Make sweet, crunchy candied pecans quickly on the stovetop. This recipe delivers irresistible cinnamon sugar coated pecans perfect for snacking, salads, or holiday gifting.
Author:katiehayes
Prep Time:5 min
Cook Time:12 min
Total Time:17 min
Yield:1 cup1x
Category:Snack
Method:Stovetop
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
1 cup pecan halves
1 large egg white
1 tablespoon water
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
Place the pecan halves in a medium bowl.
In a separate small bowl, whisk the egg white and water together until slightly frothy. Pour this mixture over the pecans and toss gently until all the nuts are lightly coated.
In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Sprinkle this dry mixture over the coated pecans and toss again until the pecans are evenly covered.
Heat a large, dry, non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the coated pecans to the skillet in a single layer if possible.
Cook the pecans, stirring frequently, for 8 to 12 minutes. You must stir constantly to prevent burning and ensure even coating as the sugar melts and caramelizes.
The sugar coating will look wet, then it will begin to crystallize and look dry and sandy. Continue cooking until the sugar coating dries out and the pecans are toasted and fragrant.
Immediately spread the candied pecans onto a sheet of parchment paper or a silicone baking mat in a single layer. Separate any clumps with a fork while they are still warm.
Let the pecans cool completely. They will become crisp as they cool. Store in an airtight container.
Notes
For extra crispiness, you can bake these pecans after coating them. Spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 300°F for 10 to 15 minutes instead of using the stovetop method.
These homemade glazed pecans are an excellent food gift during the holidays.
If you want spiced pecans, add a pinch of nutmeg or a dash of vanilla extract to the sugar mixture before coating the nuts.