Candied Pecans (Spicy & Sweet)

These homemade spicy and sweet candied pecans are irresistible and addictive! They’re tossed in frothy egg whites and roasted with brown sugar, cinnamon, and cayenne. The sugar breaks down as they cook to form a crispy, crunchy, caramelized sweet and spicy shell. Candied pecans are perfect for gifts, party snacks, and crunchy salad toppings!

I’ve been making these candied pecans for years. They’re so good on salads and perfect for snacking! You can include them in a cocktail or finger food spread or sit down with a drink (like some boozy hot cocoa) and munch on them. Candied pecans are irresistible. 

I make 5 or 6 batches of these every Christmas to give as gifts. You can package them in a jar or make little baggies to add to your candy or cookie boxes. I love that they happen to be gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegetarian. It makes them a versatile gift for folks with dietary restrictions! 

My entire family would revolt if I didn’t make these at Christmas. My sister-in-law once requested a batch of these candied pecans as payment for dog sitting. They’re that good.

I make them in the spring to go on strawberry salads and often whip them up when I need cocktail nuts. 

I’ve made this candied pecan recipe dozens of times. This is the best way to make sweet and spicy pecans! By the way, you can use this method to make sweet and spicy candied walnuts!

Ingredients

• Raw, shelled pecan halves are the base of these candied pecans.
• Toss the pecans in egg white & vanilla extract to coat them. This helps the cinnamon sugar bind to the pecans and makes a crispy exterior shell on the pecans. The vanilla adds a flavor boost and a little more complexity.
• Brown sugar, cinnamon, cayenne, and salt combine for the perfect balance of sweet and spicy. I like to use all brown sugar. I’ve played around with the sugar and spice blend for years. I’ve tested these pecans in many ways. I’ve made these pecans with a mix of granulated & brown sugar. I did blind taste tests with my trusty volunteers. The all-brown sugar version is the clear winner!
• A teaspoon of salt makes the flavors pop without making these pecans taste salty. The cinnamon and cayenne make these spicy but not hot. If you want them to be hot and spicy, add more cayenne. 

Substitutions

• Use walnuts in place of the pecans.
• Use 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to make these hot & spicy.
• Make them less sweet by using only ½ cup of brown sugar.

Making Candied Pecans

Whisk the egg white and vanilla together in a large mixing bowl until its frothy. Then, toss the pecans in the egg white mixture to coat them.

In a separate bowl, mix together the brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, and cayenne,

Pour the sugar and spice mixture into the bowl of pecans and stir them until they are evenly coated.

Spread the coated pecans evenly onto a parchment lined sheet pan and bake for 30 minutes at 300℉. Stir them halfway through.

Pro-tip:  You can lift the parchment paper and gently pull it toward the center of the sheet pan to help mix the pecans. Carefully lift it toward the center and repeat on all 4 sides of the pan. 

Remove them from the oven and let the sweet and spicy pecans cool completely. They will get crisp as they cool.

Packaging and Storing Sweet & Spicy Candied Pecans

• Store in an airtight container at room temperature. These stay crunchy for at least a couple weeks.
• Package them in airtight (Ziplock) bags to give as gifts.
• If you want to make them the centerpiece of a gift, try filling a mason jar with them and tying a pretty ribbon around it.

What to do with candied pecans

• Give them as gifts. I always make a few batches to give as Christmas gifts. Pack them in mason jars and add a pretty ribbon. Or, package them in sealed zipper bags and add them to your cookie and candy boxes. 
• They make an excellent thank you or hostess gift in a jar.
• Add them to salads. You can use them instead of the toasted pecans in this strawberry spinach salad or add them to a simple arugula salad.
• Arrange them in small dishes and serve them as party appetizers or snacks. 

Pro-tip: It’s good manners to return jars if someone gives you home canned goods, especially in the South. It’s even better to fill them with something when you return them! A mason jar filled with candied pecans is an excellent way to say thank you! 

More recipes with pecans

• Pecan Crusted Goat Cheese
• Strawberry Spinach Salad
• Pecan & Cranberry Chicken Salad

Did you try these spicy candied pecans? Use the stars in the recipe card to leave a 5-star review, or let me know in the comments at the end!

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