Cinnamon Sugar Pecans Recipe - Evolving Table (2024)

Easily make a big batch of this Cinnamon Sugar Pecans Recipe to have on hand for the holiday season. It is so simple to mix raw nuts with whipped egg whites, then toss them in a cinnamon-spiced sweet coating, and bake in the oven. These candied nuts are perfect to serve at a holiday party, include in your favorite recipes, or even package as a Christmas gift!

Cinnamon Sugar Pecans Recipe - Evolving Table (1)

Cinnamon Sugar Pecans Recipe

The Christmas season is in full swing.

The tree is up, halls are decked, and holiday baking is happening!

With the hustle and bustle of parties, gift-giving, and get-togethers, it’s great to have an easy candied nut recipe on hand.

Not only do these tasty cinnamon sugar candied pecans make a great snack or dessert for a party…

But becuase they are naturally gluten-free, vegetarian, and dairy-free, they also make the absolute BEST food gift to wrap up for a DIY Christmas present for almost anyone!

In fact, give the gift of variety and also include some of these Savory Spiced Pecans!

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Ingredients

The simple ingredients you need to make this candied pecans recipe include:

  • Pecans. One pound, or about 4 cups, of raw pecan halves are used. Make sure you buy raw and unsalted pecans, and not roasted.Sometimes these look very similar at the grocery store, so be sure to read the label carefully!
  • Egg. A whisked egg white is the secret ingredient that helps to bind the cinnamon sugar coating to the pecans.
  • Sugar. Both white granulated sugar and light brown sugar work together to add sweetness. However, you can always swap them out for coconut sugar if you would like to make this recipe Paleo-friendly.
  • Ground Cinnamon. This is the traditional flavor but if you’re feeling adventurous you can always try substituting it for a Pumpkin Pie Spice blend or even tossing in some ground nutmeg.
  • Salt. A little bit of salt helps to balance out the sweetness of the cinnamon sugar mixture.

How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Pecans

The basic steps for making candied pecans are simple to follow:

Toss in Egg Whites

Whisk the egg whites in a large bowl with an electric mixer for 1-2 minutes, or until it forms a foamy texture and peaks form.

Toss the pecans in the frothy egg whites and stir until they are all completely covered.

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Cinnamon Sugar Pecans Recipe - Evolving Table (4)

Cinnamon Sugar Coating

Combine the sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a medium-sized bowl. You want to make sure all of the sugars and spices are well incorporated before tossing with the sticky nuts.

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Flavor the Pecans

Add the cinnamon sugar mixture to the bowl full of nuts and toss until they are completely coated. Be sure to scrape the bottom of the bowl as you go so you get all of that delicious sugar goodness on the pecans.

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Bake in Oven

Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the pecans evenly onto the pan in a single layer.

If you do not have parchment paper you can simply coat a light-colored baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray. Avoid using foil, as the nuts will likely stick.

Bakein a preheated oven at 300°F for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure they roast evenly.

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Meal Prep and Storage

  • To Prep-Ahead:This recipe is great to make a few days before you need them.
  • To Store:Keep the pecans in an airtight container for up to 1 to 2 weeks. Be sure to let them cool completely before storing so they don’t stick.You can use a plastic storage container or Christmas tin.You can also refrigerate them to extend the shelf life up to 3-4 weeks. However, the taste and texture will be slightly affected if refrigerated.
  • To Freeze:You can freeze these pecans for up to 3 to 6 months, but the texture won’t be the same upon thawing.
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Gift these for Christmas

These cinnamon spiced pecans are hands down one of my FAVORITE food gifts to give.

Not only are they naturally dairy-free and vegetarian, but they are completely gluten-free, too. So almost everyone can enjoy them!

To make these into a DIY food gift:

  1. Addto a glass mason jar.
  2. Tie a pretty ribbon around the neck of the jar.
  3. Optional: Attach a hand written recipe to the ribbon.

You can even serve them up on this Christmas Charcuterie Board for a sweet and festive flair!

FAQs

Are candied pecans gluten-free?

Not all recipes are gluten-free since they may have flour as an ingredient. However, the recipe you will find below is completely gluten-free and can be served to anyone with Celiac’s disease.

Why are my candied pecans soft?

