Candied Pecans

Cinnamon sugar coated candied pecans make the tastiest homemade gift for the holidays and are super easy to make!

Why this recipe works

Candied pecans are a staple around the holidays. Warm cinnamon spice mixed with sugar and topped on crunchy, nutty pecans is a nostalgic taste that floats you back to Thanksgiving and Christmas time – or perhaps the shopping mall if that’s what the aroma reminds you of.

Make a large batch of candied pecans to give to teachers, friends, neighbors, and family along with some chocolate turtles or saltine toffee. These sweet and salty nuts are perfect for snacking on!

Ingredients you will need

Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable version at the end of this post.

Ingredient Info and Substitution Suggestions

NUT – You will want pecan halves for this recipe, but feel free to substitute the type of nut you use. Walnuts, cashews, and almonds are all great options.

How to Make Candied Pecans

These step by step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with measurements and instructions at the bottom.

1. Preheat the oven to 300F.
2. Combine the sugars, cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl. Whisk until combine and set aside.
3. In the bowl of a stand mixer with a whisk attachment, beat the egg whites, water, and vanilla together until stiff white peaks form.
4. Add the pecans to the egg whites and use a rubber spatula to fold and coat the pecans with the egg whites.
5. 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.
6. Bake for 40 minutes, tossing every 15 minutes or so.
7. Remove the parchment paper and allow the pecans to cool fully on the baking sheet before jarring as gifts or serving as snacks.

Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips

Store candied pecans in an air-tight jar kept at room temperature for up to 1 week. You do not have to refrigerate them, but if you’d like them to last a little longer than a week, place them in the fridge or freezer.

Serving Suggestions

You can package the candied pecans in cellophane bags or pop them into mason jars for gift giving. Switch up the flavor profile of your pecans by adding pumpkin spice, apple pie spice, or even cayenne for a bit of a kick. These candied nuts are also great for topping on salads, desserts, or added to popcorn and trailmixes.

More Candy Recipes

• Microwave Caramels
• Homemade Peanut Brittle
• Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls
• Peppermint Candy Cane Bark
• Crunchy Popcorn Chocolate Bark
• Potato Candy
• Saltine Toffee
• Chocolate Truffles
• Homemade Lollipops

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