Candied pecans are a sweet and crunchy treat that’s perfect for snacking, adding to salads, or using as a topping for desserts. With their caramelized sugar coating and rich, nutty flavor, these pecans are irresistible. Whether you’re preparing them for a holiday gathering or just looking for a simple snack, candied pecans are always a hit.
To make candied pecans, you’ll start with fresh pecan halves. Toasting them briefly enhances their natural flavor, making them even more delicious. The magic happens when they’re coated in a sweet syrup made from sugar, butter, and a splash of vanilla. As the pecans cook, the sugar and butter caramelize, creating a crispy, glossy coating that’s perfectly balanced with the pecans’ buttery taste.
Start by heating a small amount of butter and sugar in a skillet over medium heat. Stir until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture becomes bubbly. At this point, you can add the pecans, coating them in the sugary syrup. Stir them gently to make sure each pecan is evenly coated, then cook for another 3-4 minutes, allowing the syrup to thicken slightly.
To prevent the pecans from sticking together, transfer them to a parchment-lined baking sheet and spread them out in a single layer. Allow them to cool completely, and as they do, the syrup will harden, giving the pecans their signature crisp, crunchy texture. You can toss them with a pinch of salt or a dash of cinnamon for extra flavor, depending on your preference.
These candied pecans are incredibly versatile. Use them to add sweetness and crunch to a salad, sprinkle them over ice cream, or serve them as a snack at your next party. They also make a great gift when packaged in a jar or a festive tin.
Sweet, crunchy, and full of flavor, candied pecans are a simple yet delicious treat that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Once you’ve made them, it’s hard to resist grabbing just one more handful!

Ingredients
- 1 cup pecans halved
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar or substitute with brown sugar for richer flavor
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon optional
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, combine the sugar, melted butter, cinnamon, salt, and vanilla extract.
- Add the pecans to the bowl and stir until they are well coated with the sugar mixture.
- Spread the pecans in an even layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the pecans are golden brown and caramelized.
- Allow the pecans to cool completely on the baking sheet. They will become more crunchy as they cool.
- Serve the candied pecans as a snack or use them as a topping for salads and desserts. Store any leftovers in an airtight container.
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These candied pecans are amazing! I made them for my family and they disappeared in no time. So crunchy and sweet!
I totally agree! These pecans are a hit at my house too. I added some sea salt and it made them even better! 😋
They were okay, but a bit too sweet for my taste, I think I’ll try cutting down the sugar next time.
CANDIED PECANS = LIFE. I’d eat these every day if I could! 😋
Who even thought of mixing nuts with sugar? Very strange to me, but my friends seemed to like them.
I tried this recipe but they burnt! Followed the time but my oven is malfunctioning. Maybe 15 mins next time?
Yum! I’m gonna use maple syrup instead of sugar next time. Can’t wait to try it! 😊
So tasty! I added some nutmeg for extra flavor and it was a hit at the party! #delicious
Why do you need vanilla? It just confused me. I left it out and they still tasted good.
Eh, they tasted okay, but I think I messed up the sugar part. Not sweet enough. Maybe more sugar?
I don’t know about adding vanilla. Seems weird. But… I’ll try it next time. 🤔
These candied pecans are awesome! Made them for my family and they couldn’t get enough. Definitely a repeat!
Nasty. I expected sweet and got a charred mess… not for me.
Can you use almonds instead? I don’t like pecans. Just curious!
Pecans are my favorite and this recipe is so easy! Thank you for sharing! ❤️
I followed the recipe exactly, but mine burned at 20 minutes! Maybe my oven runs hot? Disappointed.
These are super easy to make! I made them for my friends, and they loved them. Definitely a keeper!
I’m glad your friends loved them! I made these too and they were a big hit at my party. I agree, definitely a keeper!