Crispy Cinnamon Sugar Candied Pecans Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For an extra layer of complexity, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cinnamon sugar mixture. This creates a sweet-and-spicy balance that is particularly popular during the holiday season.

Always toast your spices slightly in a dry pan if they have been sitting in your pantry for a long time, as this helps to release their essential oils and intensifies their flavor profile before they are combined with the sugar.

If you find that your pecans are not browning evenly, try rotating the baking dish halfway through the cooking time. This is especially helpful if your oven has hot spots.

Keep a close eye on the nuts during the final five minutes of baking, as sugar can transition from perfectly caramelized to burnt very quickly. Trust your nose—the kitchen should smell wonderful when they are finished.

Variations

• Spiced Candied Pecans: Add 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg and a pinch of ground cloves to the sugar mixture for a warmer, more festive flavor profile.
• Maple Glazed Pecans: Substitute 1 tablespoon of the granulated sugar with pure maple syrup, adding it to the egg white mixture for a deeper, caramelized depth.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Not recommended, as the humidity can soften the sugar crust.

Freezer

Freeze for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw at room temperature.

Reheat

Warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5 minutes and cool completely to restore crunch.

Store the cooled candied pecans in an airtight container at room temperature. They will remain crisp for up to two weeks if kept in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Avoid storing them in the refrigerator, as the humidity can cause the sugar coating to become sticky and lose its satisfying crunch over time.

These are an excellent make-ahead snack. You can prepare them a few days before an event and keep them stored in a sealed jar. If you notice they have lost some of their crispness, you can refresh them by placing them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5 minutes, then letting them cool completely again.

Serving ideas

Serve these pecans in a small bowl as a simple snack during gatherings, or use them to add texture to a fresh spinach salad with goat cheese and balsamic vinaigrette.

They also make a fantastic topping for yogurt, oatmeal, or vanilla ice cream. Their versatility allows them to bridge the gap between savory and sweet dishes effortlessly.

For a thoughtful homemade gift, package the cooled pecans in decorative glass jars tied with a ribbon. They are a welcome addition to any gift basket or as a standalone present during the holidays.

Ensure the nuts are completely cool before packaging to prevent condensation from forming inside the container, which would ruin the texture.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Crispy Cinnamon Sugar Candied Pecans

Prep 5 minCook 20 minRest 10 minTotal 35 minServes 6

Ingredients

• 2 cups pecan halves
• 1 large egg white, lightly beaten
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

Instructions

1. Whisk the egg white and vanilla extract together in a medium bowl until the mixture is frothy and light. This step creates the necessary adhesive for the sugar mixture to stick to the nuts.
2. Add the pecan halves to the bowl with the egg white mixture and toss gently until every nut is evenly coated. In a separate small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle this dry mixture over the coated pecans and toss again to ensure an even distribution of the cinnamon sugar crust.
3. Spread the coated pecans in a single layer in the baking dish. Bake at 300°F (150°C) for 20 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the nuts are toasted and the coating is set. Ensure the mixture reaches a safe internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) to be fully cooked. Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the dish before serving.

Contains: eggs, tree nuts

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

220

Protein

3 g

Carbohydrates

12 g

Fat

19 g

Fiber

2.5 g

Sugar

9 g

Sodium

0 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.