If your pecans aren’t quite crunchy enough you may have baked them for too short of a time. The sugars need to be roasted long enough to harden up. Candied pecans also tend to harden as they cool, so make sure the nuts are to room temperature.

Are glazed pecans the same as candied pecans?

The two are similar yet different. Candied pecans are generally made with egg whites and a dry sugary coating. Glazed pecans are coated in a stickier mix of brown sugar, corn syrup, and butter.

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Expert Tips and Tricks

  • Test them.Taste the raw pecans before seasoning and roasting to ensure you like them.
  • Whip it up. Take some time to thoroughly whisk the egg whites so the cinnamon sugar mixture can stick to the pecans.
  • Line it.Make sure to use parchment paper for the crispiest texture and easy cleanup.
  • Sniff, sniff.When you notice an aromatic scent, the nuts are done.
  • Switch it up. Swap the cinnamon with pumpkin spice for a festive flavor twist.

Recipes that Use Candied Nuts

Other than snacking, use these homemade roasted pecans to add flavor and texture to these recipes:

Both Mashed Sweet Potatoes (with 3 Variations) and Sweet Potato Casserole are SUPER delicious with these pecans.

Or, top this Fall Harvest Salad with Apples or this Roasted Beet Salad.

Try them in these Pecan Hand Pies!

For breakfast, toss some in these Maple Pecan Oatmeal Muffins

Tap stars to rate!

4.73 from 18 votes

Cinnamon Sugar Pecans Recipe

Quickly make a big batch of this Cinnamon Sugar Pecans Recipe to have on hand for the holiday season. Nosh on these easy roasted nuts for a snack, serve at a party, top desserts, or give as a Christmas food gift!

Cinnamon Sugar Pecans Recipe - Evolving Table (10)

DFGFPASFVG

Yield 18 servings

Prep 5 minutes mins

Cook 25 minutes mins

Total 30 minutes mins

Ingredients

  • 1 lb. pecans raw, whole (about 4 cups)
  • 1 egg white
  • cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • ¼ tsp. salt
  • 1 tsp. cinnamon

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 300 degrees.

  • Whisk egg white in a large bowl with a mixer for 1-2 minutes, or until foamy.

  • Toss pecans in the foamy egg white.

  • Combine remaining ingredients in a medium bowl and mix well.

  • Add ingredients to pecans/egg white and toss until pecans are evenly coated.

  • Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

  • Spread pecans evenly onto the sheet in a single layer.

  • Bake pecans for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even cooking.

  • Let cool to room temperature before serving or storing. Enjoy!

Tap stars to rate!

4.73 from 18 votes

Video

Notes

Meal Prep and Storage

  • To Prep-Ahead:This recipe is great to make a few days before you need them.
  • To Store:Keep the pecans in an airtight container for up to 1 to 2 weeks. Be sure to let them cool completely before storing so they don’t stick.You can use a plastic storage container or Christmas tin.You can also refrigerate them to extend the shelf life up to 3-4 weeks. However, the taste and texture will be slightly affected if refrigerated.
  • To Freeze:You can freeze these pecans for up to 3 to 6 months, but the texture won’t be the same upon thawing.

Nutrition

Calories: 202kcal, Carbohydrates: 10g, Protein: 3g, Fat: 18g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Sodium: 30mg, Potassium: 110mg, Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 8g, Vitamin A: 14IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 23mg, Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Made this recipe?Leave a comment below!

Categorized as:
, Dairy-Free, Desserts, Gluten-Free, Paleo, Random Treats, Recipes, Refined Sugar-Free, Soy-Free, Vegetarian

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Cinnamon Sugar Pecans Recipe - Evolving Table (2024)

FAQs

Do candied pecans go bad? ›

If you don't plan on eating your candied pecans right away, you may want to consider storing them in the refrigerator or freezer. Refrigeration can keep the pecans fresh for up to three months, while freezing can extend their shelf life for up to six months.

How do you gift candied pecans? ›

Mason Jar Christmas Gifts

Now that you've got your pecans, you'll want to make them look even merrier in a decorated Mason jar. Attach a "handmade" gift tag and put a round sticker on the top of the jar labelled “Candied Pecans”.

How long does it take to roast pecans? ›

Your oven is also a great tool for toasting pecans. For this method, preheat an oven to 350 degrees F. Spread the nuts evenly onto a rimmed baking sheet and bake until they begin to brown and become aromatic, making sure to toss halfway through, 7 to 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool.

