These easy recipe for brown sugar candied cinnamon pecans is made with just a few simple ingredients with little prep work. They’re so tasty and addicting with their crunchy coating! Plus, they’re perfect for gift giving and to serve at any holiday table and are gluten free.
Candied Cinnamon Pecans
There’s something magical about this time of year—the cozy warmth of a crackling fire, the twinkle of lights, and, of course, the irresistible aroma of seasonal treats wafting from the kitchen. The Christmas season is upon us with it’s amazing smells, beautiful decor and family traditions.
Among the festive favorites, candied cinnamon pecans hold a special place. Their perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and crunch makes them a delightful addition to any holiday spread.
Pecans are one of my favorite nuts. They taste good with various fruits like apples, pears, cranberries, and banana. Also, they taste good with vegetables like pumpkin and Brussels sprouts and root vegetables- carrots, parsnips, beets and of course sweet potatoes.
Whether you’re snacking on them by the handful, sprinkling them over desserts, or packaging them as homemade gifts, easy candied pecans bring a touch of holiday goodness to every handful.
Best of all, they’re simple to make when you want a sweet snack and will make your house smell with the aromatic scent of cinnamon and nutmeg. Doesn’t that sound delightful?
These sweet treats are perfect for holiday gift giving because they’re easy-to-make and are great EASY gifts for your neighbors, teachers, co-workers, family and friends.
Below, I’ve included some serving and gifting ideas so, be sure to read that too before you fill up your online cart with the ingredients.
Disclosure: This post contains Amazon affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I’ll receive a small commission but the price you pay is the same.
Ingredients
*The printable, full recipe is in the recipe card below. The recipe makes a large batch of crunchy pecans.
- pecan halves, unsalted
- salted butter
- light brown sugar
- vanilla extract
- ground cinnamon
- ground nutmeg
- ground cloves (optional and you only need a little bit)
Instructions Summary
First, melt the butter on the stovetop. Then, add the brown sugar and stir. Then, add the pecans and spices and stir to coat the nuts. Next, put them in a single layer on a baking sheet to allow them to cool and crisp. That’s it!
Storage
Candied cinnamon pecans can last up to 2–3 weeks in an airtight container at room temperature, as long as they’re kept in a cool, dry place. To ensure they stay fresh and crunchy, avoid humidity and choose the right container.
Moisture can cause the sugary coating to become sticky. Therefore, use a truly airtight container to prevent exposure to air and humidity.
If you’d like to extend their shelf life, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to 1 month, or freeze them for up to 2–3 months. Just make sure to bring them back to room temperature before serving to enjoy their full flavor and texture.
Serving and Gifting Ideas
- Gifting- Package them in a mason jar or festive treat bags, tied with ribbon, and share them as homemade gifts.
- Snack- Serve in a decorative small bowl at holiday parties, game day or movie nights.
- Charcuterie board- Put them in a small bowl on a cocoa board, breakfast bagel board, or a cheese board.
- Dessert Topper- Sprinkle over ice cream, cupcakes, brownies, pies, or even a warm bowl of oatmeal for a festive touch.
- Sweet Potatoes- Sprinkle them over baked sweet potatoes.
- Salad Topping- Add a sweet crunch to your favorite holiday salads with pomegranate and Brussels Sprouts. They’re great with dried cranberries in harvest salads too .
Candied cinnamon pecans are the perfect sweet treats that are a blend of sweet, spiced, and nutty. They require minimal effort and deliver delicious flavor, making them a versatile treat for anytime of the year, especially around the holidays.
Plus, the heavenly aroma of cinnamon whirling through your home is worth the recipe alone!
This holiday season, whip up a batch (or two) of these candied cinnamon pecans. You will love them!
Happy Holidays!
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See more DESSERTS.
Easy Brown Sugar Candied Cinnamon Pecans
Ingredients
- 1 lb pecan halves, unsalted
- 1/2 cup salted butter
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/16 tsp ground cloves
Instructions
- First,, line a large cookie sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup and to avoid the nuts from sticking to the pan.
- Next, melt the butter in a large saucepan on your stovetop. Then, add the brown sugar and and vanilla and stir.
- Next, add the pecan halves and stir.
- Then, add the spices: ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground cloves. Stir until all the pecans are evenly coated.
- Then, spread the coated pecans in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Allow them to cool and crisp. When cool, break them apart and serve or store in an airtight container until ready to eat.
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