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.
These were so simple and delicious. That sweet crunch was just right.
My favorite recipe to make around the holidays
I’m so happy to hear this! Happy holidays! :)
Most spiced pecan recipes don’t have egg whites so I was a little skeptical. But somehow this works. I use fresh eggs from my sister-in-law’s chickens and I like to get my pecans orchard fresh from MillicanPecan.com. Store brand pecans are many times tasteless. I also like to use Ceylon cinnamon to also boost the flavor. Just a few helpful hints to make your great recipe even better!
Sounds delicious! Thanks for sharing your tips!!
You say it’s 16 servings. What is the measurement of each serving you base it off of? Trying to see how much I need to make. Thank you!
It will be about 1/4 cup per serving! :)
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.
That is so sweet of you! I’m glad you enjoyed them!
These were so easy. I could eat the whole pan!
A must-make for the holidays!
These sound delicious! Dangerously good…
Made these tonight. So yummy and easy!
I think the pecan recipe looks great. I lost my recipe for a different pecan recipe while I was moving. I am hoping you could find it for me or come up with it. The recipe is for Spiced Pecans. You melt butter with a bunch of spices. I remember cinnamon, a pinch of cayenne and black pepper added to the butter and the pecans. stir for a bit then spread out of parchment lined baking sheet. Toast in the oven -I don’t remember the specifics, but the result was wonderful! great for waxpaper lined gift tins at the holidays
I’ve never tried making spiced pecans, but this recipe looks good: https://www.eatthelove.com/spiced-pecans/ :)
I decided o try this recipe today and it was really easy. To add a little kick I added about 1/2 tsp of black pepper to the mix and they turned out great. definitely a keeper.
So glad you enjoyed these! Thanks for sharing your addition, sounds delicious. :)
I will be making these beautys how fare in advance can I make these as Christmas presents do they have a long shelf life? X
I would make them two or three days before you want to give them, that way they will be fresh for a few weeks for those who receive them. :)
I absolutely love these! I think next time I’m going to throw a touch of vanilla in there :)
I love candied pecans there is a restaurant that has a salad with them in it, my favorite and only dish I order there it’s so good.
Candied pecans are the best! And they are so good on salads! Thanks for the comment :)
I have had something very similar to this with a pinch of cayenne added to the mixture. It was so good. Your pictures are making my mouth water just looking at them.
Mmmm sounds delicious! :)
I’m gonna try this with cashews! Yummy!!
I love candied nuts and I love giving them out as Christmas presents. Such a perfect gift for those people who are hard to buy for or you have no idea what to get! These look fantastic!
Me too! I can’t wait to make these also!
Pinned! I definitely will be making these this holiday season!