Candied Pecans

Week One Candied Pecans – Easy Homemade Christmas Candy: If you’re looking for a quick and irresistible holiday treat, these Candied Pecans are the perfect addition to your Christmas candy lineup! Made with just a few simple ingredients, this easy recipe delivers that classic sweet crunch you can’t resist. It’s part of our new 12 Weeks of Christmas Candy series, where we share simple, festive confections to make your holiday season a little sweeter.

How to Make Candy-Coated Pecans

SWEET, CRUNCHY, AND PERFECT FOR GIFTING: Candied pecans are the kind of treat that makes your kitchen smell like Christmas. With a simple mix of sugar, water, and a touch of vanilla, these pecans toast to perfection, creating a caramelized coating that’s both crisp and buttery. Whether you’re making them for your holiday candy tray, gifting them in decorative jars, or sprinkling them over desserts and salads, these pecans are as versatile as they are delicious.

ADD PECANS TO A DRY SKILLET, COOK ON MEDIUM HEAT UNTIL THEY START TO BROWN

WHILE THE NUTS ARE TOASTING, WHISK TOGETHER THE SUGAR AND HOT WATER UNTIL THE SUGAR DISSOLVES.

POUR SUGAR MIXTURE OVER TOASTED PECANS, ADD A PINCH OF SALT, STIR UNTIL ALMOST ALL THE LIQUID HAS BEEN ABSORBED. ADD THE VANILLA AND CONTINUE STIRRING UNTIL MOST OF THE LIQUID IS EVAPORATED.

POUR FINISHED PECANS ON A SHEET OF PARCHMENT PAPER, SEPARATE TO COOL.

CANDIED PECANS RECIPE INGREDIENTS LIST- full printable recipe below in recipe card

⅔ cup pecan halves
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
2 tablespoons water
pinch of salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

SUGARED PECANS INSTRUCTIONS

TOASTED PECANS (OPTIONAL)

Toasting brings out the natural oils and enhances the nutty flavor, giving your candied pecans a deep, rich taste that’s absolutely irresistible.
Pour the pecans into a skillet and turn the heat to medium. Keep an eye on them once the pan reaches heat; it won’t take long for the nuts to toast.

FOR THE CANDIED PECANS

While the pecans are toasting, add the hot water to a measuring cup and pour in the sugar. Use a small whisk to dissolve the sugar.
Once the pecans are toasted, turn off the heat and add the water mixture along with a pinch of salt. Stir until all the nuts are coated with the sugar water mixture.
Turn the heat back on to the medium setting. Continue stirring, coating the pecans as you do so.
When almost all the liquid has evaporated, add the vanilla. Continue cooking until almost all the liquid is gone.
At this point, you have a decision to make. Do you want your pecans to be shiny and slightly sticky or have a sugary crust? If you want them to be shiny, take them off the heat now. If you want them to be drier and crunchier, continue stirring one to two more minutes or until all the liquid has evaporated.
Transfer the coated pecans to a piece of parchment paper, spacing them out so they don’t touch. FOR THE SHINY PECANS, it will take several hours, possibly overnight, for them to dry. FOR THE CRUNCHY PECANS, it will take 30 to 60 minutes for them to dry. 🎄ENJOY!

How to Use Candied Pecans

Candied pecans aren’t just for snacking straight from the pan — though that’s definitely encouraged! These sweet, crunchy nuts can be used in so many delicious ways. Sprinkle them over salads for a pop of sweetness and crunch, or toss them into a bowl of oatmeal, yogurt, or ice cream for an easy upgrade. They make a beautiful topping for cakes, cupcakes, and cheesecakes, adding both flavor and texture. You can also mix them into cookie or brownie batter for a festive twist, or package them in small jars and tie with ribbon for a thoughtful homemade Christmas gift. No matter how you use them, candied pecans add that perfect sweet-nutty touch to any holiday recipe.

Flavor Variations for Candied Pecans

One of the best aspects of making candied pecans is the ease with which their flavor can be customized. Cinnamon is the classic choice, adding that warm holiday spice everyone loves, but you can easily take things up a notch with a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for extra depth. For a more gourmet twist, try using different extracts. Vanilla gives a smooth sweetness, almond adds a delicate nuttiness, and maple brings cozy, caramel-like notes. You can even sprinkle in a dash of cayenne for a subtle heat or use brown sugar instead of white for a richer flavor. These simple additions let you tailor each batch to match your mood or the season, keeping your homemade Christmas candy exciting and unique every time.

