Candied Pecans

Pack these candied pecans in a pretty container as a gift, or stash them away for yourself, because besides finding yourself nibbling on them as a snack, this pecan candy is handy to have around. You can pile the sugared nuts on a cutting board to accompany your favorite cheese, add some to roasted sweet potatoes or use them to top an indulgent chocolate dessert.

Fresh pecans are light and crisp, and they can be used in both decadent desserts and savory dishes. If you stocked up on pecans and want to keep cooking, try making a pecan pie or maple-pecan pork chops next.

Ingredients for Candied Pecans

• Pecans: Pecans are obviously the main ingredient here. The crunchy pecan halves will be extra tasty when they’re baked up with a spiced sugar coating.
• Butter: Creamy butter helps grease both cooking pans, so you’ll want to start with softened butter.
• Sugar: Granulated sugar is melted down into a caramel syrup to coat the pecans.
• Cinnamon: Cozy cinnamon adds a little warmth to balance the sweetness of the sugar.
• Vanilla extract: Just a teaspoon of vanilla adds another dimension of flavor.

Directions

Step 1: Warm the pecans

Place the pecans in a shallow baking pan in a 250°F oven for 10 minutes or until they’re warmed. Grease a 15x10x1-inch baking pan with 1 tablespoon of the butter, then set it aside.

Editor’s Tip: A nonstick baking pan isn’t necessary, but using one makes cleanup a snap. You can also line the baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Make the candy syrup

Grease the sides of a large heavy saucepan with the remaining 1 tablespoon butter. Add the sugar, water, salt and cinnamon, and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves. Cover and cook for two minutes to dissolve any sugar crystals that may have formed on the sides of the pan.

Step 3: Combine the syrup and nuts

Uncover the saucepan and clip a candy thermometer to the side. Cook the syrup, without stirring, until the thermometer reaches 236° (the soft ball stage). Remove the pan from the heat and add the vanilla. Then add the warm pecans, stirring until they’re evenly coated.

Step 4: Bake the pecans

Spread the sugared pecans onto the prepared baking pan. Bake at 250° for 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes, until the nuts are dry and crunchy. Spread then onto a waxed-paper-lined baking sheet to cool.

Candied Pecan Variations

• Go nuts: While pecans can be used in lots of different ways—including these sweet and savory pecan recipes—they’re not everyone’s favorite nut. If you fall into that category, try swapping an equal amount of walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts, cashews, macadamia nuts or even pistachios for the pecans.
• Flip the flavor profile: Cinnamon is a classic flavor with nuts, but you can use a blend of baking spices, like a pumpkin pie spice, or try dried rosemary for a unique twist.
• Get spicy: Add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne powder in addition to the cinnamon. A little heat will complement the sweetness.

How to Store Candied Pecans

It’s best to store candied pecans in an airtight container at room temperature, where they’ll keep for up to a week. If you’re adding them to a cookie tray or platter, wrap them in an airtight bag so they stay as crisp as possible.

Can you freeze candied pecans?

These sweet pecans freeze well. Store them in an airtight container or zip-top bag in the freezer for up to six months.

Candied Pecan Tips

Why are my candied pecans sticky?

If your candied nuts are exposed to humidity, they may become sticky. Make sure they’re completely cooled before you put them in an airtight container. If they’re still sticky after they’ve been baked, pop them back into the oven for an extra 15 to 20 minutes.

What can I do with candied pecans?

Candied pecans are extremely versatile, beyond being a delicious snack. Put them in a clear bag with a pretty ribbon for a homemade food gift. To enjoy them yourself, toss them over a salad, especially a salad with oranges. We also love them with homemade vanilla ice cream, atop roasted sweet potatoes and as a crunchy accompaniment on a cheese board, but honestly, we think the best way to enjoy them is by the handful!

What are some tips for using a candy thermometer?

Making candy can be intimidating. We have lots of candy-making tips, but the most important factor is whether your thermometer is accurate. Before using it, test it in boiling water. At full boil, it should read 212°. If your thermometer isn’t precise, then adjust the recipe temperature up or down accordingly.