Candied Pecans

Name: Candied Pecans
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 1 - 2 qt.
Ingredients: 1/2 c. granulated sugar; 1/4 c. light brown sugar; 1 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon; 1/2 tsp. kosher salt; 1 large egg white; 1 tsp. vanilla extract; 1 lb. pecan halves (about 4 cups)

The perfect snack to package up and gift to friends.

By Kate Trombly O'Brien and Recipe by Maggie ChaplainUpdated: Dec 20, 2024

4.8

8 Ratings

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the pioneer woman's candied pecans recipe

Will Dickey

Yields:

1 - 2 qt.

Prep Time:

10 mins

Total Time:

50 mins

Candied pecans are one of the best homemade food gifts during the holiday season. Triple the recipe, portion the nuts into food-safe gift bags, and drop them on all your neighbors' doorsteps.

Unlike other glazed pecans that are made on the stovetop and require a careful eye, this recipe comes together easily in the oven. The egg white helps the sugary spiced mixture coat every nook and cranny so the pecans are crispy and candy-like. The cinnamon can be swapped out for ground ginger or apple pie spice or even something savory, like barbecue rub, Old Bay seasoning, or Italian seasoning.

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. They'll crisp, turn brittle and dry as they cool. If any do stick together at this point, they are easy to break apart. Be sure to let them cool completely before packaging or storing them.

How long do candied pecans stay fresh?

Once completely cooled, these candied pecans will stay fresh in an airtight container for up to one week at room temperature.

Can you freeze candied pecans?

Yes! Place the completely cooled candied pecans in an airtight container or zip-top plastic bag and freeze for up to two months. Let the pecans thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

What're the best uses for candied pecans?

While people will likely munch on them straight from a bowl, that's not the only way to enjoy candied pecans! Add them to your spread of Christmas party appetizers or sprinkle them into wintry Christmas salads for added crunch. You can also try piling them onto a charcuterie board, too—they taste great with salami and cheese!

What's the difference between candied pecans and pralines?

Candied pecans are individual nuts coated in a cinnamon-sugar coating, while pralines are clusters of nuts in a crunchy caramel-like coating.

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Ingredients

Directions

1. Step 1Preheat the oven to 300°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2. Step 2In a small bowl, whisk together the sugars, cinnamon and salt.
3. Step 3In a large bowl, whisk the egg white and vanilla extract until very foamy, about 1 minute. Add the pecans and stir until well coated. Sprinkle the sugar mixture over the pecans and toss until fully coated. Spread pecans into an even layer on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Step 4Bake for 20 minutes. Stir and spread out evenly again. Bake for another 20 minutes or until the nuts are very fragrant and are starting to darken in color. Let the pecans fully cool in the pan on a wire rack (the sugar will harden as it cools). Break into individual pieces. Store in an airtight container in the pantry for up to 2 weeks.