Candied Cinnamon Pecans are quick and easy to make and have the perfect balance of sweet and crunchy with just a hint of cinnamon. These delicious cinnamon pecans are made with basic pantry staples and make a great snack, are perfect for holiday gifting, or topping off a salad or dessert.

Candied pecans in a white bowl sitting on a white counter.

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Why You Will Love This Easy Candied Cinnamon Pecans Recipe

This irresistible, sweet, and crunchy homemade candied pecans recipe uses simple ingredients and can be made in less than one hour. They store beautifully and have a long shelf life.

Pecans in a maroon crock bowl sitting on a white counter.

Because these cinnamon pecans take little effort to make, they are the perfect snack to whip up when impromptu guests stop by. I make these delicious pecans every year for Christmas and Thanksgiving, and put them in cellophane bags with a bow to give as holiday gifts. They can also be incorporated on a charcuterie board, served as a party snack, packed in a lunchbox, or sprinkled on top of a salad.

Ingredients

Pecan halves
Egg whites
Water
White granulated sugar
Cinnamon
Salt

Equipment Needed

How to Make Candied Cinnamon Pecans

1. Preheat the oven to 300°F.

2. In a medium mixing bowl, beat egg whites and water until foamy and almost doubled in size.

3. Combine the sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a small bowl.

The foamy egg whites, cinnamon -sugar mixture, and pecans sitting on a counter.

4. Place the pecans in a large bowl; then, add the egg white mixture and stir with a spatula to evenly coat all of the pecans.

5. Add the cinnamon mixture to the pecans and stir until all of the pecans are evenly coated. Using the spatula, stir to get any loose sugar that has fallen to the bottom of the bowl.

Pecans in a bowl with the egg white mixture stirred in.

Pecans with egg white mixture stirred in and sugar mixture sitting on top.

6. Place the pecans on a parchment paper-lined cookie sheet, spreading them out so they make a single layer.

7. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake at 300°F for 20 minutes.

8. Stir thoroughly with the spatula to ensure all the pecans are evenly distributed, maintaining an even layer after stirring. Then, reduce the oven temperature to 250°F and continue baking for an additional 30 minutes, stirring about halfway through.

9. Remove the baking tray from the oven, and stir the pecans again. Let them cool completely on the baking sheet.

The nuts sitting on a cookie sheet to cool after they are cooked.

10. Store the cinnamon pecans in an airtight container.

Note: Make sure to stir the pecans as they bake so they are evenly coated with the sugar mixture.

Nuts with candied coating in a white bowl sitting on a white counter.

HOW TO Store CINNAMON PECANS

Do not store the pecans until they are completely cooled, or they will become soft.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
Freeze them in freezer-safe bags for up to two months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.

Substitutions and Modifications

Adjust the sweetness by adding less sugar.
Substitute half of the white sugar with brown sugar or maple sugar.
Add cayenne pepper for a spicy twist.
Swap the cinnamon for pumpkin pie spice.
Swap the pecans with walnuts, almonds, or cashews.
Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the egg white mixture.

The cooked nuts in a maroon crock bowl sitting on a white counter.

How to Serve These Candied Cinnamon Pecans

Add them to a holiday snack or dessert tray.
Put them in a cute cellophane bag or glass jar with a ribbon and give them as gifts during the holiday season.
Incorporate them on charcuterie boards.
Serve them as a salad topper.
Add them as a topping to desserts or ice cream.

Enjoy Your Cinnamon Pecans

Add this Easy Candied Cinnamon Pecans Recipe to your entertaining arsenal for last-minute hosting or easy homemade gift ideas. With their sweet and crunchy coating and warm cinnamon spice, they will be a hit and have your guests asking for more. If you are a connoisseur of pecans and love easy recipes, check out my Grandma’s Pecan Pie Recipe. Bon Appétit!

xoxo,
Molly