Can you freeze candied pecans? ›

Can you freeze candied pecans? Yes! To freeze, allow the pecans to cool completely after baking, and then transfer them to an airtight container (a ziplock bag works well) where they will keep up to 2 months.

Can you eat 2 year old pecans? ›

Tip: Like most tree nuts, pecans can go rancid. Pecans can keep fresh in the refrigerator for up to 9 months and in the freezer for up to 2 years.

What do rancid pecans taste like? ›

If a nut is only slightly stale, says Kanney, it can usually still be toasted to revive some of its previous glory and (crunch). However, Kanney says, “If a nut has spoiled or gone rancid, recognizable by a sour or bitter flavor, the nut is no longer good and should be thrown away.”

Why are my candied pecans soggy? ›

Why are my candied pecans soft and sticky? If your pecans are soft, it's most likely because they weren't baked long enough and are still retaining moisture. The sugar needs to bake long enough to caramelize and form a brittle coating on the nuts.

How do you keep candied pecans from sticking together? ›

Under-cooking the pecans is the likely cause of stickiness, but the risk is low when they're oven-baked. After the sugar-coated nuts have darkened and turned very fragrant, about 20 minutes in the oven, stir the pecans and separate any pieces that have stuck together. Continue to bake for an additional 20 minutes.

What did Native Americans use pecans for? ›

Originating from the Algonquin tribe's word “pacane,” which means “a nut too hard to crack by hand,” native pecan nuts were used in a variety of ways, including being roasted, boiled, or ground into flour. With a fall harvest and nutrient-packed fruit, pecans were a necessary staple for tribes during the winter months.

Why do you soak pecans before roasting? ›

Wet pecans allow the salt to stick easily to the nuts. Plus, soaking nuts helps neutralize enzyme inhibitors, which can harm your digestion, and reduce phytates, which decrease nutrient absorption. Just submerge your nuts in water while the oven is heating up and you'll be good to go.

Why are my roasted pecans bitter? ›

Pecans have two sources of bitterness -- naturally occurring tannins in the kernel and pieces of corky material from the inside of the nut which can adhere to the kernel. Some of the tannin and all of the corky material can be removed by washing the kernels before cooking.

What is the difference between roasted and toasted pecans? ›

Now, some of you may be wondering, “What's the difference between roasting and toasting a pecan?”. The answer is simple. Roasting is when the nut is cooked fully through, and is usually done in an oven. Toasting means to brown the nut on the outside, and is usually done over a fire or on the stove.

How many cups is 1 pound of pecans? ›

Measurements and Substitutions

If you happen to have pecans in their shells, remember that 1 pound equals 3 cups shelled, about 4 cups pecan halves, and about 3 3/4 cups chopped nuts. Equivalents to know when using shelled pecans are that 1 pound equals 4 cups and 1 cup of pecan halves equals 3/4 cup chopped.

How many pecans does it take to make 1 lb? ›

For a pound of nutmeat, you will need 2½ pounds of in-shell pecans. In order to help you maintain the highest quality pecan meats, we have developed the following guide to help you understand the best way to handle and store your pecans.

Can dogs have pecans? ›

These nuts are toxic for dogs. Eating them can result in pets becoming sick and needing immediate veterinary care. “The reason pecans are considered toxic is that they contain a compound called juglone, also found in walnuts, that is harmful to dogs,” advises Dr.

How do you know if pecans have gone bad? ›

Fresh pecans have a distinct aroma, characterized by their sweet, nutty scent. They should have a firm, almost crunchy texture and a rich golden or amber color. On the flip side, bad pecans may show signs of spoilage, such as a rancid smell, a shriveled appearance, or a soft and rubbery texture.

How long are candied nuts good for? ›

To Store: Candied nuts can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge for several weeks. To Freeze: They freeze well in an airtight container for up to 2 months.

What is the shelf life of pecan candy? ›

Approximately 4 cups of pecans are in a 1 lb bag of pecans. #8 What is the shelf-life of your pecan candies? Candy pecans have a shelf-life of 6 months. You can also store them in the freezer or refrigerator to enhance their shelf-life.

Can you eat expired pecans? ›

A: Nuts can't expire; however, they can change in taste or go rancid.

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