Crunchy and sweet, these candied pecans are easy to make in the oven in only 15 minutes. Perfect for topping salads or desserts, snacking on or giving as a holiday gift.
Table of Contents
Easy Cinnamon Sugar Pecans
If you like pecans, you will love these easy candied pecans! They have such a yummy cinnamon sugar flavor and are super simple to make. They also make a great gift idea for the holidays. I’m sure your neighbors, teachers or friends would adore them!
Candied pecans are so versatile and can be used so many ways! Add them to salads, trail mix, desserts or simply grab a handful (or two) for snacking. I sometimes even switch up the spices or nuts I use based on what I have on hand. So easy, flavorful and delicious!
5 Simple Ingredients
For the printable recipe, scroll down a little further.
- Pecans: Look for shelled pecan halves. Make sure they’re raw and aren’t already seasoned.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar is my favorite. Some use a mix of granulated and brown sugar. Both ways taste delicious.
- Cinnamon: This is my all-time favorite spice to use for candied pecans. It tastes just like the holidays!
- Salt: A small sprinkle of salt will balance out the sweetness perfectly.
- Egg white: This is used to help bind the sugar and spices onto the pecans.
Variations
- Feel free to use other spices like pumpkin pie spice or add in a dash of cayenne for a little heat.
- Sometimes I add a splash of vanilla extract for even more flavor.
- These candied pecans are on the sweeter side. You can use a little less sugar for a more subtle hint of sweetness.
- You may use a mixture of nuts to make mixed candied nuts if preferred.
How to Make Candied Pecans in Oven
- Whisk. In a large bowl, whisk together egg white and water. Then pour in pecans and stir until combined.
- Coat. In a smaller bowl, mix together sugar, cinnamon and salt and then pour mixture over pecans. Stir until all pecans are well coated.
- Bake. Spread pecans out on prepared cookie sheet and bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, or until caramelized. Stir halfway through.
- Cool. Pour onto wax paper to cool. Then break into pieces and enjoy!
Stove Top Version
You can easily make this recipe on the stove too. Just add all of the ingredients (except the pecans) to a non-stick skillet and cook over medium-heat for about 1 to 2 minutes. You want the sugar to dissolve and the mixture to bubble. Then add the pecans to the skillet and cook for an additional 3 minutes or so, until all pecans are coated and caramelized. Remove from heat and pour onto wax paper to cool.
Favorite Ways to Use Candied Pecans
- Over a holiday pear salad or arugula beet salad
- Sprinkled on sweet potato casserole
- On top of a yogurt parfait
- Add to a charcuterie board
- As a garnish on carrot cake
5 star review
My wife loves these candied pecans, so I thought I would make a batch for her as a Christmas surprise. These are absolutely delicious. Just the right amount of cinnamon and sugar. I put them in a glass jar with the fancy Christmas bow and we have them sitting on our kitchen counter as a quick snack.
– David
Storing Tips
They will stay fresh for about 2-3 weeks if kept in an airtight container at room temperature. Before storing, make sure your pecans have cooled completely. If you store them while still warm, they could end up soggy.
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Candied Pecans
Ingredients
- 1 egg white
- 1 Tablespoon water
- 1 pound shelled pecan halves
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 300ºF. Place parchment paper on a cookie sheet and set aside.
- Beat egg white and water with a whisk in a large bowl. Pour in pecans and stir well until coated.
- In a smaller bowl, combine sugar, cinnamon and salt. Pour over pecans and stir until every pecan is well coated.
- Pour on prepared cookie sheet and bake in preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the sugar has caramelized. Stir halfway through. Pour onto wax paper to cool.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.
Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!
Categorized as: 5 Ingredients Or Less, American, Candy + Fudge, Christmas, Desserts, Gluten-Free, Snacks, Vegetarian
Jamielyn Nye is the founder and recipe creator at I Heart Naptime. She is the author of the I Heart Naptime Cookbook and shares easy family-friendly recipes and desserts for every occasion.
Can you use the whole egg instead of just the egg whites?
I don’t recommend. I typically will just save the yolks and add to scrambled eggs.
Easy and delicious
I LOVE these candied pecans… they’re perfect for snacking during game night and double as a gift idea!
I’m going to make them and gift them to my neighbors. They’re so good that I’m definitely keeping some for myself too.