Candied Pecans

Candied Pecans are a sweet n’ salty easy to make snack. They are perfect for adding to salads, on top of candied yams or give away as holiday gifts!

GUYS! Get ready for your kitchen to smell absolutely amazing! I mean there is a reason that they make candles that smell like candied pecans. If cozy holiday had a smell, this would be it.

Candied Pecans are one of those things that always seemed intimidating to me when I first started cooking. Well candied anything really. I was always afraid of burning the sugars and ending up with a sticky gooey mess. Imagine my delight when I learned that Candied Pecans are actually incredibly easy to make.

Like seriously. If you’ve ever hesitated to give candied nuts a try, stop! Let me show you just how easy they are to make.

What ingredients do you need to make Candied Pecans?

• RAW PECAN HALVES: You want to make sure you get raw pecans. You don’t want them cooked or seasoned before you use them. Traditionally candied pecans are made with pecan halves but you could use pecan pieces too.
• BROWN SUGAR: I prefer to use brown sugar in this recipe because I like the added molasses flavor.
• CINNAMON
• PAPRIKA: Adds a touch of smokiness.
• CAYENNE: A bit of heat but totally optional.
• SALT: Since the nuts aren’t salted you’re going to want to add some salt to give the salty sweetness.
• EGG WHITE/WATER WASH: This helps the sugar mixture stick to the pecans and give it that crispy exterior that is classic with candied pecans.

How do you make candied pecans?

This is really as easy as making a sugar mixture, an egg wash mixture and then tossing it all together with the pecans before roasting them in the oven. The hardest part is waiting for them to slow roast in your oven.

• STEP #1: Combine brown sugar, cinnamon, paprika, cayenne and salt together in a bowl. Whisk together egg white and water in another bowl.

• STEP #2: Toss pecan halves with egg white and water. Make sure the pecans are coated.

• STEP #3: Spread pecans in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake in preheated oven for 20 minutes. Stir and cook for an additional 20 minutes or until coating is cooked.

These will keep for a couple of weeks stored in an air tight container.

How to serve them:

I like to snack on these candied pecans as they are. However, if you’re looking for other ways to serve them, they are also fabulous when you add them to ice cream, top your candied yams with them on Thanksgiving or sprinkle them on top of your salads.

Candied Pecans also make great gifts for the holidays. Put them in a cute jar or bag and tie with a pretty ribbon. An easy delicious gift for your friends and neighbors!

Speaking of gifts, if you’re looking for more food ideas to add to a holiday cookie tin, try these:

• Peppermint Brownie Cookies
• Mint M&M Cookie Bars
• Chewy Molasses Cookies
• No Bake Cookies