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Pecans coated in a cinnamon, sugar and honey glaze and roasted, these Cinnamon Sugar Pecans are incredibly delicious and addictive. Plus they are a great last minute gift idea!
When I think of Christmas, I think of cinnamon, sugar, roasted nuts, among many, many other things. I also think of super easy gifts I can give to people. Like these Cinnamon Sugar Pecans, Candied Ginger, Chocolate Truffles or these Cinnamon Candied Almonds.
These things are delicious. And addictive. And did I mention how easy they are to make? They are. So easy. And if you eat too many? That's ok. No one has to know.
Cinnamon, sugar, honey and just a touch of cayenne pepper. Simple but delicious. I've consumed so many of these pecans....so many guys. The boyfriend doesn't eat them, so I do. All of them. I had to take the last batch to work with me so I would stop.
But then I just ate them there....
Use these pecans in this absolutely amazing Spinach and Strawberry Salad.
If you're a cinnamon sugar lover like I am, you'll also love these air fryer churros or these cinnamon swirls!
The Ingredients
I recommend using raw pecan halves for this recipe to get the best result. Buy pecan halves (affiliate link).
A high quality cinnamon is very important to the flavor of the pecans. I have started buying my spices from The Spice House as they have high quality, small batch spices that are always fresh. 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
Preheat the oven to 250F degrees. Whip the egg whites and vanilla until very soft peaks form.
Coat the pecans with the egg white mixture. Make sure they are all fully coated.
Combine all other ingredients in a separate bowl and mix well.
Add the dry ingredients to the pecans and mix, making sure the pecans are coated evenly.
Arrange the pecans in a single layer. Bake for 30 minutes.
Remove and stir in the melted honey - toss the pecans to ensure they are coated. Place back in the oven for another 30 minutes.
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.
More Fun Gift Ideas
- Candied Orange Peels;
- Candied Lemon Slices;
- Candied Cherries;
- Peanut Butter Fudge;
- Pistachio Baklava;
- Butter Toffee.
Looking for more Christmas gift ideas? Check out the Ultimate Christmas Gift Guide for Foodies and Home Cooks.
Expert Tips
- Raw pecan halves should be used for the best results.
- Humidity will cause your pecans to be sticky. This is why it is important to whip your egg whites and coat the pecans in it. The egg whites will help keep the pecans from becoming too sticky.
- Make sure the pecans are arranged in a single layer to ensure even roasting.
- Candied pecans will last in a covered container for about 2 weeks before they start to go rancid.
- Substitute almonds, peanuts or any other kind of nut for the pecans if desired. However, I believe that pecans work the best.
- To add more spice, add additional cayenne pepper.
How to Freeze Candied Pecans
Allow the pecans to cool completely so the coating hardens, then place in an airtight container and freeze for up to one year. To thaw, place in the fridge overnight.
Tools Used
- Large baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Glass mixing bowl
- Wooden spoons
Did you make these pecans? Rate the recipe and leave a comment to let me know how it turned out!
How to Make Easy Candied Pecans
Ingredients
- 12 ounces halved pecans
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 egg white
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons honey melted
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 250F degrees. Whip the egg whites and vanilla until very soft peaks form.
- Coat the pecans with the egg white mixture, making sure they are fully covered.
- Combine all other ingredients in a separate bowl and mix well.
- Add the dry ingredients to the pecans and mix, making sure the pecans are coated evenly.
- Arrange the pecans in a single layer. Bake for 30 minutes. Add the melted honey and stir the pecans to coat them.
- Place back in the oven for another 30 minutes.
- Remove and let cool. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
Expert Tips:
- Raw pecan halves should be used for the best results.
- Humidity will cause your pecans to be sticky. This is why it is important to whip your egg whites and coat the pecans in it. The egg whites will help keep the pecans from becoming too sticky.
- Make sure the pecans are arranged in a single layer to ensure even roasting.
- Candied pecans will last in a covered container for about 2 weeks before they start to go rancid.
- Substitute almonds, peanuts or any other kind of nut for the pecans if desired. However, I believe that pecans work the best.
- To add more spice, add additional cayenne pepper.
Nutrition
david gubanez
i do not see the amount of egg or vanilla to make the binder...THANKS.
Danielle
It's one egg white and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla.
Susie
These look so good. I love having sugared nuts around the Holidays!
Danielle
Me too!
Marvellina | What To Cook Today
Your candied pecans look absolutely DIVINE! I've never made it myself too. Pinning!
Danielle
Thanks so much Marv! Hope you love them 🙂
Tina
Thanks for the tips and step by step photos. I've never made these before and like be how easy they look to make. Thanks for this, saving this for next week!
Danielle
You're welcome Tara - I hope you enjoy!
Elaine Benoit
I love giving homemade gifts for Christmas. Your candied pecans look so delicious and easy to make! Perfect also sprinkled on salads or ice cream. Yum!
Danielle
Homemade gifts are so great - less expensive and more of yourself goes into them.
Mike from Chili Pepper Madness
Candied pecans are a MUST for the holidays. Making a new batch of these for our next party. They disappear so quickly.
Danielle
Totally! Who can get through the holidays without them??
Sonal
Loved your earthen rustic pictures of these candied pecans. I love using these in salads as well. Thank you for a detailed recipe.
Danielle
Aww thanks Sonal!
Julia
I love homemade Christmas gifts, especially when they are edible like these candied pecans! What a delicious snack!
Danielle
Thanks Julia 🙂
Jacqueline Debono
I can imagine how good these candied pecans taste! I love the idea of giving them as an edible gift! Can't wait to try them!
Danielle
Hope you love them jacqueline!
Demeter
This is such a holiday must have treat! So great for gifts for my friends and neighbors!
Danielle
Perfect for gifts Demeter!
Tayler Ross
I bet these make the house smell amaaaazing! Perfect for topping salads!
Danielle
So amazing! I love to use them on my spinach and strawberry salad 🙂
Nicole
I'm going to try this over the weekend with pecans and almonds - I think the family will love them!
Danielle
This would be awesome with almonds 🙂 Hope you love it!
Claudia Lamascolo
I just pinned and saved this because I was so excited to see this recipe. I get them at the theaters here all the time and cant wait to make them for christmas thanks so much!
Danielle
You're welcome Claudia - hope you love them!
kathy
I have all these pecans from my pecan trees and these are a perfect way to use them!
Danielle
Yay!