If you love a little sweet crunch that pairs perfectly with your afternoon tea or jazzes up a salad, then you’re in for a treat with this Cinnamon Sugar Pecans Recipe. Seriously, once you try these cinnamon-spiced pecans, you’ll wonder how pecans ever tasted any other way! They’re wonderfully crunchy, sweet with just the right hint of cinnamon warmth, and incredibly easy to make. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through every step so your pecans come out perfectly every time.

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Why This Recipe Works

Perfect Coating: Using egg white helps the cinnamon sugar stick to each pecan evenly without sogginess.
Balanced Sweetness: Combining granulated and brown sugar gives depth and that lovely caramel note.
Simple Ingredients: You probably have everything in your pantry already—no need for fancy specialty items.
Oven Control: Baking low and slow crisps the pecans perfectly without burning the sugar or spices.

Cinnamon Sugar Pecans, easy pecan snack, homemade candied pecans, crunchy cinnamon pecans, sweet nut treat - This image shows many small pieces of pecans covered with a crunchy cinnamon sugar coating. The nuts are dark brown with rough, uneven textures from the sugary spice mix. There are different sizes=

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Cinnamon Sugar Pecans Recipe is a beautiful marriage of simple ingredients that bring out the best textures and flavors. Each component plays a key role, so your shopping list will be straightforward but purposeful.

Cinnamon Sugar Pecans, easy pecan snack, homemade candied pecans, crunchy cinnamon pecans, sweet nut treat - Flat lay of a single whole uncracked egg with a clean shell, a small white bowl of clear water, a small white bowl of golden vanilla extract, a small white bowl of light brown ground cinnamon, a small white bowl of coarse white granulated sugar, a small white bowl of moist dark brown sugar, a small white bowl of fine white salt, and a small white ceramic bowl heaped with fresh whole pecans, all arranged in perfect symmetry, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Egg white: Acts as a glue, helping the sugar and cinnamon cling to every pecan—plus it keeps things light and crunchy.
Water: Just enough to loosen the egg white for easy whipping but not too much to make a mess.
Vanilla: This little flavor booster adds warmth and complexity beyond just cinnamon and sugar.
Whole pecans: Fresh, good-quality pecans make all the difference; avoid rancid nuts since that’ll affect flavor.
Granulated sugar: Provides sparkle and crunch.
Brown sugar: Adds moisture and that wonderful molasses undertone.
Cinnamon: The star spice here—opt for fresh-ground if you can for the best aroma.
Salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and enhance all the flavors.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love making this recipe just as is, but it’s so easy to adjust based on what you’re feeling. Play around and find your perfect spin—it’s really forgiving!

Variation: I sometimes swap pecans for walnuts or almonds for a bit of variety. Each nut works beautifully with the cinnamon sugar coating.
Spicy kick: If you like a little heat, sprinkle in a tiny pinch of cayenne or chili powder—it adds a surprising, delightful layer.
Less sweet: You can cut the sugar down if you’re watching sugar intake; just remember it’ll alter the crunch and caramelization a bit.
Gluten-free snack: Perfectly natural and safe if you or your guests avoid gluten—just make sure your vanilla and spices are pure and uncontaminated.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cinnamon Sugar Pecans Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and spritz it with cooking spray. Trust me, this little step helps with easy cleanup and prevents any stubborn sticking that can happen with sugar-coated nuts—I’ve been there, and it’s no fun scrubbing burned sugar!

Step 2: Whip the Egg White Mixture

Using a hand mixer or a stand mixer, beat the egg white and water until stiff peaks form—this usually takes 3-5 minutes. When you lift the beaters, the peaks should stand tall without collapsing. Then, mix in the vanilla extract. This process ensures your sugar mixture sticks evenly without sogginess, which I discovered is key for that perfect crunch!

Step 3: Coat the Pecans

Toss your pecans into the egg white mixture and stir gently until each nut is coated. This part is fun because you can already see the nuts shimmering and getting ready to be sugar-coated. Make sure there are no dry nuts hiding at the bottom—every pecan deserves equal love!

Step 4: Mix the Cinnamon Sugar

In a separate small bowl, blend together granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Once combined, pour this mixture over the coated pecans and mix again thoroughly. This dual sugar mix creates that irresistible balance of sweetness and chewiness that sets these pecans apart.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pour the sugared pecans onto your prepared baking sheet and spread them into a single, even layer. Pop them into the oven for 15 minutes, then grab a spatula and stir them around to ensure even baking. Return to the oven for another 12-15 minutes until golden and crunchy. Cooling on foil helps them crisp up fully while making cleanup a breeze. I like to watch them closely during this step—the aroma of cinnamon filling my kitchen never gets old!

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Pro Tips for Making Cinnamon Sugar Pecans Recipe

Use Room Temperature Egg Whites: I find they whip up faster and hold better peaks if they’re not straight from the fridge.
Line the Pan for Easy Cleanup: Using foil and spray keeps sticky sugar off your baking tray, saving time and frustration.
Stir Halfway Through Baking: This little move helps prevent clumping and burns, giving you evenly toasted pecans.
Don’t Skip Cooling Time: Patience pays off because pecans crisp up as they cool; eating warm can feel sticky.

