Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?

Yes, you can reduce the brown sugar by up to a third without significantly impacting the result. The pecans won't be quite as sweet, but they'll still have a lovely cinnamon flavor and crisp texture. If you reduce the sugar further, you might find the coating doesn't adhere as well.

Why did my pecans turn out sticky instead of crispy?

The most common reason is not baking them long enough or at the right temperature. Make sure your oven is properly preheated to 225°F and bake the full hour, stirring every 15 minutes. Also, allowing them to cool completely is essential for achieving maximum crispness.

Can I use white sugar instead of brown sugar?

Absolutely! While brown sugar provides a deeper, more caramel-like flavor, white sugar works perfectly fine. The texture will be slightly different, and you'll miss some of the molasses notes, but they'll still be delicious.

I'm allergic to eggs. Is there an alternative I can use?

Yes! You can substitute the egg white with about 2 tablespoons of maple syrup or honey. The coating won't be quite as crisp, but it will still adhere nicely and taste wonderful. Another option is using aquafaba (the liquid from a can of chickpeas), which whips up similarly to egg whites.

Cinnamon Sugar Roasted Pecans Recipe

These Cinnamon Sugar Roasted Pecans are nothing short of magical – crunchy, sweet, and warmly spiced with cinnamon. They’re incredibly simple to make with just a handful of ingredients, yet the result is an addictive treat that will disappear faster than you can imagine! Perfect for holiday gifting, snacking, or adding to countless dishes, these pecans bring a touch of sweetness and crunch that transforms everything they touch.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Amazingly Simple: With just 6 ingredients and minimal hands-on time, these pecans deliver incredible flavor with very little effort.
House-Filling Aroma: Your home will smell like a bakery while these are in the oven – the sweet cinnamon scent is practically a bonus treat!
Incredibly Versatile: Use them as a snack, salad topper, ice cream garnish, or package them as heartfelt homemade gifts.
Perfect Make-Ahead Option: These keep beautifully for weeks, making them ideal for advance holiday prep or unexpected guests.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Brown Sugar: Creates that irresistible caramelized sweetness that coats each pecan. The molasses notes in brown sugar pair perfectly with cinnamon.
Ground Cinnamon: The star spice that brings warmth and that classic snickerdoodle-like flavor that makes these nuts so addictive.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors. Don’t skip this crucial ingredient!
Egg White: Acts as the “glue” that helps the sugar mixture adhere to the pecans. It also creates that perfect crispy exterior.
Vanilla Bean Paste or Extract: Adds depth and complexity to the flavor profile. The vanilla notes complement the cinnamon beautifully.
Pecan Halves: The star of the show! Their natural buttery flavor makes them perfect for this sweet treatment. Always use fresh pecans for the best results.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Spice It Up

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of nutmeg for an interesting flavor twist. The hint of heat with the sweet creates a wonderful contrast.

Chocolate Drizzle

Once cooled, drizzle with melted dark, milk, or white chocolate for an extra indulgent treat.

Mixed Nut Version

Don’t limit yourself to just pecans! This recipe works beautifully with walnuts, almonds, or a custom mix of your favorite nuts.

Savory-Sweet Twist

Add a teaspoon of rosemary and a pinch of black pepper for a sophisticated sweet-savory version that pairs wonderfully with cheese.

How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Roasted Pecans

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace

Preheat your oven to 225°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper (this is crucial for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking).

Step 2: Create the Sugar Mixture

In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Mix thoroughly to ensure the spices are evenly distributed throughout the sugar. Set this mixture aside.

Step 3: Whip the Egg White

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk the egg white until it becomes light, foamy and frothy – this usually takes about 2 minutes. You’re not looking for stiff peaks, just a good foam. Whisk in the vanilla until incorporated.

Step 4: Coat the Pecans

Add the pecan halves to your egg white mixture and toss until every pecan is evenly coated. This creates the sticky base that will help the sugar mixture adhere.

Step 5: Add the Sugar Mixture

Sprinkle your cinnamon-sugar mixture over the egg-coated pecans and stir gently until every pecan is thoroughly coated with the sweet mixture.

Step 6: Arrange and Bake

Spread the coated pecans in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. Avoid overlapping them as much as possible to ensure even roasting. Bake for 1 hour, but here’s the important part: stir them every 15 minutes to ensure they roast evenly.

Step 7: Cool Completely

Allow the pecans to cool completely on the baking sheet. They’ll continue to crisp up as they cool. Once cooled, break apart any clusters and store in an airtight container.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Whisk That Egg White Properly: The egg white needs to be foamy enough to coat the pecans thoroughly – don’t rush this step!
Single Layer Is Crucial: Overcrowding the pan leads to steaming rather than roasting, which means less crunch.
Low and Slow: The low oven temperature is intentional – it allows the pecans to roast evenly without burning the sugar.
Trust the Process: The pecans might not seem crispy when you first take them out of the oven, but they’ll crisp up beautifully as they cool.
Stirring Schedule: Set a timer for the 15-minute stirring intervals – this prevents hot spots and ensures even caramelization.

How to Serve

These Cinnamon Sugar Roasted Pecans are incredibly versatile and can elevate so many dishes:

As a Snack

Serve them in a bowl for holiday gatherings, movie nights, or whenever you need a sweet little pick-me-up.

On Salads

Sprinkle them over salads with fruit components – they pair beautifully with greens, goat cheese, and pears or apples.

With Ice Cream

Use as a premium topping for vanilla ice cream, alongside caramel sauce for an unforgettable dessert.

In Baking

Chop and fold into cookie dough, brownie batter, or coffee cake for added crunch and flavor.

With Cheese

Add to a cheese board for a sweet element that pairs wonderfully with both soft and hard cheeses.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. The key is ensuring they’re completely cool before storing to preserve their crunch.

Freezing

These pecans freeze beautifully! Place in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. No need to thaw before serving – they’ll crisp back up within minutes.

Gift Packaging

For holiday gifts, portion into clear cellophane bags, tie with festive ribbon, and attach a handwritten tag. They’ll stay fresh for weeks if properly sealed.

FAQs

Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?

Yes, you can reduce the brown sugar by up to a third without significantly impacting the result. The pecans won’t be quite as sweet, but they’ll still have a lovely cinnamon flavor and crisp texture. If you reduce the sugar further, you might find the coating doesn’t adhere as well.
Why did my pecans turn out sticky instead of crispy?

The most common reason is not baking them long enough or at the right temperature. Make sure your oven is properly preheated to 225°F and bake the full hour, stirring every 15 minutes. Also, allowing them to cool completely is essential for achieving maximum crispness.
Can I use white sugar instead of brown sugar?

Absolutely! While brown sugar provides a deeper, more caramel-like flavor, white sugar works perfectly fine. The texture will be slightly different, and you’ll miss some of the molasses notes, but they’ll still be delicious.
I’m allergic to eggs. Is there an alternative I can use?

Yes! You can substitute the egg white with about 2 tablespoons of maple syrup or honey. The coating won’t be quite as crisp, but it will still adhere nicely and taste wonderful. Another option is using aquafaba (the liquid from a can of chickpeas), which whips up similarly to egg whites.

Final Thoughts

These Cinnamon Sugar Roasted Pecans have been my secret weapon for holiday entertaining and gift-giving for years. They’re that perfect blend of special enough to impress but simple enough to make even during the busiest times. Whether you’re sprinkling them over your morning yogurt, adding them to a dinner salad, or just enjoying them by the handful with a cup of coffee, they bring a touch of sweet, spiced magic to everything. I hope you’ll give them a try and discover all the wonderful ways they can enhance your cooking and baking!