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If you’ve ever followed your nose to a sweet, cinnamon-sugar treat at the mall or Buc-ee’s, you’re in for a real treat because now you can make the best candied pecans right at home. This praline pecan recipe is tried-and-true from my own family kitchen, easy enough for any busy home cook, and guaranteed to turn out sweet, crunchy, and completely irresistible every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe for Candied Pecans
My sister-in-law has made these candied pecans for as long as I can remember—and there’s always a pack tucked into our Christmas gifts each year. It’s one of those treats I look forward to the moment the holidays roll around. She was sweet enough to pass the recipe along, and I just knew I had to share it with you.
These are the kind of little bites that bring joy to a cookie tray, dress up a charcuterie board, or make the loveliest homemade gift. Whether you’re hosting a party or just need something to munch on while wrapping gifts, these pecans are the perfect sweet and crunchy treat.
Why This is the BEST Candied Pecans Recipe
❥ Perfectly Crunchy Every Time: That slow bake and stir method gives you that irresistible crisp coating—no sticky mess!
❥ Tried-and-True Family Favorite: This recipe has been in our family for years, and now it’s ready to be part of yours. They come out perfect every time!
❥ Irresistible Sweet-Spice Flavor: Each pecan is coated in a crisp shell of caramelized cinnamon-sugar with just a hint of vanilla. It’s that perfect balance of sweet, lightly spiced, and nutty that keeps you coming back for more.
If you’ve ever loved grabbing a warm paper cone of these at the mall or snagging a bag from Buc-ee’s, you’re going to love making a big batch at home for way less than you’d pay there, and just as scrumptious.
NikkiIngredients
- Pecan Halves: Use fresh, high-quality pecans. Halves work best for even coating and that classic look, but pieces will work in a pinch—just keep an eye on the bake time.
- Egg White: Helps the sugar mixture stick and gives that signature crisp coating. No yolk needed—just whip until light and frothy.
- Water: Loosens the egg white just enough to coat the pecans evenly.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds a subtle, sweet depth that makes the cinnamon-sugar coating extra delicious. Use pure vanilla if you have it.
- Granulated Sugar + Light Brown Sugar: This blend gives you the best of both worlds—crunch from the white sugar and a rich, caramel flavor from the brown sugar.
- Ground Cinnamon: Brings that warm spice that makes these pecans irresistible. Add a little more if you want extra cinnamon flavor.
- Fine Sea Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors. A small pinch makes a big difference!
How To Make Praline Pecans
✱ Be sure to see the recipe card below for exact ingredients and full recipe instructions!
Step 1: Prep your oven and baking sheet
Preheat the oven to 250°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Whip up the wet mixture
In a large mixing bowl, beat the egg whites, water, and vanilla until the mixture is frothy and thick—you’re not aiming for stiff peaks, just a light and foamy consistency.
Step 3: Mix the sugars and spice
In a separate bowl, stir together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt until evenly combined.
Step 4: Coat the pecans
Toss the pecan halves into the egg white mixture and gently stir to coat.
Then sprinkle in the sugar-spice mixture and stir again until every pecan is coated with that sweet cinnamon goodness
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Step 5: Spread and bake
Spread the coated pecans in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes to make sure they toast evenly and the coating sets up just right.
Step 6: Cool completely
Let the pecans cool on the baking sheet. They’ll firm up and get that irresistible crunchy shell as they cool—don’t rush this part!
Variations and Substitutions
- More Cinnamon: Love that warm spice? Add an extra ½ teaspoon (or more) to increase the cinnamon flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a sweet and spicy twist. Start small—you can always add more next batch!
- Nut Substitute: This coating works beautifully on walnuts, almonds, or even cashews. Just keep an eye on baking times—smaller nuts may toast a little faster.
Recipe FAQs
Most likely, they just didn’t cool all the way. That sugar coating needs time to harden as it sits. Also, make sure to spread them out in a single layer and give them a stir while they bake—crowding or skipping this step can result in a soft texture.
Pecan pralines are usually soft and creamy—like a fudge candy with pecans. Candied pecans, like this recipe, are crunchy with a sweet cinnamon-sugar coating. Around here, we sometimes call them praline pecans, too—just a crunchy Southern twist.
Make Ahead + Gift Giving Tips
Make Ahead:
These praline pecans are perfect for prepping ahead of time. Bake and cool them completely, then store in an airtight container. They stay fresh for up to a month at room temperature, so you can knock out holiday prep (or snack stash) well in advance.
Candied Pecans for Gifting:
Package them in mason jars, cellophane bags, or festive tins—add a ribbon and one of my free printable gift tags to make it extra special. They make sweet, thoughtful gifts for teachers, neighbors, friends, or anyone who loves a homemade treat.
Favorite Ways To Enjoy This Recipe for Praline Pecans
- Munch straight out of the jar — because sometimes you deserve that little escape too.
- Toss over a salad (with feta or goat cheese) for a sweet & crunchy twist. I especially love them in our strawberry salad and harvest salad.
- Add to a charcuterie or cheese board for a sweet texture contrast.
- Serve alongside ice cream or vanilla yogurt for added crunch.
- Sprinkle on top of pancakes, waffles, or French toast for a decadent breakfast treat.
- Pack into small, clear bags or jars as DIY gifts or hostess treats.
Other Delicious Giftable Recipes
- Honey Roasted Almonds
- Bloody Mary Rim Salt – This is also for mocktails, Boiled Peanuts, or even Bloody Mary Boiled Peanuts. If you have a snack mix or unsalted nut mix, it’s a great way to elevate them!
- Toasted Nuts (3 Easy Ways)
- Peppermint Hot Cocoa Mix
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Ingredients
- 1 pound pecan halves - 16 ounces
- 1 large egg white - yolk removed
- 1 tablespoon water
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup light brown sugar
- ¾ cup white granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon - you can use more to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 250℉. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- Wet coating: In a mixing bowl, beat egg white, vanilla, and water until frothy.
- Dry coating: Add granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt to a bowl and stir to combine.
- Coat Pecans: Add pecans to the egg whites mixture and gently toss to coat, making sure each pecan is well coated. Then add the cinnamon sugar mixture and stir gently until the pecans are well coated.
- Bake: Spread the pecans into a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for about 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes. Remove the pecans from the oven and allow them to cool completely on the baking sheet.
- Once completely cooled, store praline pecans in an airtight container at room temperature for 1 month.
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