A Sweet Celebration – Week 1 of Christmas Candy

Each week through the holidays, a brand-new candy recipe is being shared as part of the 12 Weeks of Christmas Candy series. From peanut brittle that can be made in the microwave to festive fudge, you’ll have a full collection of sweets ready for gifting, sharing, or simply enjoying all season long.

These Candy Pecans are Week 1’s featured recipe, bringing a sweet crunch to your winter festivities. It’s simple, nostalgic, and guaranteed to brighten your dessert table.

HOW TO STORE CANDIED PECANS

Proper storage is key to keeping your candied pecans fresh, crunchy, and delicious. Once cooled completely, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. For a longer shelf life, place them in the refrigerator, where they can last up to a month. If you want to make a big batch ahead of time, candied pecans also freeze well — simply keep them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, let them come to room temperature to restore their signature crunch. Avoid storing them in humid areas, as moisture can cause the sugar coating to become sticky.

CANDIED PECANS FAQ

How long do candied pecans last?

Candied pecans can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a month or freeze them for up to 3 months.

Should I toast the pecans before coating them?

Yes! Toasting the pecans before adding the sugar mixture enhances their natural flavor and gives them an extra nutty crunch. Just add them to a dry skillet, turn the stovetop to medium, and stir as they toast. When the nutty smell shines through, that’s when they’re done.

Why are my candied pecans sticky?

If your pecans turned out sticky, they likely didn’t cook long enough for the sugar to fully caramelize. Try cooking them a bit longer, stirring often until the coating looks dry and crisp.

Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?

Absolutely! This recipe works beautifully with walnuts, almonds, or cashews. Each nut adds a slightly different flavor and texture to the sweet coating.

What’s the best way to serve candied pecans?

They’re delicious on their own, but also make the perfect topping for salads, oatmeal, or desserts. You can even package them in jars or small treat bags for easy homemade Christmas gifts.

Do I need a candy thermometer?

No thermometer needed! This easy candied pecan recipe relies on the stovetop, allowing you to achieve that signature crunch without the stress of cooking sugar.

Can I make candied pecans ahead of time?

Yes, and they’re perfect for it! Candied pecans keep their crunch when stored properly, making them a great make-ahead treat for your holiday candy trays or party favors.

MORE CANDY RECIPES

LATEST POSTS

SNEAK PEEK- Stay tuned for more set ideas in our 12 Weeks of Christmas Candy series. From more advanced candy making, like how to make marshmallows, to simple candy that can be made in the microwave. Every recipe is designed to be festive and foolproof.🎄Sheryl

Yield: ⅔ CUP of PECANS

Ingredients

⅔ cup pecan halves
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
2 tablespoons water
pinch of salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Optional - Toasted Pecans

Toasting brings out the natural oils and enhances the nutty flavor, giving your candied pecans a deep, rich taste that's absolutely irresistible.
Pour the pecans into a skillet and turn the heat to medium. Keep an eye on them once the pan reaches heat; it won't take long for the nuts to toast.

For the Candied Pecans

While the pecans are toasting, add the hot water to a measuring cup and pour in the sugar. Use a small whisk to dissolve the sugar.
Once the pecans are toasted, turn off the heat and add the water mixture along with a pinch of salt. Stir until all the nuts are coated with the sugar water mixture.
Turn the heat back on to the medium setting. Continue stirring, coating the pecans as you do so.
When almost all the liquid has evaporated, add the vanilla. Continue cooking until almost all the liquid is gone.
At this point, you have a decision to make. Do you want your pecans to be shiny and slightly sticky or have a sugary crust? If you want them to be shiny, take them off the heat now. If you want them to be drier and crunchier, continue stirring one to two more minutes or until all the liquid has evaporated.
Transfer the coated pecans to a piece of parchment paper, spacing them out so they don't touch. FOR THE SHINY PECANS, it will take several hours, possibly overnight, for them to dry. FOR THE CRUNCHY PECANS, it will take 30 to 60 minutes for them to dry. 🎄ENJOY!

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Candied Pecans – 12 Weeks of Christmas Candy