Walking past those airport nut vendors always made me pause, drawn in by the incredible aroma of warm spices and caramelized nuts. After paying premium prices one too many times, I decided to recreate that irresistible combination at home. These spiced pecans capture all the sweet-and-savory magic of those expensive gourmet nuts, but at a fraction of the cost and with the satisfaction of making them yourself.
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Why this recipe for Sugar and spice pecans works
The secret to perfect spiced pecans lies in using egg white as a binding agent rather than butter or oil. This technique creates a light coating that holds the spices and sugar while allowing the pecans to become perfectly crispy. The low-temperature baking method ensures even cooking without burning the delicate nuts.
Why this is the recipe you must try for candied spiced nuts
Unlike store-bought versions that often taste artificial or overly sweet, these homemade spiced pecans achieve the perfect balance of warm spices, subtle sweetness, and natural pecan flavor. The combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves creates complexity without overwhelming the nuts’ inherent richness.
Easy spiced pecans recipe
This sugar-spiced pecans recipe is simple to make and costs so much less than what you might pay when purchasing these sweet and salty nuts. Who doesn’t love the good news of being able to save money! You may even want to make a double batch of these tasty pecan treats.
These sweet spiced pecans make the perfect holiday gift. Did I mention this is an easy candied pecans recipe? Just put them in an attractive container and finish it off with a bow. It’s significantly less time-consuming than shopping for presents.
These tasty nuts are perfect for hostess gifts, teachers, parties, the Super Bowl – you name it! They are gluten-free, so they’re also great for those with gluten intolerance.
And, the most wonderful aroma will fill your home, which is especially nice over the holidays!
Sweet and crunchy, this lovely and spicy pecans recipe is just bursting with fantastic flavor. They are perfect for setting out as nibbles for the early-arriving, impatient guests!
This addictive nut recipe is easy to make and rich in spice. Egg white clings to the pecans, holding the sugar and spice, which eliminates the need for butter, oil, or melted sugar.
Candied spiced pecans have the right blend of sweet and spicy – cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves, with just enough hint of salt to set everything off to perfection.
Is there a difference between candied pecans, glazed pecans, and pralines?
Each of these ways to prepare pecans has a few things in common – pecans, of course, a type of sugar, salt, and spices. After that, there is some variation.
Candied pecans typically involve white sugar and egg white. On the other hand, glazed pecans are generally made with brown sugar, corn syrup, and butter. Pralines are essentially coated in a caramel made of brown sugar, butter, and cream.
Each of these pecan preparations yields a distinct flavor and texture.
Recipe ingredients
For the Sugar Base
- Granulated white sugar – Provides sweetness and helps create the crispy coating when combined with egg white
- Salt – Enhances all other flavors and provides essential savory balance to the sweetness
For the Spice Blend
- Ground cinnamon – Contributes a warm, sweet spice that’s the dominant flavor note
- Ground nutmeg – Adds warm, slightly sweet complexity that complements cinnamon
- Ground allspice – Provides depth with hints of clove, cinnamon, and nutmeg combined
- Ground cloves – Contributes intense, aromatic warmth that adds sophistication
For the Coating
- Large egg white – Creates the binding agent that holds spices and sugar to nuts
- Water – Helps thin the egg white for even distribution and easier mixing
- Pecan halves – Premium nuts that provide buttery richness and satisfying crunch
How to make spiced pecans
There are just a few simple steps to making these candied nuts:
- Place all ingredients except the pecans in a medium bowl.
- Mix until well. Whisk the egg whites thoroughly with the spice blend.
- Add pecans to the spice mixture and stir until they are well coated.
- Spread the coated pecans out on a lightly greased baking sheet, or a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil, into a single layer.
- Bake at 275°F for approximately 50 to 55 minutes. Be sure to place the baking sheet on the middle rack of your oven. Stir the pecans every 10 minutes. Keep an eye on them in case your oven cooks hot and they get done faster. They will lightly brown, but you don’t want them to get too dark.
- Remove the cookie sheet with the toasted pecans from the baking sheet and spread them out on waxed or parchment paper to cool.
- Make sure the nuts cool completely before storing them in an airtight container.
Recipe variations
Want to know different ways to modify this spiced roasted pecans recipe?
You can easily adapt this spiced pecans recipe to make it your own. Here are some ideas:
- Use brown sugar instead of white sugar if you prefer a more pronounced molasses flavor.
- Use Splenda or Stevia instead of sugar if you have diabetics in your family. You won’t be able to tell the difference.
- Vary the nuts. This sugar and spice nut recipe works well with walnuts or mixed nuts. Or try pecans, walnuts, and hazelnuts. Also, peanuts, cashews, and even almonds would be great prepared this way.
- Try different spices. For example, substitute ground cardamom for the cloves, and you’ll have a winner! Smoked paprika will add a nice smoky touch.
- For a fall-inspired flavor, try Pumpkin pie spice, which is perfect for fall!
- Add a little heat. Simply add 1/2 teaspoon of ground chili powder or 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the spice mix for a bit of kick!
- Add citrus flavor. For a little citrusy difference, add 1 tablespoon of orange zest.
How to use spiced pecans
Many flavors pair well with spiced pecans. Here are ways to use them (other than just eating them straight, of course!).
These cracked nuts are perfect for tossing over a green salad. Put them in a salad with baby spinach, dried cranberries, crumbled blue cheese, sliced pears, and balsamic vinaigrette.
Or, make a grilled chicken salad with these salty pecans and a raspberry vinaigrette.
Add them to a fruit salad for a crunchy texture.
Chop them up and sprinkle them over ice cream, add them to your favorite yogurt with some granola, or mix them into your oatmeal.
Use them as a delicious garnish for a fun appetizer. For instance, sprinkle them over any appetizer involving goat cheese.
How to store spiced pecans and keep them crispy
Candied nuts can be stored in an airtight container (such as a resealable glass jar or a mason jar) at room temperature for up to one week.
Your spiced pecans can be placed in the fridge for up to three weeks or in the freezer (in an appropriate airtight container) for up to two months.
Love pecans and nuts? Try these recipes!
- Almond Brittle
- Almond Cookies
- Chocolate Pecan Pie
- Cranberry Pecan Cookies
- Pecan Delight Pie
- Pecan Pie Bars
- Pecan Sandies
- Texas Pecan Pie
Favorite Christmas treat recipes
Check out more of my easy snack recipes and the best Christmas treat recipes here on CopyKat!
Spiced Pecans Easy Copycat Recipe
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 egg white
- 2 1/2 tablespoons water
- 8 cups Pecan halves
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 275 degrees.
- Combine sugar, all the spices, water, and egg white in a bowl and mix well.
- Add pecans and stir until they are well coated.
- Spread out coated pecans on a lightly greased foil lined jelly roll pan or baking sheet.
- Bake at 275 degrees for 50 to 55 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes. Â (Keep an eye on them in case your oven cooks hot and they take less time. They will lightly brown, but you don't want them to get too dark.)
- Remove the pecans from the baking sheet and spread them out on waxed or parchment paper to cool.
- When the pecans have cooled, store them in an airtight container.
I make pecans similar to this, but I first beat the egg white and water until foamy, add the dry ingredients and continue beating until it’s the texture of whipping cream. Then fold in the pecans.
What is the serving size? I didnt see that
The serving size is 1/4 cup.
I assume these are made with plain unsalted pecans.
Yes, that’s correct.
I will be making these for Christmas next year. I bake for my friends at Christmas instead of going shopping for gifts.