Spiced Candied Pecans

Spiced Candied Pecans are not just a tasty snack, but also a recipe that can elevate holiday salads or cheese boards. It’s an easy, make-ahead treat that we love to gift for the holidays!

If you’re on the hunt for a scrumptious snack that also spreads holiday cheer, look no further than these Spiced Candied Pecans! I’m famous for making these and gifting them to our neighbors every winter! They’re perfect for sharing with family and friends or wrapping up as thoughtful gifts.

Making these sweet and spicy pecans is so easy, especially since it requires just a handful of simple pantry ingredients you likely already have on hand. I first had them at a restaurant many years ago and figured why not just make them at home to enjoy all the time. Little did I know all you need to do is mix the ingredients, coat the pecans, and bake them to crunchy perfection.

Whether you’re a new cook or seasoned pro, these pecans come together so easily, making them the perfect treat for any occasion. Serve them in a cute tin along with our viral 5 ingredient Best Graham Cracker Toffee and Rice Krispie Date Balls!

Why You’ll Like This Recipe

• Irresistibly Addictive: With the perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors, these easy candied pecans impossible to resist!
• Versatile Use: They make for a perfect snack, salad topping, crumbled on sweet potatoes, or even a delightful gift for friends and family.
• Quick and Easy Recipe: With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch in no time.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s gift, festive party snacks, or a topper, these spicy candied pecans fit right in. Packed in a mason jar or cellophane bag with a bow, this sweet treat is the perfect gift to spread holiday cheer!

Ingredients

Scroll Down to the Bottom of this Post for Ingredient Amounts Listed in the Printable Recipe Card 

• Egg White: Egg whites act as a binder, helping the spices and sugar adhere to the pecans and giving them a nice glossy finish.
• Water: Used to dilute the egg white for easier mixing and coating of the pecans.
• Pecan Halves: The star of the recipe, crunchy and nutty, raw pecans providing a delightful base for the sweet and spicy coating.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness to balance the spices creating irresistible candied nuts.
• Salt: Enhances the flavor and balances the sweetness.
• Ground Cinnamon: Adds warmth and sweetness.
• Ground Nutmeg: Complements the cinnamon with a slightly sweet and aromatic flavor.
• Ground Cloves: Adds depth and richness to the spice profile.
• Cayenne Pepper: Provides a surprising kick of heat that contrasts the sweetness.

Tools You’ll Need

• Cookie Sheet (Half Sheet Pan Size 13″x18″)
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Mixing Bowl
• Spatula
• Whisk
• Aluminum Foil or Parchment Paper

How to Make Spiced Candied Pecans

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray a sheet pan with nonstick spray or line with nonstick aluminum foil or parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg white and water until frothy.

3. Add pecans to the egg white mixture and stir to coat evenly.

4. In a separate small bowl, combine sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground cloves, cayenne pepper, and salt. Mix well.

5. Sprinkle the sugar mixture over the coated pecans and stir until they are evenly covered.

6. Spread the pecans in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. 
7. Bake 25-30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes, until evenly browned.

8. Remove from the oven and cool completely. Store in an airtight container.

Expert Tips and Substitutions

• Nut Variations: While pecans are delightful, you can also use walnuts or almonds.
• Make sure You Bake the Pecans Long Enough: You want to see the crunchy, crystallized sugar coating begin to form in the oven. This will continue to harden as they cool as well.
• Sweetener Options: If you’re looking for a natural alternative, consider using maple syrup or agave nectar instead of sugar, just adjust measurements accordingly.
• Spice Adjustments: Feel free to adjust the cayenne pepper to control the heat—more for spice lovers, less cayenne for a milder flavor. You can replace the cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg with pumpkin pie spice. Chili powder can be used instead of cayenne or in addition to the spice blend.
• Aquafaba for Vegan Option: For a vegan alternative, use 3 tablespoons aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas) in place of the egg white.
• Add-Ins: Consider adding a dash of vanilla extract for an extra layer of flavor or tossing in a few dried cranberries or raisins for a sweet surprise!

Storage

Store spiced candied pecans in an airtight container in a cool, dry place to keep them fresh for up to 2 weeks.

You can freeze them in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Just allow them to thaw at room temperature before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

More Easy Holiday Recipes

• Butter Toffee
• Ritz Cracker Cookies
• Haystack Cookie Recipe
• White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies