© Original Recipe By The Cozy Crumb ©
Sweet & Spicy Perfection: Easy Cinnamon Sugar Pecans for Snacking and Gifts 🍬🌰
1. Introduction
If you’re searching for a snack that’s irresistibly crunchy with a warm cinnamon aroma, look no further than these cinnamon sugar pecans. This simple recipe transforms raw pecans into luscious, sweet, and spicy pecans, perfect for sharing at gatherings or gifting during the holiday season. The aroma alone will make your kitchen feel cozy, and the flavor combination of caramelized sugar with the hint of spice creates an addictive treat that keeps everyone coming back for more.
2. Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in 30 mins: These homemade cinnamon pecans come together quickly without any complicated steps.
- Versatile: Perfect as a snack, topping for desserts, or a thoughtful homemade gift in cute jars.
- Simple ingredients: Only a handful of pantry staples create the best sweet and spicy pecans you’ll ever taste.
- Customizable: Adjust the spice level or sweetness to suit your preferences and dietary needs.
3. Ingredient Notes
To make the ultimate homemade cinnamon pecans, quality ingredients matter. Use fresh pecans, preferably raw or lightly toasted, to enhance flavor and texture. The cinnamon should be aromatic and fine, ensuring even coating. For the best sweetness, opt for pure molasses or brown sugar—these ingredients lend a rich, caramel-like depth. A pinch of salt balances the sweetness, and a touch of vanilla extract can add warmth. For a spicy kick, sprinkle a tiny bit of cayenne or chili powder; for a milder version, stick to just cinnamon and sugar.
4. Kitchen Tools You Need
To achieve perfectly coated and crunchy pecans, select the right kitchen tools. A Compact 6-in-1 Digital Air Fryer can help if you want to roast or crisp pecans evenly with less fuss. A quality T-fal 14-Piece Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware Set allows you to easily toss and cook ingredients without sticking. For mixing, a sturdy KitchenAid Artisan 5-Quart Stand Mixer in Scorched Orange accelerates coating processes and ensures smooth mixing, especially if you want an even cinnamon sugar coating.
5. How to Make Easy Cinnamon Sugar Pecans for Snacking and Gifts
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by gathering your raw pecans and mixing the sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. The aromatic blend of warm cinnamon combined with sweet sugar sets the stage for a deliciously coated nut.
Step 2: Coat the Pecans
In a large mixing bowl, toss the pecans with a mix of melted butter or egg whites (for extra crunch and sticking power), then add in your cinnamon sugar mixture. Use a spatula or your hands to coat each pecan evenly. The nuts should be generously coated with the fragrant spice blend. The mixture will look sticky but flavorful.
Step 3: Bake or Air Fry
Spread the coated pecans on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, stirring halfway through until they turn golden and become irresistibly fragrant. For an even crunch with less mess, use an Ninja Air Fryer Pro Crisp & Roast 4-in-1. The hot air circulates evenly, creating crispy, caramelized pecans in less time.
6. Expert Tips for Success
- Use fresh pecans for the best crunch and flavor.
- Keep an eye on the baking process to prevent burning; pecans can go from perfect to toasted in seconds.
- For gift ideas, pack the cooled pecans in airtight jars like the JoyJolt Airtight Glass Food Storage Set decorated with ribbons.
- Add a splash of vanilla extract to the coating for extra warmth and complexity.
7. Variations & Substitutions
If you have dietary restrictions, try swapping brown sugar with coconut sugar for a lower glycemic index. For a spicy twist, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika. Vegan-friendly? Replace butter with coconut oil or olive oil, and egg whites with aquafaba. These modifications keep the recipe accessible and customizable.
8. Storage & Reheating
Once cooled, store your sweet and spicy pecans in an airtight container for up to two weeks. For longer storage, refrigerate to maintain freshness. To refresh their crunch, simply reheat them in a low-temp oven or a few seconds in an air fryer. This keeps them crispy and delicious every time.
9. FAQ
Q: Can I make cinnamon sugar pecans in advance?
Absolutely! Prepare them ahead of time, store in an airtight container, and they’ll stay fresh and crunchy for up to two weeks.
Q: How do I prevent the pecans from sticking together?
Make sure to coat the pecans evenly and spread them out in a single layer when baking or air frying. Let them cool completely before storing.
Q: Can I use other nuts?
Yes! Walnuts, almonds, or cashews work beautifully with this cinnamon sugar coating, tailored to your preferred flavor profile.
10. Conclusion
This quick cinnamon nut recipe offers a foolproof way to enjoy delightful cinnamon sugar pecans. Whether enjoyed as a snack, added to salads, or wrapped as a thoughtful gift, these homemade pecans add a warm, sweet-spicy crunch to any occasion. Once you master this simple recipe, it’s hard to go back to store-bought versions. Get creative, and make your own batch today!
Print
Easy Cinnamon Sugar Pecans for Snacking and Gifts
A delightful, crunchy snack of cinnamon sugar pecans, lightly toasted to perfection, ideal for cozy evenings, holiday gifting, or quick treats.
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 cups
Ingredients
- 2 cups pecan halves
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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 bowl, toss pecans with melted butter, vanilla, and cinnamon sugar mixture until evenly coated.
- Spread pecans evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until fragrant and caramelized. Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Adjust cinnamon to taste for a spicier kick.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup (30g)
- Calories: 180 Kcal
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
