Name: Easy Candied Pecans Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 13 min
Total time: 1 h 18 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups pecan halves; 4 tablespoons water; 1½ cups light brown sugar, packed; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

There’s something utterly irresistible about that sweet, crunchy snap of nuts coated in cinnamon-spiced sugar—like little bites of holiday magic. This Easy Candied Pecans Recipe is my go-to when I want a quick, delicious snack or a thoughtful gift that feels homemade but requires almost no effort.

A clear glass bowl filled with a pile of cinnamon-sugar coated pecans sits in the center of the image, with many more pecans scattered around it on a white marbled surface. The pecans are brown with a rough, sugary texture, showing a light coating of sugar and cinnamon. To the left side of the bowl, there are several sticks of cinnamon resting on the surface, adding a warm brown color and a straight, long shape contrast with the curved pecans. The background includes a soft white marbled texture beneath the nuts, and a blurred red cloth or object behind, giving a cozy feeling. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Candied Pecans Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Easy Candied Pecans Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Easy Candied Pecans Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made this Easy Candied Pecans Recipe more times than I can count, especially during the holiday season. It’s so simple to whip up and yet feels like a fancy treat anyone would love. Plus, it fills your kitchen with the warm scent of cinnamon and vanilla—pure comfort!

Simple Ingredients: You only need a handful of pantry staples and pecans to make this snack.
Quick to Make: From start to finish, it takes less than 20 minutes—perfect for last-minute gifts or cravings.
Versatile Uses: These candied pecans jazz up salads, desserts, or make a tasty standalone snack.
Great for Gifting: Package them in pretty jars or cellophane bags for a personal, homemade gift.

A wooden spoon filled with three shiny, dark brown pecans covered with a rough sugar coating sits in the middle of the image, surrounded by many more similar pecans all over a white marbled surface. The sugar coating looks grainy and the pecans have a ridged texture. The wooden spoon has a white string with yellow accents tied around its handle. The image focuses closely on the pecans and their sugar layer, showing textures in detail. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Easy Candied Pecans Recipe is there to build layers of flavor and texture that just work beautifully together. Let me walk you through why these choices matter and what to keep in mind when you shop.

Flat lay of toasted pecan halves, a small white ceramic bowl of light brown sugar, a small white ceramic bowl of water, a small white ceramic bowl containing ground cinnamon, a small white ceramic bowl with ground nutmeg, a small white ceramic bowl of fine salt, and a small white ceramic bowl with clear vanilla extract, all arranged in perfect symmetry, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Pecan halves: The star of the show! Look for fresh, plump pecans—important for that satisfying crunch.
Water: Just enough to dissolve the sugar and create a smooth syrup that clings tightly to the nuts.
Light brown sugar: Packed full of molasses, it adds deep sweetness and a hint of caramel flavor.
Vanilla extract: A splash brightens the sugar coating, giving it warmth and complexity.
Ground cinnamon: Adds cozy spice that pairs perfectly with the nuts and sugar.
Salt: Just a pinch to balance sweetness and enhance flavors.
Ground nutmeg: Gives subtle warmth—don’t skip it; it makes the flavor pop!

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the great joys of this Easy Candied Pecans Recipe is how easy it is to tweak. I often adjust the spices depending on the season or who I’m making it for. Don’t be afraid to make it your own!

Variation: I sometimes swap half the pecans for walnuts or almonds for a mixed nutty crunch that’s equally delicious.
Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper if you want a little heat—perfect for serving alongside cheese platters.
Sweet Touch: For extra indulgence, sprinkle a bit of flaky sea salt on top just after cooling.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Candied Pecans Recipe

Step 1: Toasting the Pecans for Extra Flavor

Start by placing 3 cups of pecan halves in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Toast them for about 3 to 5 minutes, stirring often, until you smell that warm, toasty aroma. This step really amps up their nutty flavor and sets the foundation for the candy coating. Just keep an eye so they don’t burn—stirring frequently helps.

