Cinnamon Sugar Pecans Recipe (2024)

By Laura

Posted Dec 17, 2017, Updated Dec 22, 2023

4.97 from 65 votes

114 Comments

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This homemade Cinnamon Sugar Pecans Recipe is easy to make with only 6 ingredients & is so much more delicious than the nuts from the mall or fair! Make a batch of candied pecans and use them a salad topper, enjoy as a sweet snack, or give away as holiday gifts.

Cinnamon Sugar Pecans Recipe (2)

You know when you’re walking through the mall and you smell something amazing? You look around and realize that the heavenly aroma is coming from a glazed nut stand. So, you casually walk by because youknow there will be a free sample…

Well, these Homemade Cinnamon Sugar Pecans are better than those nuts you find at the mall or fair! They are so easy to make and have very few ingredients! The only wet ingredients for anentire batch is 1 egg white and 1 tablespoon of vanilla! No butter! No oil! But definitely no sacrificing on taste.

This recipe has been a staple in my life for almost 20 years now.I always have these on hand. They’re freezer friendly, so you can make a batch, eat some warm from the oven, and freeze the rest to toss on salads or enjoy as a sweet snack.

They also make great gifts for friends and neighbors for the holidays (along with Christmas Cookies). Wrap them in a cute cellophane bag or mason jar and give your loved ones an extra special treat.

Cinnamon Sugar Pecans Recipe (3)

Cinnamon Sugar Pecans: Ingredients & Substitutions

  • Pecans.Use raw, unsalted pecans halves in this candied pecan recipe. I don’t recommend any substitutions. Check out my candied almonds or candied walnuts if you’d prefer to use different nuts.
  • Granulated Sugar. organic cane sugar is a good substitute. Readers have had success making a refined-sugar free version using coconut sugar.
  • Egg White.Use a large egg white to make these candied pecans. Remember, the size of your egg will effect the amount of pecans used.
  • Sea Salt.I only bake with pure, fine sea salt. If you only have iodized table salt, you will need to cut the amount of salt in half.
  • Ground Cinnamon.Use a high-quality ground cinnamon for the absolute best flavor!
  • Vanilla extract.Please only use pure vanilla extract, no imitation!
Cinnamon Sugar Pecans Recipe (4)

How to make Homemade Cinnamon Sugar Pecans

Like I’ve said before, these candied pecans are easy to make, but we will walk through the recipe step by step to ensure you success – and don’t forget to watch the video.

Combine the dry ingredients

Begin by mixing together the sugar, sea salt and cinnamon in a small bowl, then set it aside. It’s important to thoroughly mix the dry ingredients so they are evenly distributed on the candied pecans.

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Whisk Wet Ingredients

Use either a wire whisk or a hand mixer and beat the egg white and vanilla together until frothy. (You will notice in the video that the mixture is a little whiter, that is just because the egg white was beaten longer). You just need the wet mixture to be frothy, you do not want to beat the egg whites until they are stiff.

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Add Pecans

Next, add the pecans to the wet mixture and stir until thoroughly combined and coated.

Note on the Amount of Pecans

Start by adding a little less than 4 cups of pecans to the wet mixture, and slowly add the rest to be sure there are no dry pecans and no wet mixture stuck to the sides of the bowl. The amount of nuts can vary slightly depending on the size of your egg white.

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Add dry ingredients

Next, stir in the dry ingredients until the pecans are evenly coated.

Cinnamon Sugar Pecans Recipe (8)

Bake

The baking time, temperature and method isextremely important in this cinnamon sugar pecans recipe.

  • Do not use parchment paper/foil!Do bake these Homemade Cinnamon Sugar Pecans directly on the pan. When you stir the pecans, you need to reincorporate the cinnamon sugar “syruP” from the pan onto the nuts, and parchment paper/foil soaks up the liquid, which results in less coated nuts and a big old mess. You can use a silicone baking mat but it’s not necessary.
  • Do not adjust baking time.Bake at 250 for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes. Even if theyseem done after 45 minutes, the extra 15 minutes gives these Cinnamon Sugar Pecansthe perfect crispiness that’s retained even after freezing.
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Serve

You won’t be able to resist eating these candied pecans warm fresh from the oven. They are to die for and not only taste delicious, but they make your house smell like cinnamon-sugar heaven.Here are some serving suggestions:

  • Serve with this balsamic vinaigrette on a salad for a delicious combo.
  • Sprinkle some on these roasted beets! SO GOOD!
  • Add a few to this kale salad, brussels sprouts salad, burrata salad or this roasted vegetable quinoa salad!
  • Sprinkle some on top of these overnight oats with yogurt!
Cinnamon Sugar Pecans Recipe (10)

How to Store Cinnamon Sugar Pecans

This candied pecans recipe makes a large batch. I always make the full recipe and enjoy some, then store or freeze the rest for later. I like to have them on hand to pull out and use on salads.

