Sweet Glazed Pecans

 Candied pecans are a delightful treat made by coating pecans with a sweet, crunchy sugar glaze. They are perfect as a snack, a topping for salads, and desserts, or as a delicious addition to charcuterie boards.

Sweet Glazed Pecans
Entertaining during the holidays can sometimes feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. I’m all about effortless snacks and appetizers that are quick to prepare. Two of my go-tos are the marinated olives and my fuss-free 5-ingredient cheeseball. But, I recently realized that one of my cherished holiday snack essentials was missing from my blog: this stove-top candied pecans recipe. They are irresistibly delicious and incredibly easy to make.
What’s fantastic about these candied pecans, which do not contain egg, is that they’re crafted from basic pantry staples. This recipe is incredibly adaptable and can be easily tweaked for a more savory twist. I adore whipping up a generous batch of these gems to enhance salads, adorn cheese platters at gatherings, and share as thoughtful gifts with friends and neighbors (hint: they make an impressive host/hostess gift). Offering a delightful blend of sweet and salty crunch, these candied pecans are undeniably addictive and always a crowd-pleaser.
Sweet Glazed Pecans

These candied pecans call for just five ingredients, all of which are probably stocked in your kitchen pantry:

  • Pecan halves
  • Sugar
  • Kosher salt
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Ground nutmeg
 
Sweet Glazed Pecans
 
 

Here’s an easy 3-step process to make these stovetop candied pecans:

  1. Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper. Combine sugar, water, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Cook the mixture until the sugar starts melting, then add the pecans. Stir regularly until the nuts become glazed and toasted.
  3. Transfer the nuts onto the lined sheet pan to cool, using a fork to separate them.
 
Sweet Glazed Pecans

 

 

Here are some variations you can try with the candied pecans recipe:

  • Experiment with a mix of nuts like pecans, walnuts, and almonds, or opt for only walnuts if preferred.
  • Add a touch of spiciness by incorporating 1 teaspoon of chili powder and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Freshly ground black pepper is also an excellent spicy addition.
  • Substitute water with freshly squeezed orange juice and include some orange zest for a citrusy twist.
  • Replace granulated sugar with brown sugar for a different sweetness profile.
  • Enhance flavors by adding 1-2 tablespoons of fresh, chopped thyme and/or rosemary.
  • Create a savory version by excluding cinnamon and nutmeg, and instead use chili powder, cayenne, black pepper, ½-1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, and ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder.
 
Sweet Glazed Pecans

 

 

Are Glazed Pecans Different From Candied Pecans?

Glazed pecans and candied pecans share many similarities. Typically, glazed pecans involve a mixture of corn syrup, sugar, and butter, whereas candied pecans often include sugar and egg whites. The addition of egg white in many candied nut recipes acts as a binding agent, aiding the sugar coating to adhere to the nuts. However, in my recipe, I omit the egg white as it creates a milky coating that, in my experience, doesn’t significantly enhance the nuts. The sweet sugar blend adheres perfectly to the nuts without it.

Sweet Glazed Pecans
If your candied pecans turn out soft, it typically indicates they haven’t been cooked long enough. To ensure a crunchy texture, it’s crucial to spread the pecans evenly on the baking sheet and allow them to cool thoroughly. Once completely cooled, the glaze will solidify, resulting in crunchy candied pecans.
Sweet Glazed Pecans

Candied Pecans

Make
these easy candied pecans on the stovetop for a fast, sweet, and savory
appetizer or snack that’s perfect for salad, entertaining, or gifting.
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword candied pecans
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 10
Calories 176kcal

Ingredients

  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 2 cups pecan halves

Instructions

  • Line
    a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large skillet over medium
    heat, stir the sugar, water, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg together. Cook
    until the sugar begins to melt. Add the nuts and cook, stirring often,
    until the nuts are toasted and glazed. Spoon the nuts onto the prepared
    sheet pan to cool, separating with a fork. Sprinkle with a little coarse
    salt if desired. Nuts can be stored in an airtight container for up to
    1-2 weeks.

Nutrition

Calories: 176kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Sodium: 117mg | Potassium: 82mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 11IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 15mg | Iron: 1mg

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