These Cinnamon Roasted Pecans are the best Christmas time snack or gift. The buttery pecans are roasted to perfection then candied in sugar cinnamon goodness.
If you love homemade snacks and treats, try my Pretzels with Kisses and M&Ms and my Christmas Muddy Buddies. They are perfect for sharing and gift giving.
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Why this Cinnamon Roasted Pecans Recipe is a Keeper
This easy roasted cinnamon pecans recipe is as delicious as it is simple to make, great for crowds and you can make it ahead of time.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Sweet, crunchy, and aromatic. Cinnamon sugar pecans are the perfect snack that disappear fast at parties.
- Versatile: Works as a snack or salad topper. Cinnamon pecans make a great homemade gift.
- Simple ingredients: Pantry staples make this snack easy to make any time.
- Make-ahead friendly: Keeps well, so you can prep in advance for holidays.
Do The Sugar Roasted Pecans Stay Crunchy After Storing?
Yes. Store in an airtight container to make sure they stay nice and crunchy.
Pro Tip for the Best Cinnamon Pecans
Vanilla extract can add more flavor without affecting the texture of the nuts.
Simple Ingredients for Cinnamon Sugar Nuts
You only need a few simple ingredients to make cinnamon sugar coated pecans, and several are pantry staples. Easy to make when company is coming.
Get the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions in the recipe card below.
- Shelled Pecans: You will need about 3 cups of pecan halves to make this easy cinnamon pecans recipe.
- Sugar: Be sure to use regular white sugar to make the sugar mixture. This is best for crunch.
- Cinnamon: Use ground cinnamon or feel free to grind your cinnamon fresh.
Variations and Substitutions for Cinnamon Pecans
This Cinnamon Roasted Pecans recipe is so easy to change up. I like to experiment with ingredients to make different varieties.
- Nuts: If you don’t want to use pecans, you can also try walnuts, almonds, or cashews in this simple recipe.
- Sweetener: Use maple syrup, brown sugar, or coconut sugar instead of granulated sugar. Keep the egg whites so they stick.
- Spices: Add nutmeg, cardamom, or pumpkin spice for seasonal flair. Pour the mixture over the pecans.
- Savory twist: Reduce sugar and add smoked paprika or cayenne for sweet‑spicy nuts until pecans are coated.
How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Roasted Pecans
This snack recipe comes together in just 3 quick and easy steps. Roasted pecans are the perfect snack, so I make this recipe every holiday season.
Get the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions in the recipe card below.
- Preheat the Oven & Roast Pecans: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spread the pecans on an ungreased baking sheet, and bake for 10 minutes, stirring halfway.
- Coat the Pecans: In a saucepan over medium-low heat, add the cinnamon, sugar, water and salt. Heat, while stirring, until sugar dissolved. Add pecans and stir to coat in cinnamon sugar mixture. Cook for 3 minutes.
- Candy the Pecans: Spread the pecans back onto the baking sheet, and bake at 300 degrees. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool.
Prep Ahead Suggestions for Candied Pecans
These oven roasted pecans are already really easy, but there are a couple things you can do ahead of time.
- Toppings: Combine sugar and spice blend in advance.
- Roast: Roast nuts a day or two before serving. They taste even better once cooled.
Alternate Cooking Methods for Sugar Roasted Pecans Recipe
Make this Cinnamon Roasted Pecans recipe another way by using your air fryer or stove top.
- Air fryer: Roast at 300°F for 10–12 minutes, shaking halfway.
- Stovetop: Toast in a nonstick skillet over medium heat, stirring constantly until caramelized.
Store, Freeze and Leftovers Cinnamon and Sugar Pecans
- Storing: Store cooled roasted pecans in an airtight container on the counter for up to 2 weeks.
- Freezer: Keep the best cinnamon roasted sweet snack in a zip-top bag, up to 2 months. It’s sometimes easier to freeze on a prepared baking sheet. Thaw at room temp before serving.
- Using Leftovers: Chop and sprinkle pecans evenly over oatmeal, yogurt, or ice cream. Toss into salads for crunch. Fold into cookie or brownie batter. Package in jars for edible gifts.
Common Questions About These Easy Cinnamon Pecans
Nope! Luckily, this easy and delicious recipe does not require you to froth the egg white mixture. If you want the closest match to traditional cinnamon sugar pecans, aquafaba is your star substitute. If you don’t have it on hand, maple syrup or honey give a lovely flavor twist while still helping the coating stick.
If your cinnamon candied pecans are not crunchy, they may have been overcrowded on the pan. Be sure that pecans are well coated and are baked in the preheated oven in a single layer to ensure maximum crispiness.
Expert Tips to Make Cinnamon Pecans
- Allow to Cool: Cool completely before storing. The warmth traps moisture and softens nuts.
- Mix Well: Stir pecans halfway through roasting for even coating.
- Parchment Paper: Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to help with the mess.
- Raw: Use raw pecans for best flavor and roasting control.
- Serve this With: Serve on a grazing table with an Easy Charcuterie Board, White Trash Candy or Saltine Crack Candy.
More Recipes You Might Like
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Cinnamon Sugar Coated Pecans
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Ingredients
- 3 cups Pecan halves
- ½ cup Sugar
- ¼ cup Water
- 1 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon Salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350℉.
- Spread pecan halves on an un-greased cookie sheet. Bake at 350℉ for 10 minutes, stirring after 5 minutes.
- Combine sugar, water, cinnamon and salt in a saucepan. Cook over medium-low heat until sugar dissolves, stirring often. Add pecans and cook for 3 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat.
- Spread pecans on an un-greased cookie sheet. Bake at 300℉ for 15 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes. Cool completely.
- Store in an air-tight container.
Christina’s Notes
- Let Cool: Let the nuts cool completely before storing. If they’re still warm, trapping the moisture/warmth can make the roasted nuts soft or even soggy.
- Mix Well: Stir halfway through roasting for even coating.
- Raw Nuts: Use raw pecans for best flavor and roasting control.
- Scale the recipe: Simply adjust the serving size in the recipe card and the ingredients will update automatically.
- Make your own All Purpose Seasoning: When a recipe calls for All Purpose Seasoning, you can use my homemade All Purpose Seasoning recipe or substitute salt and pepper to taste.
- Meat doneness: I always use a meat thermometer to test for doneness when cooking meat.
- Use unsalted butter: I use unsalted butter so I can control the salt level in the recipe.
- Preheat the oven: Unless otherwise noted, always preheat your oven before baking.
For more helpful information about this recipe, such as variations, substitutions and other pro-tips, check out the blog post.
Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!
Pee-can!!!