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    Home » Snack Recipes

    Modified: May 9, 2025 · Published: Dec 21, 2012 by Vicky · This post may contain affiliate links · 17 Comments

    Candied Pecans

    735 shares
    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video

    I was looking for a simple gift for my kids' teachers that I could make at home. I love the taste of cinnamon sugar nuts, but I always thought they were really complicated to make. Turns out they are fairly simple. The only issue with making these to give away is that you end up eating a ton and having a lot less to give away than you thought. I adapted this recipe for Candied Pecans from Taste of Home. Also check out these Peanut Butter Recipes to Make with Kids.

    These candied pecans make great holiday gifts. They are also great to serve at parties. Sweet and oh so addicting!

    Candied Pecans

    This recipe will make 2 pounds of candied pecans. You can easily halve this recipe if you don't need this many.

    I bought the nuts in bulk at Costco. I think this recipe would work great with almonds. I plan to try those next!

    candied pecans ingredients

    Preheat oven to 250 degrees. Place the pecans on some ungreased shallow baking pans and when the oven is warm, heat for 10 minutes.

    pecans in a pan

    Take 1 tablespoon of butter and spread on the sides of a large saucepan. Add the sugar, salt, cinnamon and water.

    butter and sugar in a saucepan

    Cook this mixture on low heat while stirring until the sugar is dissolved. When the sugar has dissolved, continue cooking and stirring, now on medium heat until the mixture comes to a boil. When it starts boiling, cover and cook for 2 more minutes. Uncover and continue cooking (now without stirring) on medium heat until the mixture reaches a temperature of 236 degrees. You will need a candy thermometer for this step.

    melted butter and sugar in sauce pan

    When it reaches 236 degrees, remove the mixture from the heat and add the vanilla. Next add the warmed pecans and stir to coat them with the mixture.

    candied pecans

    Use the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to grease the pans.

    butter in a pan

    Add the coated pecans and place trays back in the 250 degree oven for 30 minutes. Stir the pecans every 10 minutes.

    candied pecans

    When you take the pecans out of the oven the sugar should have started to crystallize. If it is still in a syrupy stage, just put them back in the oven for a few more minutes.

    When done, place pecans on wax paper to cool. When cooled, place in a sealed container. That is, if you don't eat them all up right then and there. I packed them in mason jars and added a sticker and ribbon for a yummy present that you can feel proud to give!

    candied pecans

    FAQs For

    How should I store candied pecans?

    Once completely cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and crunchy for up to a week.

    Can I use a different type of nut?

    Yes! This recipe also works well with walnuts, almonds, or cashews. Just keep an eye on them while baking, as cooking times may vary slightly.

    Can I make these ahead for gifting?

    Definitely. Candied pecans are great for gifting and can be made several days in advance. Just make sure they’re fully cooled before packaging.

    candied pecans

    📖 Recipe

    Candied Pecans

    Vicky
    These candied pecans make great holiday gifts. They are also great to serve at parties. Sweet and oh so good!
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 45 minutes mins
    Total Time 55 minutes mins
    Course nuts, Snack
    Cuisine American
    Servings 18
    Calories 332 kcal

    Video

    Ingredients
      

    • 6 cups of pecan halves
    • 3 tablespoons of softened butter
    • 2 cups of sugar
    • 1 cup of water
    • 1 teaspoon of salt
    • 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
    • 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
    • Candy thermometer

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat oven to 250 degrees. Place the pecans on ungreased shallow baking pans and heat for 10 minutes.
    • Take 1 tablespoon of butter and spread on the sides of a large saucepan. Add the sugar, salt, cinnamon and water.
    • Cook this mixture on low heat while stirring until the sugar is dissolved.
    • When the sugar has dissolved, continue cooking and stirring, now on medium heat until the mixture comes to a boil.
    • When it starts boiling, cover and cook for 2 more minutes.
    • Uncover and continue cooking (now without stirring) on medium heat until the mixture reaches a temperature of 236 degrees. You will need a candy thermometer for this step.
    • When it reaches 236 degrees, remove the mixture from the heat and add the vanilla. Next add the warmed pecans and stir to coat them with the mixture.
    • Use the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to grease the pans.
    • Add the coated pecans and place trays back in the 250 degree oven for 30 minutes. Stir the pecans every 10 minutes.
    • When you take the pecans out of the oven the sugar should have started to crystallize. If it is still in a syrupy stage, just put them back in the oven for a few more minutes.
    • When done, place pecans on wax paper to cool. When cooled, place in a sealed container.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 332kcalCarbohydrates: 27gProtein: 3gFat: 26gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 7gMonounsaturated Fat: 14gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 146mgPotassium: 137mgFiber: 3gSugar: 24gVitamin A: 77IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 25mgIron: 1mg
    Keyword candied pecans
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    This nutritional information is approximate and was calculated using online calculators. Your nutritional information may vary depending on numerous factors.

    If you liked these Candied Pecans and love nuts, check out Peanut Butter and Jelly Crescent Rolls.

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    Comments

      5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Christina Woodson says

      November 15, 2013 at 1:29 am

      If I make this for gifts and put in mason jars, how long would they keep??

      Reply
      • Vicky @ Mess For Less says

        November 15, 2013 at 8:34 pm

        Christina, We made ours a few days before we gave them, so I don't know how long they would keep. I did package them in mason jars though.

        Reply
    2. Carrie says

      January 11, 2013 at 3:30 pm

      Oh, delicious!! Thank you for sharing at Sharing Saturday!!

      Reply
    3. Steph @ somewhatsimple says

      January 11, 2013 at 6:13 am

      My mouth is literally watering! Thanks for linking up to my link party! 🙂

      Reply
    4. Diana - FreeStyleMama says

      January 10, 2013 at 5:20 am

      YUMMMY!!!

      Reply
    5. Bluebell Woods says

      January 07, 2013 at 7:40 pm

      do you think they can be done without a candy thermometer? they look so yummy
      Janice

      Reply
      • Vicky @ Mess For Less says

        January 09, 2013 at 7:24 pm

        If you have a regular digital meat thermometer that should work too. You just need something that will give you the exact temperature reading.

        Reply
    « Older Comments
    Vicky from Mess for Less

    I'm Vicky, the founder of Mess For Less, which I started in 2011 to share easy, family-friendly recipes. With over a decade of experience as a home chef and recipe developer, I love creating meals that bring people together. I also design play and learning activities for kids, using my background as a former teacher with a Master’s degree in education. Learn more about me.

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