Print

Crispy Candied Pecans Recipe – Easy Cinnamon Sugar Snack You’ll Love

crispy candied pecans - featured image

These crispy candied pecans are coated in a cinnamon sugar shell for the perfect sweet, crunchy snack. Quick to make and irresistibly delicious, they’re ideal for gifting, snacking, or topping salads and desserts.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups pecan halves (about 8 ounces)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 large egg white, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, mix together granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt until evenly combined. Set aside.
  3. In a small bowl, beat the egg white until frothy and bubbly but not stiff, about 30 seconds.
  4. Whisk in vanilla extract, if using.
  5. Add pecan halves to the egg white and stir until each pecan is lightly coated and glossy.
  6. Sprinkle the sugar-cinnamon mixture over the pecans and toss well until evenly coated.
  7. Spread pecans onto the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
  8. Bake for 35-40 minutes, stirring every 10-15 minutes to ensure even baking and prevent burning.
  9. Check for doneness: pecans should look dry, golden, and slightly separated. If still soft, bake for an extra 3-5 minutes.
  10. Remove from oven and let pecans cool on the sheet for 20-30 minutes. They will crisp up as they cool.
  11. Once cooled, gently break apart any clusters and serve or store.

Notes

For a vegan version, substitute the egg white with 2 tablespoons aquafaba. Stir pecans at least twice during baking for even crispiness. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks, or freeze for up to 3 months. If pecans lose crispness, reheat in a 300°F oven for 5-8 minutes. Try adding a pinch of cayenne for a spicy twist or swap cinnamon for pumpkin pie spice for seasonal flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: candied pecans, cinnamon sugar pecans, sweet snack, holiday gift, gluten-free, easy pecan recipe, crispy pecans, oven baked pecans