How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Pecans Recipe

Cinnamon Sugar Pecans, easy pecan snack, homemade candied pecans, crunchy cinnamon pecans, sweet nut treat - A white bowl filled with many pieces of sugared pecans piled high, each pecan piece covered in a crunchy, sparkling sugar layer giving a rough texture with colors ranging from light brown to darker brown on the nuts themselves. Some pieces show the clear shape of the pecan's ridges while others look more clustered with sugar crystals. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a soft, out-of-focus background of more pecans. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I love adding a handful of these cinnamon sugar pecans on top of a leafy green salad—especially one with tangy goat cheese or crumbled feta. They add amazing crunch and a touch of sweetness that lifts the whole dish. Plus, they’re fantastic sprinkled over desserts like ice cream or yogurt parfaits for a nutty twist.

Side Dishes

Pair these pecans with roasted butternut squash, sweet potato dishes, or alongside a cheese platter for snacking. They’re a fantastic companion to almost anything autumn-inspired or holiday-themed.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, try filling small glass jars or decorative bowls to use as edible table favors, or sprinkle the pecans atop a baked brie wheel right before serving to wow your guests visually and flavor-wise—it’s always a conversation starter!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled completely, store your cinnamon sugar pecans in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay crunchy and delicious for up to two weeks—I’ve often had them vanish much sooner, honestly!

Freezing

If you want to save them longer, freezing works wonders. Just pop them in a sealed freezer bag or container. When you’re ready, thaw at room temperature and they’re good as new.

Reheating

To bring back that fresh-baked crispness, spread pecans on a baking sheet and warm in a 275°F oven for 5 minutes or so. Keep an eye on them to avoid burnt sugar—that little reminder saved me more than once!

FAQs

Can I use other nuts instead of pecans in this Cinnamon Sugar Pecans Recipe?

Absolutely! While pecans are classic, this recipe works great with walnuts, almonds, or even cashews. Just adjust baking times slightly if your nuts are smaller or larger, keeping an eye to avoid burning.
Why do we use egg whites in this recipe?

The egg white acts as a binder to help the cinnamon sugar mixture stick evenly to each pecan, creating a nice crunchy coating without adding any heavy moisture.
How long can I store these cinnamon sugar pecans?

Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, they keep crunchy and delicious for about two weeks. Freezing extends their life up to several months.
Can I make this recipe vegan?

Since egg whites are key for coating, the traditional recipe isn’t vegan. Some people try aquafaba (chickpea liquid) as a substitute, but the texture and binding might differ, so it can take some experimentation.

Final Thoughts

This Cinnamon Sugar Pecans Recipe has become my go-to for gifting and snacking alike because it’s so simple, delicious, and versatile. I always feel a little kitchen pride when friends ask for the recipe after tasting these beauties. I really hope you’ll give this recipe a try and make it your own—there’s nothing quite like that warm cinnamon aroma filling your home while these nuts bake. Trust me, once you’ve made them, you’ll keep coming back to this recipe season after season.

Cinnamon Sugar Pecans Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.5 from 3 reviews

Author: Amanda
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 4 cups
Category: Snack
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Cinnamon Sugar Pecans are a sweet, crunchy snack perfect for holiday treats or everyday enjoyment. Coated in a delicious blend of cinnamon, brown and granulated sugar, and baked to perfection, these pecans offer a delightful balance of sweetness and spice.

Ingredients

Wet Ingredients

1 egg white
2 teaspoons water
1 teaspoon vanilla

Nuts

1 1/2 cups whole pecans

Dry Ingredients

1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with foil. Spray the foil with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Beat Egg White Mixture: Use a hand mixer to beat the egg white and water together until stiff peaks form, ensuring the mixture is fluffy and thick enough to coat the pecans.
Add Vanilla: Mix in the vanilla extract thoroughly into the beaten egg white mixture.
Coat Pecans: Toss the whole pecans into the egg white mixture, stirring gently until each pecan is evenly coated.
Prepare Sugar Mixture: In a small bowl, combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt, mixing well to blend the flavors.
Combine Sugar with Pecans: Pour the sugar mixture over the coated pecans and mix thoroughly to ensure the pecans are evenly covered with the cinnamon sugar.
Arrange on Baking Sheet: Transfer the coated pecans to the prepared baking sheet in an even layer to bake evenly.
Bake and Stir: Bake for 15 minutes, then carefully stir the pecans to promote even cooking and prevent burning.
Final Bake: Continue baking for another 15 minutes until the pecans are crisp and the sugar coating is set.
Cool: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the pecans cool on the foil, allowing the coating to harden and the nuts to become crunchy.

Notes

If doubling the recipe, extend baking time by 10-15 minutes to ensure pecans are fully crisped.
Using fresh whole pecans provides the best texture and flavor.
Be careful when stirring pecans during baking to avoid breaking them.
Store cooled pecans in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
You can substitute vanilla extract with almond extract for a different flavor twist.