Store them at room temperature in an airtight container (glass jar) for up to 2 weeks.

How to Freeze Candied Pecans

  1. Let the pecans cool completely.
  2. Transfer candied pecans to a freezer-friendly, airtight container.
  3. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
  4. Thaw at room temperature and enjoy. They thaw very quickly, and even taste great frozen.
Cinnamon Sugar Pecans Recipe (11)

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Cinnamon Sugar Pecans Recipe (12)

Cinnamon Sugar Pecans Recipe (13)

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Cinnamon Sugar Pecans (Candied Pecans)

Laura

This homemade Cinnamon Sugar Pecans Recipe is easy to make with only 6 ingredients & is so much more delicious than the nuts from the mall or fair! Plus, these candied pecans are gluten & dairy-free & freezer-friendly! Make a batch, store them in the freezer and use as a salad topper or enjoy as a sweet snack!

4.97 from 65 votes

Course condiment, Dessert, Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 32 Servings

Calories 112

Prep Time5 minutes minutes

Cook Time1 hour hour

Total Time1 hour hour 5 minutes minutes

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 250 degrees F. Grease a large baking sheet. (Do not use parchment paper or foil. Bake directly on the greased pan).

  • In a small bowl, combine sugar, sea salt, and cinnamon, set aside.

  • In a large mixing bowl, whip egg white and vanilla with a until frothy (about 1 minute). Either whisk by hand or use a handheld mixer.

  • Add pecans to wet mixture 1 cup at a time, stirring to coat the nuts evenly. Depending on the size of your egg white you may use slightly more or less than 4 cups pecans. Just make sure all nuts are well coated before adding more.

  • Once pecans are completely coated, sprinkle the dry ingredients over the pecans and stir until evenly distributed. Make sure to scrape any extra cinnamon sugar mixture off the sides and bottom of the bowl and incorporate it into the pecan.

  • Spread the pecans evenly on the prepared baking sheet.

  • Bake at 250 degrees F for 1 hour. Stir every 15 minutes (you will stir 3 times before removing from the oven).

  • Let cool or enjoy them warm.

  • Store in an airtight container at room temperature or in the freezer.

Video

Notes

*This recipe makes 4 cups of candied pecans.

Please follow baking time exactly. Even if they seem done at 45 minutes do not skip the last 15 minutes of baking.

IngredientSubstitutions

  • Pecans.Use raw, unsalted pecans halves in this candied pecan recipe. I don’t recommend any substitutions. Check out my candied almonds if you’d prefer almonds.
  • Granulated Sugar.Regular granulated sugar and organic cane sugar are the two varieties I have used to make these cinnamon sugar pecans. Readers have had success making a refined-sugar free version using coconut sugar.
  • Egg White.Use a large egg white to make these candied pecans. Remember, the size of your egg will effect the amount of pecans used!
  • Sea Salt.I only ever bake with pure, fine sea salt. If you only have iodized table salt, you will need to cut the amount of salt in half.
  • Ground Cinnamon.Use a high-quality ground cinnamon for the absolute best flavor!
  • Vanilla extract.Please only use pure vanilla extract, no imitation!

Store

Store candied pecans at room temperature in an airtight container (glass jar) for up to 2 weeks.

Freeze

  • Let the cinnamon sugar pecans cool completely.
  • Transfer candied pecans to a freezer-friendly, airtight container.
  • Store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
  • Thaw at room temperature and enjoy. They thaw very quickly, and even taste great frozen.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 2Tablespoons | Calories: 112kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Sodium: 74mg | Potassium: 54mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 7IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 10mg | Iron: 0.3mg

    Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

    Did you enjoy this recipe? Have a question? Leave a comment below!

    Try these recipes

    Candied Almonds (Cinnamon Roasted Almonds)

    Strawberry Spinach Salad

    Candied Walnuts

    Roasted Beets Recipe

    Easy Overnight Oats with Yogurt

    Best Christmas Cookie Recipes

    Cinnamon Sugar Pecans Recipe (2024)

    FAQs

    Why do you soak pecans before roasting? ›

    Wet pecans allow the salt to stick easily to the nuts. Plus, soaking nuts helps neutralize enzyme inhibitors, which can harm your digestion, and reduce phytates, which decrease nutrient absorption. Just submerge your nuts in water while the oven is heating up and you'll be good to go.

