© Original Recipe By The Cozy Crumb ©
🍬✨ Easy Homemade Cinnamon Sugar Pecans – The Perfect Spiced Nuts Snack! ✨🍬
1. Introduction
If you’re craving a sweet, aromatic snack with just the right crunch, then **cinnamon sugar pecans** are your new best friend. These irresistibly crunchy & spicy-sweet pecans burst with warm cinnamon and a hint of sugar, making them perfect for holiday gatherings, gifting, or nibbling throughout the day. Easy to make at home, these spiced nuts elevate your snacking game with a caramelized glaze that’s both crispy and tender on the inside.
Think about biting into a glossy, cinnamon-glazed pecan, its aroma filling your kitchen with comforting warmth. Whether you call them cinnamon glazed pecans or sugared pecans, mastering this recipe will keep you reaching for more.
2. Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in 30 minutes — Perfect for last-minute snacking or unexpected guests.
- One-pan simplicity — No complicated equipment or ingredients needed.
- Versatile snack — Great on salads, desserts, or enjoyed straight from the bowl.
- Customizable — Adjust the cinnamon and sugar to suit your taste preferences.
3. Ingredient Notes
To create the perfect cinnamon sugar pecans, quality ingredients make all the difference. Use fresh, raw pecans for maximum crunch and flavor. Look for high-quality, aromatic cinnamon—it’s the key flavor component that offers warmth and depth. For the sugar, a blend of brown sugar and granulated sugar creates a caramelized glaze with a touch of molasses flavor, enhancing the warm spices.
For a more robust taste, consider adding a pinch of salt or even a splash of vanilla extract. These small tweaks elevate the overall flavor profile. Choosing organic raw pecans can also provide cleaner, richer results, especially if you’re sensitive to pesticides or additives.
4. Kitchen Tools You Need
Start with reliable tools to ensure your cinnamon glazed pecans turn out perfectly. A Compact 6-in-1 Digital Air Fryer is wonderful for making crispy snacks with less oil, but a sturdy baking sheet and parchment paper are essential for roasting. Use a high-quality wire whisk or spatula—like the Ninja Foodi Smart XL Indoor Grill & Air Fryer Combo—for evenly coating and mixing the pecans. These tools help you achieve that glossy, crunchy finish with minimal mess and fuss.
5. How to Make Easy Homemade Cinnamon Sugar Pecans
Step 1: Prepare your coating
In a mixing bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of brown sugar, 2 teaspoons of cinnamon, and a pinch of salt—adding vanilla or nutmeg for extra warmth if desired.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, ready for your coated pecans to bake until golden and fragrant.
Step 2: Coat the pecans
In a separate bowl, toss 2 cups of raw pecans with a beaten egg white until evenly coated. The egg white helps the cinnamon sugar adhere beautifully, creating a glossy, crisp exterior.
Add the cinnamon sugar mixture to the pecans and stir until they’re thoroughly coated—a quick stir ensures each nut gets a generous coat of that aromatic glaze.
Step 3: Bake to perfection
Spread the coated pecans in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway through to prevent burning. The nuts will turn a rich, caramel color, and the aroma of cinnamon will fill your kitchen.
Allow the pecans to cool completely—they’ll become even crispier as they cool down, sealing in that irresistible crunch.
6. Expert Tips for Success
- Use fresh pecans: Fresh, raw pecans yield the best texture and flavor.
- Don’t overbake: Watch closely towards the end to prevent burning, as the sugars can quickly caramelize too much.
- Keep stirring: Stirring during baking ensures even coating and prevents scorching.
- Cool before storing: Let the pecans cool completely to maintain their crunch.
7. Variations & Substitutions
If you’re looking to customize your cinnamon sugar pecans, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick or a drizzle of dark chocolate once cooled for a decadent twist. For a dairy-free version, skip the egg white and use a bit of coconut oil to help the spices stick.
Vegan? You can substitute the egg white with aquafaba—a flavorful chickpea brine that whips up just like egg whites. For allergy-sensitive options, experiment with crushed pumpkin seeds or almonds instead of pecans.
8. Storage & Reheating
Keep your cinnamon glazed pecans in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. To refresh their crispiness, reheat briefly in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for 5 minutes. Avoid refrigerating as moisture can make them soggy.
9. FAQ
Can I make cinnamon sugar pecans in a microwave?
Yes, but for the best crunch and caramelization, oven roasting delivers superior results. Microwave methods may produce softer nuts.
Can I use salted pecans?
If you prefer a less sweet snack, salted pecans can be used, but reduce or omit additional salt in the recipe accordingly.
How do I prevent the sugar from burning?
Stir the pecans frequently during baking and keep a close eye in the last few minutes. Using lower oven temperatures can also help ensure even caramelization without scorching.
10. Conclusion
Homemade cinnamon sugar pecans are a delightful blend of crispy, sweet, and spicy flavors that elevate any snack time. With just a handful of ingredients and simple steps, you’ll soon be enjoying irresistibly crunchy, aromatic treats—perfect for gifting or indulging yourself. Dive into the process, experiment with variations, and enjoy a healthy, homemade alternative to store-bought spiced nuts. Happy snacking!
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Easy Homemade Cinnamon Sugar Pecans
A sweet and spicy snack of roasted cinnamon sugar pecans coated with a caramelized glaze.
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: about 2 cups
Ingredients
- 2 cups pecans
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
- In a small saucepan, warm honey or maple syrup with vanilla extract until runny.
- Toss pecans with the warm syrup until evenly coated.
- Sprinkle cinnamon sugar mixture over the pecans and stir until coated.
- Spread pecans in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, stirring halfway through, until fragrant and caramelized.
- Allow to cool completely before serving or storing.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container for up to one week.
- For an extra crunch, bake a few extra minutes but watch closely to prevent burning.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 180 Kcal
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
