Easy Candied Pecans Recipe

The first time i made candied pecans, my whole kitchen smelled like the holidays—even though it was the middle of july.

I was just experimenting with a few leftover pecans from a salad and decided to whip something up. One hour later, I had a tray of golden, crunchy, sweet pecans that I couldn’t stop snacking on. And just like that, candied pecans became a regular recipe in my kitchen.

These little gems are perfect for salads, gifts, topping desserts, or—let’s be honest—eating straight off the tray. They’re sweet, slightly salty, and have the perfect cinnamon-spiced crunch that keeps you coming back for “just one more.”

How To Make Candied Pecans?

Recipe Overview

Candied pecans are crunchy, sweet, cinnamon-spiced nuts that are perfect for salads, snacks, or holiday gifts.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Cuisine: American
• Course: Snack, Dessert, Topping
• Difficulty: Easy
• Yield: About 4 cups
• Calories: ~210 per ¼ cup

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk or fork
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Spatula

Ingredients

• 1 cup white sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon salt, or more to taste
• 1 large egg white
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1 pound pecan halves

Ingredient Notes

1. White sugar: You can swap in brown sugar or do half-and-half for a deeper flavor.

2. Cinnamon: Adds that warm, cozy flavor—don’t skip it.

3. Salt: A pinch balances the sweetness. If you like that salty-sweet combo, feel free to use a bit more.

4. Egg white: Helps the sugar mixture stick to the pecans and gives them that shiny finish.

5. Water: Helps thin out the egg white and makes it easier to coat the nuts evenly.

6. Pecan halves: I use Costco pecans because they’re affordable and always fresh. Trader Joe’s also has good ones!

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Mix the sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside.

3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk the egg white and water together until frothy (about 1 minute).

4. Add the pecans to the egg white mixture. Stir until the nuts are well-coated.

5. Pour in the sugar mix and stir again until every pecan is covered in the sweet coating.

6. Spread the pecans in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.

7. Bake for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to make sure they toast evenly.

8. Remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet. They’ll get crunchier as they cool!

Nutrition (per ¼ cup)

• Calories: 210
• Carbs: 17g
• Sugar: 15g
• Fat: 16g
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 50mg

What Are Candied Pecans?

Candied pecans are pecan halves coated in a mixture of sugar, cinnamon, salt, and egg white, then slowly roasted until they’re crisp and glossy.

They’re like a sweet snack that walks the line between dessert and party food. If you’ve ever had the ones from a fair or Trader Joe’s—you know exactly how addictive they are.

Why You’ll Love Candied Pecans

1. They’re made with basic pantry ingredients.

2. You don’t need any special tools—just a mixing bowl and an oven.

3. They make your kitchen smell amazing.

4. Great for snacking, gifting, or jazzing up a salad.

5. They store well and freeze beautifully.

How Long Do Candied Pecans Last?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. They’ll stay crisp and flavorful. You can also refrigerate for longer freshness.

Can You Freeze Candied Pecans?

Yes! Let them cool completely, then freeze in an airtight bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temp for 20–30 minutes.

FAQ

Conclusion

Whether you’re whipping up a batch for a party, topping your salad, or just need a little sweet snack, candied pecans are a must-make.

If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you! Leave a comment or tag me on social media with your creation.