Last Updated on April 15, 2022 by Karen
These sweet Spiced Candied Pecans take just 15 minutes to make and are perfect for snacking, on salads and desserts, or even as last minute gifts!
I’m going nuts for candied nuts today!
These spicy candied pecans are just about the most addicting snack to come out of my kitchen since…Honey Roasted Sriracha Chickpeas? I had a hankering for something sweet and crunchy, and going through my Snacks archive, the only thing that came close were these Cinnamon Candied Almonds. I was looking for a new recipe for roasted nuts with shiny, candy coating, just like the ones you find in gourmet baskets or sold by the pound at candy stores, and I think this is it!
I never attempted to make them because I thought, if this is something you only really see at mall kiosks or street carts, it must be something that’s hard to make. Not true at all!
The recipe is slightly adapted from Once Upon A Chef and I love that it uses only 4 ingredients (I added cinnamon, which makes it 5), most of which I almost always have on hand.
How to get that crunchy sugar coating on the roasted nuts?
I think the confectioners’ sugar actually makes the difference, otherwise if made with granulated sugar, you get something similar to my old recipe.
How long do these last?
I usually serve them in open bowls, which would last a few days. If you store them in airtight container, it could last for a few weeks.
What other nuts can I use for spiced nuts?
You can absolutely substitute pecans with your favorite nuts or a mix of nuts. Here are some of my favorites:
- Almonds
- Cashews
- Walnuts
- Hazelnuts
- Peanuts
Super easy to make and in and out of the oven in less than 15 minutes, these candied pecans recipe is an absolute keeper. The candied nuts are spicy, sweet, crunchy, and just so addicting.
Spoiler alert: the first batch I made lasted a day and a half. So make sure to double the batch while you’re at it!
Pack these candied pecans up in cellophane bags or small mason jars for the perfect party favors or stocking stuffers!
Spiced Candied Pecans
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
- 3/4 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 4 tsp water
- 2 cups pecans
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the confectioners' sugar, salt, cayenne pepper, cinnamon and water. Add the pecans to the sugar mixture and stir until the nuts are evenly coated.
- Transfer the pecans to the baking sheet and arrange in a single layer.
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the pecans are caramelized but not burnt. Remove from heat and transfer the nuts to a large plate or baking sheet and let it cool completely.
Notes
Other pecan recipes you’ll love:
Made a batch this past weekend, and it’s seriously so, so good. Super addicting. My husband loves cashew so I’ll be making a batch with cashew this week. Thanks for sharing the recipe!
Thanks Vivian, glad you like the recipe!
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