These Easy Cinnamon Sugar Pecans are sweet, crunchy, and ready in minutes. They smell like warm spice and make a great snack, gift, or topping for salads and desserts. The mix of cinnamon and sugar coats roasted pecans for a caramel-like crunch that most people love. If you like simple sweet treats, you might also enjoy cinnamon sugar donut bread, it has a similar cozy flavor. This recipe is a crowd-pleaser, and you will want to make a double batch, trust me.
How to prepare Easy Cinnamon Sugar Pecans
Ingredients
- 2 cups pecan halves
- 1 large egg white
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, whisk the egg white and water until frothy. Stir in the vanilla if you use it.
- In a separate bowl, mix sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
- Put the pecans in a large bowl, pour the egg white mixture over them and stir to coat.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the pecans and stir until the nuts are well coated.
- Spread the pecans in one layer on the lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring once or twice, until the pecans are dry and golden. Watch so they do not burn.
- Remove from the oven and let cool on the sheet, they will crisp more as they cool.
Why You’ll Love Easy Cinnamon Sugar Pecans
- They are fast to make, no special tools needed.
- The flavor is warm and sweet, with a nice cinnamon kick.
- They keep well in an airtight jar, so you can make them ahead.
- Use them as a snack, salad topper, or homemade gift, they work in many ways.
Tips for success
- Use room temperature egg white for even coating.
- Stir the pecans on the sheet once or twice to avoid hot spots and burning.
- Cool fully before storing, or they will get soft from trapped steam.
- If you want less sugar, cut the sugar by a few tablespoons and taste the mix.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg or a little sea salt on top after baking.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm in a bowl for a party snack.
- Chop and sprinkle over ice cream or yogurt.
- Add to a green salad for crunch and sweet contrast.
- Package in a small jar with a ribbon for a simple gift.
FAQs
Q: How long do these cinnamon sugar pecans last?
A: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks, they stay crunchy.
Q: Can I use other nuts?
A: Yes, use walnuts, almonds, or cashews the same way, adjust bake time if needed.
Q: Do I need to use egg white?
A: The egg white helps sugar stick, you can use 1 tablespoon of melted butter instead, it will change texture a bit.
Q: Can I make them without sugar?
A: Try a light coating of maple syrup or honey, but they will be stickier and need more time to dry in the oven.
Conclusion
If you want another easy take on candied nuts, check this recipe for more ideas, see Cinnamon Sugar Pecans (Candied Pecans) – JoyFoodSunshine.
Easy Cinnamon Sugar Pecans
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, whisk the egg white and water until frothy, then stir in the vanilla if using.
- In a separate bowl, mix sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
- Put the pecans in a large bowl, pour the egg white mixture over them and stir to coat.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the pecans and stir until the nuts are well coated.
- Spread the pecans in one layer on the lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring once or twice, until the pecans are dry and golden. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
- Remove from the oven and let cool on the sheet, as they will crisp more as they cool.
