:
36
g
|
Saturated Fat:
3
g
|
Polyunsaturated Fat:
11
g
|
Monounsaturated Fat:
20
g
|
Sodium:
307
mg
|
Potassium:
239
mg
|
Fiber:
5
g
|
Sugar:
28
g
|
Vitamin A:
31
IU
|
Vitamin C:
1
mg
|
Calcium:
57
mg
|
Iron:
1
mg
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The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.