Easy Candied Pecans

Easy Candied Pecans are a sweet, crunchy treat that’s perfect for holiday snacking, as a salad topping, or even as a gift. These pecans are coated in a simple syrup made from sugar, cinnamon, and a hint of vanilla, then roasted until they’re golden and caramelized. The result is a deliciously addictive snack with the perfect balance of sweetness and spice.

I first made these candied pecans when I wanted something quick and festive to serve during a holiday gathering. The ingredients are basic—just pecans, sugar, cinnamon, and a bit of salt—but the flavor is extraordinary. The warm cinnamon coating gives the nuts a cozy, comforting feel, while the caramelization process creates a satisfying crunch. They’re perfect for snacking on their own, tossing over salads, or serving as a topping for desserts like ice cream or pies.

What I love most about Easy Candied Pecans is how quick and simple they are to make. In just a few steps, you can create a delicious, homemade treat that’s perfect for any occasion. These nuts are also great for gift-giving, stored in a jar or festive bag. Whether enjoyed at a holiday party or tucked into a gift box, these candied pecans are sure to be a hit with everyone.

Perfect for:

Snack time
Holiday gift-giving
Adding to salads
Topping for desserts
Hosting events

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are 10 reasons why these Easy Candied Pecans will become your go-to treat:

Perfectly Sweet and Crunchy: A delightful blend of sweetness and crunch, making these pecans totally addictive.
Quick and Easy: With minimal prep and just 15 minutes of baking, these are an easy snack to make on short notice.
Versatile: Great for snacking, garnishing dishes, or giving as gifts.
No Fancy Equipment Needed: All you need is a baking sheet and a bowl to get started.
Warm Cinnamon Flavor: The cinnamon sugar coating gives these pecans a cozy, comforting taste.
Great for Gifting: Package them in jars or bags for an easy homemade gift that everyone will love.
Make-Ahead Option: They store well in an airtight container, making them a perfect treat to prep in advance.
Healthy-ish Treat: Packed with healthy fats and fiber, they offer a guilt-free indulgence when eaten in moderation.
Customizable Sweetness: Adjust the sugar to your liking for a sweeter or more balanced treat.
Impressive Look: These candied pecans look great on any holiday spread or party table, impressing guests with their glossy finish.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 30 minutes
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories per serving: Approximately 250-300 calories
Key Nutrients: Protein: 3g, Carbs: 30g, Fat: 18g

Ingredients

For the Candied Pecans:

2 cups pecan halves
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
Pinch of salt

Ingredient Highlights

Pecans: A nutrient-rich nut full of healthy fats and protein.
Cinnamon: Adds warmth and sweetness with a fragrant, spicy note.
Butter: Gives the pecans a rich, smooth coating that helps the sugar stick.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Pecans:

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
Mix Sugar and Spices: In a medium bowl, combine sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Stir until evenly mixed.
Coat Pecans: Add the pecans to the bowl, drizzle with melted butter, and toss to coat evenly.
Spread on Baking Sheet: Spread the pecans in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake: Bake for 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even coating. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
Cool: Once they are golden and fragrant, remove from the oven and let them cool completely on the baking sheet.

Serve:

Enjoy or Store: Once cooled, enjoy these candied pecans immediately or store them in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

How to Serve

Here are 10 serving suggestions for Easy Candied Pecans:

As a Snack: Serve as a sweet, crunchy snack anytime.
On Salads: Sprinkle on top of green salads for added texture and sweetness.
As Dessert Topping: Top ice cream or yogurt with these candied pecans for an extra touch of sweetness.
With Cheese: Pair with creamy cheeses like brie or goat cheese for a sophisticated appetizer.
In Trail Mix: Combine with dried fruit and chocolate for a delicious trail mix.
As a Gift: Package in jars and give as a thoughtful homemade gift.
With Morning Oatmeal: Add to your morning oatmeal for a sweet, crunchy boost.
In Baking: Stir into cookie or muffin batter for added flavor and texture.
For Holiday Spreads: Use as a topping for holiday cheeseboards or desserts.
For Movie Night: Serve alongside popcorn for a sweet and savory movie snack.

