candied pecans

Craving a sweet, crunchy snack with a warm hint of spice? These homemade candied pecans are the perfect treat to satisfy that craving.

Coated in a delicious blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, and gently roasted until crisp, they’re the ideal addition to your holiday table, charcuterie boards, or even as a quick indulgent snack.

Whether you’re gifting them in mason jars or sprinkling them on salads and desserts, these candied pecans are a versatile, addictive favorite you’ll keep coming back to.

Ingredients List

For the Candied Coating

• 1 egg white
• 1 tablespoon water
• 3 cups pecan halves
• ½ cup white sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves

Required Kitchen Tools

To make these sweet and spiced candied pecans, you don’t need fancy equipment—just a few basic kitchen tools that make the process easy and mess-free:

1. Mixing Bowls: You’ll need at least two mixing bowls—one for the egg wash and one for the spice mixture.
2. Whisk or Fork: For combining the egg white and water until frothy.
3. Spatula or Spoon: Helpful for stirring the pecans to evenly coat them with sugar and spices.
4. Rimmed Baking Sheet: A large sheet pan will give the pecans room to roast evenly without sticking.
5. Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mat: This ensures easy cleanup and prevents burning or sticking during baking.
6. Airtight Storage Container: Keeps your candied pecans fresh and crispy for days.

Having these tools on hand ensures your candied pecans come out perfectly toasted every time—with minimal cleanup afterward.

Coating and Flavoring the Pecans

Making candied pecans at home is surprisingly simple and incredibly rewarding. The secret lies in the perfect balance between the frothy egg white coating and the spiced sugar blend that caramelizes beautifully in the oven.

Preparing the Egg White Mixture

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, in a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together 1 egg white and 1 tablespoon of water until it becomes frothy and slightly foamy. This step is crucial—it helps the sugar and spices stick to the pecans while creating that irresistible crunchy coating.

Once frothy, add the 3 cups of pecan halves to the bowl and stir gently until all the nuts are fully coated in the egg white mixture. Make sure each pecan gets a nice, even coating so they bake uniformly.

Mixing the Spiced Sugar Coating

In a separate bowl, combine your dry ingredients:

• ½ cup white sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves

Mix everything thoroughly until the spices are evenly distributed throughout the sugar. This aromatic blend gives the pecans their warm, cozy flavor—perfect for fall and holiday snacking.

Coating the Pecans

Now it’s time to coat the pecans. Gradually sprinkle the sugar and spice mixture over the egg white-coated pecans while stirring gently to ensure every nut is thoroughly covered. Be patient with this step—slow, even mixing will give you the best texture and flavor.

Once fully coated, your pecans are ready for the oven!

Baking the Candied Pecans

Roasting the pecans is where the magic really happens. As they bake, the sugar melts and caramelizes, wrapping each pecan in a crisp, golden coating that’s sweet, spiced, and irresistibly crunchy.

Lining the Baking Sheet

Before you spread out your pecans, line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Trust me—once the sugar starts melting, it can be tough to scrape off an unlined pan.

Spreading and Baking the Pecans

Spread the coated pecans in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Don’t overcrowd them—give them room to roast evenly. If necessary, use two sheets to avoid overlap.

Bake in the preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 23–27 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes to ensure even roasting and prevent any clumps. Stirring also helps break up any sugar that’s pooling and keeps the pecans evenly coated.

Monitoring for Doneness

Keep a close eye during the last 5 minutes of baking—depending on your oven, the pecans may be ready closer to the 23-minute mark. You’re looking for a deep golden brown color and a crisp texture. Be careful not to overbake, as the sugar can quickly burn.

Once done, remove from the oven and let the pecans cool completely on the baking sheet. As they cool, the coating will harden and become wonderfully crisp.

Serving Suggestions and Storage Tips

Now that your candied pecans are beautifully golden and crisp, it’s time to enjoy them—and maybe even share (if you can resist!).

Serving Ideas

These spiced candied pecans are incredibly versatile. Here are some of my favorite ways to enjoy them:

• Holiday snack bowls: Serve them in festive bowls at holiday gatherings—they disappear fast!
• Salad topper: Add a sweet and crunchy element to green salads, especially those with goat cheese, apples, or cranberries.
• Dessert garnish: Sprinkle them over ice cream, pies, or even cakes for a flavorful crunch.
• Charcuterie boards: Pair them with cheeses, fruits, and cured meats for a gourmet touch.
• Homemade gifts: Package them in mason jars or treat bags with a ribbon for an easy, thoughtful holiday or hostess gift.

How to Store Candied Pecans

To keep your candied pecans fresh and crunchy:

• Let them cool completely before storing.
• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
• For longer storage, you can freeze them in a zip-top bag or airtight container for up to 2 months. Just let them thaw at room temperature before serving—no need to reheat.

Conclusion

Making homemade candied pecans is one of those simple kitchen wins that feels like magic. With just a few pantry ingredients and minimal prep, you get a sweet, crunchy, and spiced treat that works for snacking, gifting, or dressing up your favorite dishes.

Whether you’re prepping them for the holidays or just because, this foolproof recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.

So go ahead—whisk that egg white, toss those pecans, and let the oven do the rest. You’re just minutes away from the best candied pecans you’ve ever tasted!