Cinnamon Sugar Pecans (Spiced Pecans)

Name: How to Make Easy Candied Pecans
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 12 ounces halved pecans; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1 tablespoon cinnamon; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1 egg white; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 tablespoons honey (melted)

Pecans coated in a cinnamon, sugar, and honey glaze and roasted until perfectly crunchy? Yes, please! These Cinnamon Sugar Pecans are sweet, spiced, just a little bit addictive, and honestly one of the best holiday snacks (or gifts!) ever.

When I think of Christmas, I think of cinnamon, sugar, roasted nuts… and also last-minute gifts (because let’s be real, I’m always scrambling). That’s where these beauties come in. Just like my Candied Ginger, Chocolate Truffles , or these Cinnamon Candied Almonds, these pecans are super easy to whip up, package in a cute jar, and gift to literally anyone.

But let’s be honest—you’re going to want to keep most of them for yourself. (I may or may not have eaten an entire batch by myself because the boyfriend “doesn’t like nuts.” His loss, my win!)

Sweet cinnamon, caramel-y sugar, a drizzle of honey, and just a touch of cayenne pepper for that whisper of heat. That’s all you need for one seriously snackable recipe. I’ve taken them to work to share with coworkers… only to end up eating half the jar myself. No regrets.

And the best part? These pecans are super versatile. Toss them in an amazing Spinach and Strawberry Salad, sprinkle over ice cream, or just eat them by the handful (highly recommended).

If you’re a cinnamon sugar fiend like me, you’ll also love these Air Fryer Churros or these swirly, buttery Cinnamon Swirls

Why This Recipe Works

Simple ingredients – you probably have everything on hand already.
Make-ahead friendly – perfect for gifting or prepping ahead for parties.
Totally customizable – swap pecans for almonds, peanuts, or cashews.
Sweet with a little heat – that tiny pinch of cayenne makes ALL the difference.

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My Take on Cinnamon Sugar Pecans

Look, candied nuts aren’t new, but my little spin with honey and cayenne makes them extra special. They’ve got the sweet holiday vibes you expect, but just enough spice to keep things interesting. Think cozy Christmas with a little kick.

More Fun Gift Ideas

Need more foodie presents that’ll win you “best gift giver ever” status? Try:

Still hunting for inspiration? Check out my Ultimate Christmas Gift Guide for Foodies and Home Cooks

Jump to:

Why This Recipe Works
My Take on Cinnamon Sugar Pecans
More Fun Gift Ideas
The Ingredients
Step By Step Instructions
Expert Tips
Common Questions
Tools Used
Recipe
💬 Comments

The Ingredients

The full list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

I recommend using raw pecan halves for this recipe to get the best result. Buy pecan halves.

A high quality cinnamon is very important to the flavor of the pecans. Buy ground Saigon Cinnamon.

I also think that a good pure vanilla extract does wonders to the flavor of the pecans, as well as the flavor of other baked goods. Buy Pure Vanilla Extract.

Step By Step Instructions

whipped egg whites for coating easy candied pecans

Step1: Preheat the oven to 250F degrees. Whip the egg whites and vanilla until very soft peaks form.

Step2: Coat the pecans with the egg white mixture. Make sure they are all fully coated.

Step3: Combine all other ingredients in a separate bowl and mix well.

pecans covered in sugar coating for candied pecans

Step4: Add the dry ingredients to the pecans and mix, making sure the pecans are coated evenly.

pecans in a dish garnished with cinnamon

Step5: Arrange the pecans in a single layer. Bake for 30 minutes.

Step6: Remove and stir in the melted honey - toss the pecans to ensure they are coated. Place back in the oven for another 30 minutes.

Step7: Remove and let cool. At least for as long as you can. Like I said, these are the perfect snack. But I swear you can't just eat one of these easy to make glazed pecans.

**Store them in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.

Expert Tips

Use raw pecan halves for the best texture and flavor.
Humidity is the enemy! Whipping the egg whites helps keep the pecans from turning sticky.
Keep the pecans in a single layer for even roasting.
Candied pecans last about 2 weeks at room temperature before they start to lose freshness.
Swap in almonds, peanuts, or even cashews if you’d like, but pecans really shine in this recipe.
Love heat? Add a little extra cayenne for more kick.

Common Questions

How do I store them?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.

Can I freeze candied pecans?

Yes! Let them cool completely so the coating hardens, then place in an airtight container and freeze for up to one year. To thaw, transfer to the fridge overnight.

Are these pecans gluten-free?

Yep, totally gluten-free as written.