This Candied Pecans Recipe is foolproof, simple, and totally irresistible! Package them as festive gifts, add to a cheese board, or sprinkle over salads and desserts.
author’s note
Everything’s Better With Some Candied Pecans!
The first time candied pecans really stood out to me was on a salad at a restaurant. That sweet, crunchy bite against the fresh greens completely won me over, and I knew right then I had to recreate them at home (and that blackberry pecan salad).
Now I’ve been making them for years, especially around the holidays, and every time I’m still surprised by how simple they are to make. They fill the house with the most amazing smell, and I always make extra for gifting. A simple mason jar with a bow, and you’ve got the perfect festive treat!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Swaps or tips |
|---|---|
| Pecan halves | Make sure they are fresh, not stale. Chopped pecans also work. |
| Egg whites | Whisk until frothy for the best coating. |
| Granulated sugar & light brown sugar | Use all white sugar for lighter flavor, or all brown sugar for deeper caramel notes. |
| Cinnamon | Add pumpkin pie spice or apple pie spice for a fun swap. |
| Salt | Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor in this candied pecans recipe. |
| Vanilla + water | Almond extract adds great flavor—use half as much since it’s stronger. |
How To Make Candied Pecans Recipe
- Whisk. Mix egg whites, vanilla, and water together until frothy (see picture above).
- Toss. Add pecans to the frothy egg mixture.
- Stir. Combine the sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
- Toss again. Once again, toss the pecans in this mixture until they’re all evenly coated.
- Bake. Spread the pecans on a sheet pan and bake, flipping every 15 minutes.
How To Gift Candied Pecans Recipe
Download this FREE sugared nuts printable!
- Purchase Kraft (brown) sticker paper. Here’s the exact package I used.
- Save the free printable above to your computer.
- Print the “Sugared Nuts Printable.”
- Attach the stickers to Mason jars or plastic bags. Fill with cooled nuts, seal, and tie with twine or ribbon.
- Share the love!
Storage
- Room temp: Keep candied pecans recipe in an airtight container up to 2 weeks.
- Fridge: Up to 4 weeks.
- Freezer: Up to 2 months. Let thaw uncovered to stay crisp.
Add These Candied Nuts To:
Candied Pecans
Video
Equipment
- Large sheet pan (15" x 21") 15 x 21-inch
Ingredients
- 2 cups sugar see note 1
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large egg whites
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon water
- 2 pounds pecan halves
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 250°F. Line an extra-large sheet pan (or 2 smaller sheet pans) with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat and set aside.
- Measure sugar, cinnamon, and salt into a large bowl. Stir to combine.
- In another bowl, whisk egg whites, vanilla, and water together until frothy. Toss pecans in the egg white mixture, then use a slotted spoon to remove and transfer them into the bowl with the sugar mixture. Toss the pecans in the sugar mixture until well coated. Spread coated pecans onto a baking sheet and keep them from overlapping.
- Bake in the preheated oven, stirring every 15 minutes until pecans are evenly browned, about 45–60 minutes. Let stand for 30 minutes or until fully cool and solidify.
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Candied Pecans Recipe FAQs
1. Combine 1/4 cup light brown sugar, 1/4 cup white sugar, 1/4 tsp cinnamon, a pinch of salt, and 2 tbsp water in a large skillet.
2. Whisk over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and bubbles.
3. Add pecans (1 cup halves) and coat well. Cook 2–3 minutes, stirring constantly so they don’t burn.
4. Spread on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
5. Separate with a spoon and let cool completely before enjoying.
They probably needed a few more minutes in the oven or to cool longer.