    How do you keep candied pecans from sticking together? ›

    Under-cooking the pecans is the likely cause of stickiness, but the risk is low when they're oven-baked. After the sugar-coated nuts have darkened and turned very fragrant, about 20 minutes in the oven, stir the pecans and separate any pieces that have stuck together. Continue to bake for an additional 20 minutes.

    Why are my candied pecans so sticky? ›

    The sugar needs to bake long enough to caramelize and form a brittle coating on the nuts. How do you fix candied nuts that are too soft and sticky? You can place them back into the oven for 5 to 15 minutes or until they dry out more. They will continue to firm and dry out as they cool.

    Are cinnamon pecans healthy? ›

    Pecans also contain significant amounts of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin E, vitamin A, zinc and magnesium. Not to mention that these maple cinnamon pecans are free from refined sugar and naturally sweetened with real maple syrup, making this the perfect healthy snack.

    How long should pecans be soaked? ›

    Leave them on the counter to soak for 4-8 hours.

    What is the best way to roast pecans? ›

    Your oven is also a great tool for toasting pecans. For this method, preheat an oven to 350 degrees F. Spread the nuts evenly onto a rimmed baking sheet and bake until they begin to brown and become aromatic, making sure to toss halfway through, 7 to 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool.

    Why won't my candied nuts dry? ›

    If your nuts don't harden fully, that means the sugar wasn't cooked long enough and didn't caramelize. Cook the nuts longer next time!

    Why are my candied nuts grainy? ›

    Either you used raw nuts, or you added them before the sugar had a chance to fully caramelize. Why is the sugar all crystallized and grainy looking? It means that the sugar has crystallized before caramelizing. Avoid stirring it before it changes its color.

    Do candied pecans need to be refrigerated? ›

    Storage Instructions: Candied nuts can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge for several weeks. Freezing Instructions: They freeze well in an air-tight container for up to two months. Nuts: use any kind of nuts with this recipe, like walnuts, almonds, peanuts, cashews, or pistachios.

    What is the difference between candied pecans and praline pecans? ›

    Praline pecans are just one variety of candied pecans. These pecans have a tasty coating or glaze and are also referred to as flavored pecans.

    Why do my pecans taste bad? ›

    Nuts with higher fat content, like walnuts and pecans can also go rancid after a few months if stored at too warm a temperature. If you notice that your nuts have taken on a noticeably bitter, sour flavor, they may have entered this unfortunate phase.

    How long will candied pecans keep? ›

    How long will candied pecans keep? They will keep for up to two weeks in an airtight container at room temperature, at least three weeks in the refrigerator, or up to two months in the freezer. No matter where you store them, keep in a tightly sealed, airtight container.

    What organ are pecans good for? ›

    Contribute to heart health: Here's another reason to love America's native nut: It loves you back. Pecans are healthy for you and your heart. Eating a few pecans per day as part of a nutritious diet can lower cholesterol levels and boost levels of “good” fats.

    Can you eat too many pecans in a day? ›

    Like many other nuts, pecans contain a high percentage of fat and can lead to diarrhea if too many are eaten in a short amount of time. Over-consumption may also lead to digestive issues like gas and bloating. Recommendation: One ounce (15-19) pecan halves per day.

    Can diabetics eat cinnamon pecans? ›

    Since nuts are low on the glycemic index, pecans can slow the body's absorption of carbohydrates down, which ultimately leads to lower blood glucose (sugar) levels; just ensure you're using unsalted, dry-roasted pecans and not candied pecans that can be high in sugar and added fat.

    Do pecans need to be soaked? ›

    Soaking nuts in salted water and then allowing them to dry gently, makes the nuts much more digestible and allows our bodies to better assimilate the nutrients that are in nuts.

    Do pecan nuts need to be soaked? ›

    Your body can better absorb nutrients if you soak nuts and seeds. Nutrient-dense nuts and seeds include nutrient inhibitors that guard and guarantee the survival of those nutrients. By soaking nuts and seeds, you can reduce or get rid of the harmful and nutritious inhibitors that are absorbed into the water.

    Are you supposed to soak pecans? ›

    Long-soak nuts (almonds, pistachios, and hazelnuts) need at least 8 hours. Medium-soak nuts (pecans, walnuts, and Brazil nuts) are oilier and swell up quickly, so require less soaking time. Short-soak nuts (cashews, macadamias, and pine nuts) have the highest fat content and require only 2 to 4 hours soaking.

    Why do you soak pecans in water? ›

    By soaking nuts and seeds, you minimize or eliminate the nutritional inhibitors and other toxic substances as they are absorbed into the water. Without the inhibitors and toxic substances, the nutrients of the nuts and seeds are more readily available for absorption.

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