© Original Recipe By The Sizzle Spot ©
🍬✨ Easy Cinnamon Sugar Pecans for Snacks and Desserts
1. Introduction
Imagine biting into a crunchy, aromatic handful of cinnamon sugar pecans, their sweet, spicy coating clinging to each tender nut. These candied pecans are a perfect treat to elevate your snack game or add a flavorful crunch to salads, ice creams, and charcuterie boards. Making cinnamon nuts at home is surprisingly simple and offers a warm, inviting aroma that washes over your kitchen as they bake or air fry.
2. Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in 30 minutes — perfect for quick snacking or last-minute desserts.
- One-bowl process minimizes cleanup and simplifies the process.
- Versatile snack — enjoy on their own, sprinkle over desserts, or serve as gifts in cute jars.
- Customizable sweetness and spice — adapt the ratios for your ideal flavor profile.
3. Ingredient Notes
This recipe uses basic pantry ingredients carefully chosen for flavor and quality. Cinnamon, preferably ground from fresh cinnamon sticks, adds that warm, sweet aroma. Use high-quality Compact 6-in-1 Digital Air Fryer by Amazon Basics for quick cooking with even heat distribution, which helps achieve the perfect crunch. Sugar can be a mix of brown and white for depth, and a pinch of salt balances the sweetness. For nuts, choose fresh, raw pecans—freshness makes all the difference in flavor and crispiness. For a healthier twist, consider substituting with chopped almonds or walnuts.
4. Kitchen Tools You Need
Having the right tools makes creating these sweet pecans a breeze. A high-quality T-fal 14-Piece Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware Set ensures easy stirring and roasting without sticking. An electric Ninja Foodi Smart XL Indoor Grill & Air Fryer Combo allows for quick, even baking with minimal fuss. For measuring spices precisely, a good Breville Nespresso Vertuo Creatista Espresso & Coffee Maker can be used for coffee-infused variations. The essential tool, however, is a reliable baking sheet or air fryer basket that can handle the warm pecans without overcrowding.
5. How to Make Easy Cinnamon Sugar Pecans for Snacks and Desserts
Preparation of the Coating
Start by mixing granulated and brown sugar with ground cinnamon, a pinch of salt, and optional spices like nutmeg or ginger for depth. The aroma should be warm and inviting. In a bowl, toss the raw pecans with a bit of beaten egg or egg white—this acts as glue, helping the cinnamon sugar coating stick evenly.
Cooking Method
If using an oven, preheat to 350°F (175°C). Spread the coated pecans in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for about 12-15 minutes, stirring once or twice, until they turn golden and smell irresistibly sweet and spicy. If air frying, load the pecans into the air fryer basket and cook at 350°F for 8-10 minutes, shaking halfway through. You’ll notice the pecans become crispy around the edges, with a fragrant cinnamon scent wafting through the air.
6. Expert Tips for Success
- Always spread the pecans in an even layer to ensure uniform baking and crispiness.
- Watch carefully during the last few minutes to prevent burning—the Sugar can go from caramelized to burnt quickly.
- Let the pecans cool completely before storing; this helps maintain their crunch.
- For an extra glossy finish, you can brush them with a little honey or maple syrup before baking.
7. Variations & Substitutions
If you’re allergic to nuts, use roasted chickpeas or sunflower seeds. For a dairy-free option, skip any egg wash and instead mist with a light spray of oil. You can also experiment with spiced variations—adding cayenne pepper for heat or vanilla for a more aromatic treat. Incorporate shredded coconut or chopped dark chocolate for an indulgent twist.
8. Storage & Reheating
Store cooled sweet pecan snacks in an airtight container for up to two weeks. For extended freshness, keep them in a resealable jar or glass container—vacuum-sealing helps maintain crunch. To reheat, simply warm them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for a few minutes, or microwave briefly to revive their crispiness.
9. FAQ
How do I prevent the cinnamon sugar coating from falling off?
Ensure pecans are evenly coated with egg or egg white, which acts like glue. Baking at the right temperature and cooling completely also helps the coating adhere better.
Can I make these pecans ahead of time?
Absolutely! Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. Just make sure they are fully cooled to retain their crunch.
Are candied pecans suitable for gifting?
Definitely! Package them in decorative jars or cellophane bags tied with a ribbon for a charming homemade gift during the holidays or any special occasion.
10. Conclusion
Making cinnamon sugar pecans at home is a delightful way to indulge in a sweet, crunchy snack that’s fragrant with cinnamon and just the right amount of sweetness. Whether enjoyed on their own, added to desserts, or given as thoughtful gifts, these sweet pecan snacks are sure to please everyone. Gather your ingredients, prep your tools, and fill your kitchen with the warm aroma of cinnamon—happy baking!
Print
Easy Cinnamon Sugar Pecans for Snacks and Desserts
Sweet and crunchy cinnamon sugar pecans are easy to prepare and perfect for snacking, gifting, or adding to desserts. They offer a delightful combination of spicy cinnamon and sugary crispiness.
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 2 cups
Ingredients
- 2 cups pecan halves
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, mix sugar and cinnamon.
- In a saucepan, combine water and vanilla, bring to a simmer, then add pecans and stir to coat.
- Add cinnamon-sugar mixture to the pecans and toss until evenly coated.
- Spread pecans on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden and fragrant.
- Allow to cool before serving or storing in an airtight container.
Notes
- For extra crunch, bake for an additional 2 minutes. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
- Store in an airtight container for up to one week.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 170 Kcal
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg