Sugared Pecans

Crave-worthy and giftable, sugared pecans are a holiday favorite. No candy-making required! Just toss pecans with spices, sugar, and an egg white, then bake until sweet and crisp.

By
Elise Bauer
Elise Bauer
Elise Bauer
Elise founded Simply Recipes in 2003 and led the site until 2019. She has an MA in Food Research from Stanford University.
Learn about Simply Recipes' Editorial Process
Updated March 17, 2022
Elise Bauer
A glass jar tipped over with sugared pecans spilling out from it.

Simply Recipes / Cambrea Gordon

Sugared pecans must be one of the easiest candies to make. No worries about melting sugar, humidity, or candy thermometers. Just coat the pecans with an egg white solution, and then again with some sugar and spices. Pop them in the oven and bake for half an hour.

Sugared Pecans Are Dangerously Snackable!

The only problem? They are so snackable. A friend of mine made me promise not to bring any over to her; the last batch that came her way never made it to her kids! Muchas gracias to Heidi H. for the recipe.

Side view of a bowl of candied pecans.

Simply Recipes / Cambrea Gordon

Love Pecans? Try These Other Recipes!

What Are Sugared Pecans?

Sugared pecans are pecans that have been glazed or coated with a sugar coating that sometimes includes spices. You may seen them called flavored pecans or candied pecans.

How Long Do Sugared Pecans Last?

Sugared pecans can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for about 2 weeks, and maybe longer depending on the humidity level.

You can also keep these in the freezer for a few months.

To keep your pecans from getting sticky, put one of those silica gel packets (like what comes shoe boxes or seaweed packets) in with them to keep down the humidity.

Personalize Your Candied Pecans

We're using traditional holiday spices in this recipe, but you can customize the flavors to your liking.

  • A bit of cayenne will add some fire.
  • A dusting of cocoa will appeal to chocolate lovers.
  • A touch of ground cardamom gives these a Scandinavian or South Asian vibe.
  • Replace all of the spices with 1 1/2 teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice or Chinese five spice.
  • Zip them up with a little citrus zest.
  • Swap your favorite nut for pecans. Try walnuts, almonds, cashews, or any other combination.

How to Gift Sugared Pecans

Candied pecans are thoughtful holiday gifts for coworkers and neighbors. Since they ship well, they're perfect for distant friends and family. Package them in small cellophane bags tied with ribbon, or use mason jars . For a special touch, include a handwritten tag.

Ways to Use Sugared Pecans

Sugared pecans aren't just for snacking. They are great for topping desserts. Try them on Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream or cheesecakes, like this Instant Pot Pumpkin Cheesecake. Or add them to salads, like this Mixed Salad with Pecans and Goat Cheese.

From the Editors Of Simply Recipes

Sugared Pecans

Prep Time 5 mins
Cook Time 30 mins
Total Time 35 mins
Servings 8 servings
Yield 2 cups

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup sugar

  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon

  • 3/4 teaspoon salt

  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

  • 1 egg white

  • 1 tablespoon water

  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • 8 ounces (about 2 cups) pecans

Method

  1. Preheat the oven:

    Preheat the oven to 300°F.

  2. Mix the sugar, salt, and spices in a bag:

    Put sugar, cinnamon, salt, ground cloves, and ground nutmeg in a plastic bag. Shake to mix.

    Zip top bag of sugar and spices to make a candied pecans recipe.

    Simply Recipes / Cambrea Gordon
  3. Coat the pecans:

    In a medium bowl, beat together the egg, water, and vanilla until slightly foamy. Add the pecans and toss to coat well.

    Lift the pecans out of the bowl with a slotted spoon and put into the bag of sugar and spices. Shake the pecans in the bag, making sure they are well coated.

    A small bowl of egg white, water, and vanilla for a candied pecan recipe.

    Simply Recipes / Cambrea Gordon
    Pecans in a bowl to show how to make candied pecans

    Simply Recipes / Cambrea Gordon
    Spooning coated pecans into zip top bag to show how to make candied pecans.

    Simply Recipes / Cambrea Gordon
  4. Bake the pecans on a prepared baking sheet:

    Bake 30 minutes on a baking pan lined with a silicon baking mat, parchment paper, or lightly greased aluminum foil.

    Halfway through baking, stir up the pecans with a fork.

    Let cool completely before serving.

    Overhead view of a baking sheet with sugared pecans spread on it.

    Simply Recipes / Cambrea Gordon
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
255 Calories
21g Fat
17g Carbs
3g Protein
Show Full Nutrition Label Hide Full Nutrition Label
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 8
Amount per serving
Calories 255
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 21g 27%
Saturated Fat 2g 10%
Cholesterol 23mg 8%
Sodium 208mg 9%
Total Carbohydrate 17g 6%
Dietary Fiber 3g 10%
Total Sugars 14g
Protein 3g
Vitamin C 0mg 2%
Calcium 27mg 2%
Iron 1mg 5%
Potassium 128mg 3%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate. In cases where multiple ingredient alternatives are given, the first listed is calculated for nutrition. Garnishes and optional ingredients are not included.