© Original Recipe By Mom’s Meals ©
🍬🥜 Irresistibly Easy Homemade Cinnamon Sugar Pecans for Snacking and Gifting! 🎁
1. Introduction
Nothing beats the warm, aromatic crunch of cinnamon sugar pecans. These homemade pecans are a delightful treat that combines the natural sweetness of pecans with the spicy warmth of cinnamon and sugar. Perfect for snacking, gifting, or topping your favorite desserts, these cinnamon pecans will quickly become a pantry staple. And the best part? They’re surprisingly simple to make, bursting with flavor and crafted with the finest ingredients to ensure a crispy, sugar-coated finish every time.
2. Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in 20 minutes – perfect for quick snacking or last-minute gift ideas.
- One-pan process – minimal clean-up required.
- Versatile – great as a topping for oatmeal, salads, or ice cream.
- Customizable – adjust the sweetness or spice level to match your taste.
- Gift-ready packaging – make beautiful jars packed with crunchy, cinnamon sugar pecans for friends and family.
3. Ingredient Notes
Choosing high-quality ingredients makes all the difference when making homemade pecans. Start with fresh, raw pecans—opt for organic if possible for the purest flavor. The cinnamon adds that signature warm spice; using Ceylon cinnamon provides a more delicate, sweet aroma, elevating the snack’s depth. For the sugar, classic granulated works great, but you can also experiment with brown sugar for a molasses undertone. A dash of vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor, including a touch of salt balances the sweetness and deepens the taste.
4. Kitchen Tools You Need
To achieve perfectly coated cinnamon sugar pecans, having the right equipment is essential. I recommend the Compact 6-in-1 Digital Air Fryer. Its even heat and precise temperature controls help in getting that crispy finish without overbaking. Additionally, a good nonstick baking sheet makes for easy cleanup and ensures the pecans don’t stick. A sturdy mixing bowl and spatula are perfect for tossing the pecans with your cinnamon sugar mixture, making sure every piece is beautifully coated.
5. How to Make Easy Homemade Cinnamon Sugar Pecans for Snacking and Gifting
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Gather your raw pecans, cinnamon, sugar, vanilla extract, and a touch of salt. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheet with parchment paper for minimal sticking and easy cleanup.
Step 2: Mix Your Cinnamon Sugar Coating
In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of cinnamon with 1/4 cup of granulated sugar and a pinch of salt. Stir thoroughly to distribute the spices evenly. Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the mixture for a hint of warmth. This flavorful combo will give your pecans a perfect balance of sweetness and spice.
Step 3: Toss Pecans with Coating
Place the raw pecans in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with a little bit of water or melted coconut oil to help the cinnamon sugar adhere better. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the pecans and toss until every piece is evenly coated. Visual cues: look for a shiny, sugar-coated surface on each pecan, which ensures they’re evenly flavored.
Step 4: Bake for Crispiness
Spread the coated pecans in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. Bake for about 12-15 minutes, stirring once or twice, until the pecans turn golden brown and aromatic. Their surface should look crisp and slightly caramelized, with a tempting cinnamon scent wafting through your kitchen.
Step 5: Cool and Store
Allow the pecans to cool completely on the baking sheet—they will become crunchier as they cool. Once cooled, store in airtight containers or jars for up to a week for maximum freshness. These sweet, cinnamon-sugar pecans are ready to be enjoyed or packaged for gifting!
6. Expert Tips for Success
- Uniform coating: Toss the pecans in small batches and use enough water or coconut oil to help the cinnamon sugar stick evenly.
- Avoid overbaking: Keep an eye on the pecans after 12 minutes—they can burn quickly due to the sugar caramelizing.
- Cooling is key: Let the pecans fully cool before storing; this prevents condensation and sogginess.
- Custom flavors: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cayenne pepper for a spicy or smoky twist.
7. Variations & Substitutions
If you need dairy-free or vegan options, substitute vanilla extract with almond or coconut extract. For a less sweet variation, reduce the sugar slightly or swap in coconut sugar. To make them spicy, incorporate a pinch of chili powder or cayenne pepper. For a festive touch, sprinkle with decorated sugar or add finely chopped dried fruit after baking.
8. Storage & Reheating
Store your cinnamon sugar pecans in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator. They retain their crunch well; however, if they start to soften, reheat briefly in a preheated oven or air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes until crispy again.
9. FAQ
Can I make cinnamon pecans in an air fryer?
Yes! Using an air fryer produces an equally crispy result. Toss the pecans with the cinnamon sugar mixture, then air fry at 350°F for about 8-10 minutes, shaking halfway through.
Are sugar-coated pecans healthy?
While they are delicious, they are more of a treat than a health food, due to the sugar content. Use moderation or try alternative sweeteners like coconut sugar for a slightly healthier profile.
Can I use this recipe for gifting around holidays?
Absolutely! Package the cooled pecans in decorative jars, ribbon-tied bags, or cute tins. These homemade gifts are sure to impress loved ones with their irresistible flavor and crunch.
10. Conclusion
Making easy homemade cinnamon sugar pecans is a rewarding process that results in a crunchy, sweet, and spicy snack perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re snacking at home or wrapping them up as thoughtful gifts, these pecans are a crowd-pleaser. Feel free to experiment with flavors and incorporate your favorite spices. Enjoy your culinary creation and share the warmth and joy these treats bring!
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Easy Homemade Cinnamon Sugar Pecans for Snacking and Gifting
Crunchy cinnamon sugar pecans coated with a sweet and spicy glaze, perfect for snacking, gifting, or topping desserts.
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 cups
Ingredients
- 2 cups pecan halves
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, mix sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
- In a mixing bowl, combine pecans with water, then toss with cinnamon sugar mixture to coat evenly.
- Spread pecans on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway through, until pecans are fragrant and glazed.
- Allow to cool completely before serving or storing.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container for up to one week.
- For extra flavor, sprinkle with a pinch of nutmeg or drizzle with melted white chocolate after baking.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 160 Kcal
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 20mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg