Glazed Pecans Recipe (Candied Pecans)
Aug 27, 2023, Updated Nov 12, 2024
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These easy glazed pecans are crunchy with an irresistible sweet and salty flavor, spicy
cinnamon, and cayenne pepper. They are perfect for holidays, to enjoy as easy snacks, or to
add crunchy texture to various recipes!
This glazed pecans recipe can be made in less than 15 minutes with 7 simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry! The candied pecans make perfect homemade gifts for the holiday season – simply fill a sealable jar with these candied treats, add decorative ribbon, and a gift tag!
They are just as delicious when served as snacks together with a spread of cheese and crackers or included in other recipes for a salad topper, baked treats, or as a crunchy topping for breakfast pancakes and waffles.
Why you should try this recipe
Quick: This snack will only take 15 minutes to make from scratch! Simply coat the nuts in glaze, bake, and cool! And the best part, no need for a candy thermometer.
Holiday treat: They are loaded with delicious holiday flavors – perfect as
homemade treats and gifts for the holiday season.
Simple ingredients: You only need a total of 7 simple ingredients to make these irresistible
candied pecans.
Loved by all: A real crowd-pleaser, loved by adults and kids alike!
Ingredients needed
- Pecans – Unsalted raw pecan halves are best for this recipe. You can use another type of nut instead. If you use salted pecan halves, I recommend omitting the sea salt from the glaze.
- Brown Sugar – I’ve used light brown sugar. Darker brown sugar can also be used.
- Ground Cinnamon – For that delicious warmth!
- Salt – Fine sea salt is best.
- Cayenne Pepper – This is an optional ingredient to use if you want spicy pecans.
- Water – Use purified water if possible.
- Vanilla Extract – Always use high-quality vanilla extract for the best flavor.
How to make glazed pecans
Step one: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Place the brown sugar, salt, cayenne pepper, and ground cinnamon in a bowl.
Step two: Whisk in vanilla extract and water.
Step three: Toss the pecan halves in the glaze sugar mixture. Spread the glazed pecans on a prepared baking sheet covered in parchment paper. Be sure to spread the pecans out into a single layer. Bake for 12 minutes. Let the pecans cool and serve or store.
Recipe tips
- Space: It’s important that the freshly coated pecans do not clump together when spread on the parchment paper-lined baking sheet. The pecans need sufficient baking space to get an even crispy outer edge.
- Bake time: Removing the pecans too soon from the oven will result in sticky pecans. Use the baking time in this recipe as a guide, and keep a close watch so that the pecans don’t burn.
- Nuts: This recipe can be used to make candied walnuts, cashews, and hazelnuts.
- Coating: If the candied pecans are still sticky after baking and cooling, it means that the sugar coating never reached a high enough temperature. Add the candied pecans back into the oven for a few more minutes or head them in a saucepan on the stovetop.
- Two teaspoons of orange zest can be added to the simple glaze for extra flavor and texture. It’s the perfect flavor complement to the ground cinnamon and sugar.
- Stovetop: These candied pecans can be made on the stovetop instead of the oven. Toast the pecan halves for 2-3 minutes in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring regularly to prevent burning. Pour the glaze mixture over the nuts in the pan and stir constantly for 15 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and transfer the pecans to a parchment-lined tray or plate to cool.
How to store
Store: Once completely cool, store these glazed pecans in an airtight container or jar at room temperature for 1 week or in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Freeze: Store these easy candied pecans in the freezer for 1-2 months. Thaw at room
temperature.
If you want to reheat your candied pecans, add them to a plate and microwave for 2 minutes or in the oven for 5-10 minutes at 250F, ensuring they don’t burn.
Ways to use glazed pecans
This candied pecans recipe is perfect to make for snacks or a great gift for the holiday season. They are also ideal to use in salads, cakes, ice cream sundaes, sweet breads, or added to cheese boards.
More food gift ideas
- Potato candy – A classic recipe made with mashed potatoes.
- Chocolate covered espresso beans – Super simple chocolate gift idea.
- Cheese popcorn – Fun, easy savory snack perfect for a gift.
- Pecan pie bark – A simple holiday treat.
Glazed Pecans Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups pecan halves
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
- 3 tablespoons water
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
- In a medium size mixing bowl, add ¼ cup light brown sugar, ½ teaspoon sea salt, ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, and ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper and whisk until combined. Then add 3 tablespoons purified water and ¼ teaspoon pure vanilla extract, and whisk until combined. Add 2 cups of pecan halves to the mixing bowl and toss until they are fully coated with the mixture.
- Spread the coated pecans over the parchment-lined baking sheet. Be sure they are not clumped together. Pour any excess glaze over the pecans. Bake for 12 – 13 minutes or until the pecans are shiny and the glaze turns brown but not burnt. If you remove it from the oven too soon, the pecans will be sticky.
- Remove from the oven. Remove the nuts from the baking sheet and allow to cool.
- Serve or store in air tight container.
Notes
- You may skip the cayenne pepper if you do not like a pinch of heat. The heat is very subtle.
- If you remove the pecans from the oven too soon, they will be sticky. Place back into the oven for 1 – 2 additional minutes.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
