Recipe for Candied Pecans

How To Candy Pecans – The Easy Way! This recipe requires just a handful of ingredients, less than 15 minutes of active cooking time, and a simple extra step that takes these from basic to amazing!

It’s a winning recipe that’s perfect to use as a topping, an add-in to cookies or brownies, or enjoy all on its own!

Why You’ll Love This Candied Pecan Recipe

Every year around the holidays, the malls fill up with novelty kiosks. Everything from crazy weird toys to gourmet fudge. And it seems like there’s always one that sells my favorite holiday snack, Candied Pecans.

I love the sugary crunch and nutty flavor, plus they make a wonderful gift. But they can also be crazy expensive. I mean, sure, nuts aren’t cheap to begin with, but I always feel a little cheated when I spend $10.00 on a 1/2 cup of candied pecans. And I’m sure I’m not alone.

So, I decided I would start making them at home. I get way more for my money, and they only take about 15 minutes to make, so it seemed like a no-brainer!

“I love this, make it every year for Christmas gifts. Tastes great with any kind of nuts, so far used hazelnuts, peanuts, & cashews.”

– Karen

Caramelized Pecans Ingredients

• light brown sugar – For sweetness and flavor. Granulated sugar can be used, but brown sugar works best.
• water – necessary, don’t skip it.
• vanilla extract – Since this is such a simple recipe, you want to use a high-quality vanilla or make your own for the best flavor.
• ground cinnamon – for flavor
• salt – for flavor
• ground nutmeg – for flavor
• pecan halves – – It’s best to use pecan halves for this recipe, as smaller pieces won’t be as great for snacking.

How To Make This Candied Pecans Recipe

1. Toast the pecans in the skillet, then remove and set aside.
2. Add water and brown sugar to a skillet and heat until sugar is dissolved and bubbling. Don’t stir.
3. Add pecans and spices and stir to coat.
4. Cook for a few minutes, stirring constantly. The sugar will start to crystalize on the pecans and begin to dry and crust.
5. Transfer the pecans to a parchment-lined baking sheet to cool.

Favorite Ways To Use This Recipe For Candied Pecans

These candied pecans are really great for snacking, as is! I also love to bring a big bowl with me to holiday get-togethers so people can munch on them throughout the night. They’re also great for serving up with sweet potatoes, pumpkin pie, or holiday Chex mix!

Plus, they can easily be packaged up in cute jars or bags and used as stocking stuffers, neighbor gifts, or additions to a gift basket.

Glazed Pecans Storage

These candied nuts are best enjoyed within a month or two when stored at room temperature in an air-tight container. However, they should be safe to consume for up to 6 months, but they may begin to soften or go stale.

They will last a little longer in the fridge and up to 12 months when frozen. If freezing, I do recommend flash-freezing them on the parchment-lined baking sheet before bagging them up – this will help prevent them from sticking.

More Pecan Recipes:

• Gourmet Pecan Pie Brownies – Two tasty desserts rolled into one!
• Brown Butter Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies – Loaded with toasted pecans!
• Gingerbread Candied Pecans – The perfect holiday touch to salads, pies, or nut mixes!
• English Butter Toffee with Almonds and Pecans – Crunchy, buttery, and chocolaty!
• Easy Pecan Pie Bars – A 10-minute prep recipe that’s nestled in a buttery shortbread crust!

This post was originally published in October 2013 and updated in November 2023 with a retested recipe and new photos.