Additional Tips

Use Fresh Pecans: For the best flavor, always use fresh pecans. Stale nuts can affect the taste of your candied pecans.
Roast Before Candied: Lightly roasting the pecans before coating them with sugar can enhance their flavor and crunch.
Choose the Right Sugar: A mix of brown sugar and white sugar gives the perfect balance of sweetness and caramelization.
Add Cinnamon or Nutmeg: Spice up your candied pecans by adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the sugar mixture for extra warmth.
Butter for Richness: Use unsalted butter for a rich, smooth coating. It also helps the sugar melt evenly over the pecans.
Don’t Overcrowd the Baking Sheet: Spread the pecans in a single layer to ensure they bake evenly and don’t become soggy.
Stir Frequently: Stir the pecans every 10 minutes while baking to prevent them from burning and ensure even coating.
Cool on Parchment Paper: After baking, transfer the pecans to a piece of parchment paper to cool and harden, preventing them from sticking together.
Add a Pinch of Salt: A small pinch of salt can balance the sweetness and enhance the overall flavor of the candied pecans.
Storage Tips: Store cooled candied pecans in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks, or refrigerate for longer shelf life.

Recipe Variations

Spicy Maple Candied Pecans: Add 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper and a pinch of cinnamon to the sugar mixture for a sweet and spicy twist.
Vanilla Brown Sugar Candied Pecans: Substitute regular sugar with brown sugar and add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for a rich, caramelized flavor.
Orange Zest Candied Pecans: Add 1 tablespoon of fresh orange zest to the sugar mixture for a bright, citrusy note that complements the sweetness.
Chocolate-Dipped Candied Pecans: Once the candied pecans cool, dip half of each pecan in melted dark or milk chocolate for an indulgent treat.
Cinnamon Sugar Candied Pecans: Mix in 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon to the sugar mixture for a warm, comforting flavor perfect for fall.
Maple Pecan Candies with Sea Salt: Substitute maple syrup for regular sugar and sprinkle the pecans with flaky sea salt after baking for a sweet-salty contrast.
Coconut Candied Pecans: Add 1/2 cup of unsweetened shredded coconut to the sugar mixture for a tropical flavor twist.
Bourbon Candied Pecans: Stir 1 tablespoon of bourbon into the sugar mixture before coating the pecans for a rich, boozy flavor.
Pumpkin Spice Candied Pecans: Add 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice to the sugar mixture for a fall-inspired treat.
Honey Roasted Candied Pecans: Replace sugar with honey for a more natural sweetness and bake until golden for a softer, chewier candied pecan.

Special Equipment

Baking Sheet: To evenly spread and bake the pecans.
Parchment Paper or Silicone Mat: For easy cleanup and preventing sticking.
Mixing Bowl: To toss the pecans with the sugar and butter coating.

FAQ Section

Can I use other nuts for this recipe?
Yes, almonds, walnuts, or cashews can also be used in place of pecans.
How long do these candied pecans last?
They can be stored in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Can I freeze the candied pecans?
Yes, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Can I adjust the sweetness?
Yes, feel free to reduce or increase the sugar depending on your preference.
How do I prevent them from sticking to the pan?
Using parchment paper or a silicone mat will help prevent sticking.
Can I make these pecans ahead of time?
Yes, they can be made a day or two in advance and stored at room temperature.
Are these pecans gluten-free?
Yes, they are naturally gluten-free.
Can I add chocolate to these pecans?
Yes, you can drizzle melted chocolate over them once they have cooled for a decadent treat.
Can I use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar?
Yes, brown sugar will add a richer flavor and darker color to the pecans.
What can I use instead of butter?
Coconut oil or another neutral oil can be used as a butter alternative.

Conclusion

These Easy Candied Pecans are a sweet and crunchy treat that’s perfect for the holiday season or as a snack any time of year. With just a few simple ingredients, you can make these caramelized nuts that are bursting with rich, sweet flavors. Whether enjoyed on their own, sprinkled over salads, or used as a topping for desserts, these candied pecans will definitely satisfy your cravings.

The magic of this recipe lies in the simplicity of the ingredients: pecans, sugar, butter, and a pinch of cinnamon. The sugar melts and caramelizes around the pecans, creating a golden, crunchy coating that’s perfectly sweet and just a little bit spicy from the cinnamon. Once baked, these pecans become irresistible and are perfect for gift-giving or enjoying as a snack.

I’d love to see your Easy Candied Pecans creations! Share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I can’t wait to see your sweet, crunchy masterpieces. Don’t forget to leave a comment and share any fun twists or creative uses that made your candied pecans uniquely yours!