Step 2: Making the Sugar Coating

In the same skillet (no need to wash!), add 4 tablespoons water and 1½ cups light brown sugar. Stir gently only until the sugar dissolves, then stop stirring—that’s key. Let it cook over medium heat without stirring, allowing it to boil gently for 2 to 3 minutes. You’ll see it bubble in the center before it’s ready for the pecans.

Step 3: Coating the Nuts

Now add the toasted pecans back in with 1 tablespoon vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon nutmeg. Stir continuously for about a minute to get all those nuts thoroughly coated. Then turn your heat down to low and keep stirring for 3 to 5 minutes. This slow stirring helps the sugar thicken and stick evenly without burning.

Step 4: Cooling and Breaking Them Up

Let the nuts cool right in the pan for around 5 minutes, stirring occasionally so they don’t stick or clump too much. Then spread them out on parchment or wax paper and gently break apart any clusters while they finish cooling completely. This part’s really satisfying—once cooled, they crisp up perfectly!

Top Tip

This recipe feels simple, but little tricks make a big difference. After many batches, here’s what I’ve learned to get those flawless crunchy pecans every time.

Don’t Over-Stir at First: When dissolving sugar and water, stir only until combined, then let it boil undisturbed — this helps form the perfect syrup.
Keep the Heat Moderate: Too high and the sugar burns; low and slow stirring after adding pecans is key.
Use a Nonstick Skillet: Makes the coating process easier and prevents burning.
Don’t Skip the Cooling Stirring: Helps avoid clumping and keeps your pecans crunchy.

How to Serve Easy Candied Pecans Recipe

Garnishes

I love adding these candied pecans on top of creamy goat cheese crostini or as a crunchy garnish on a fall-inspired salad with cranberries and goat cheese. Sprinkling them over oatmeal or yogurt for breakfast is also a habit I can’t break!

Side Dishes

These pecans pair beautifully with roasted veggies or alongside rich desserts like cheesecake and pumpkin pie. I’ve even served them with a bourbon-infused side to add extra warmth to dinner parties.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gifting, I like to layer these in mason jars tied with twine and a sprig of rosemary or cinnamon stick tucked in. Another fun idea is layering them between layers of soft cheese in a cheese board centerpiece — guests love the crunch surprise!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover candied pecans in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks, but honestly, they rarely last that long around here. To prolong freshness, using a sealed plastic bag or container keeps them crisp and prevents them from absorbing other odors.

Freezing

If I want to stash some for later, freezing works like a charm. I freeze them in portioned bags, and when I thaw them, they retain that perfect crunch and flavor for about 3 months.

Reheating

Should you want to refresh that just-made texture, pop the nuts in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes. It revives the crisp sweetness without any sogginess, especially helpful if they've softened a bit in storage.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other nuts besides pecans?

Absolutely! While pecans are traditional and have a lovely buttery flavor, you can use walnuts, almonds, or even cashews. Just adjust the toasting time as needed since some nuts toast faster than others.

My sugar coating turned grainy—what went wrong?

A grainy sugar coating can happen if the sugar crystallizes. To avoid this, don't stir the sugar and water mixture while it heats until it boils, and make sure to keep stirring continuously only after adding nuts to coat them evenly. Using a clean pan and avoiding sugar crystals from splashing on the sides also helps.

Can I make these candied pecans without aluminum foil or parchment?

Yes, but be careful. Using parchment or wax paper to cool and spread the pecans helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier. If you don’t have those, a silicone baking mat is another great nonstick option. Avoid cooling directly on metal or towels since the coating can stick and make separating tricky.

How long will these candied pecans last?

Stored properly in an airtight container, these candied pecans stay fresh for about two weeks at room temperature. For longer storage, freeze them in a sealed bag or container, and they’ll keep well for up to three months without losing flavor or crunch.

Final Thoughts

These Easy Candied Pecans aren’t just a snack; they’re a little moment of joy you can create anytime in your kitchen. Whether you’re gifting them or sneaking bites throughout the day, they always bring a smile to my face. Give this recipe a try—you’ll be amazed how such a simple treat can feel so special.