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

Description

This delicious Cinnamon Sugar Roasted Pecans recipe is a perfect combination of sweetness and crunch. These pecans are coated with vanilla-scented cinnamon sugar and roasted to perfection. Perfect as a snack, dessert topping, or even as an elegant holiday gift, these roasted pecans are a must-try! Plus, they are super easy to prepare, and the irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen will make your mouth water.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Dry Ingredients

1/2 cup brown sugar
1 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

1 egg white
1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract

Main

2 cups pecan halves

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 225°F. Prepare a parchment-lined baking sheet and set it aside. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt to create the sugar mixture. Set this aside for later use.
Prepare the Egg Mixture
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk the egg white until it becomes light, foamy, and frothy. This should take about 2 minutes. Once frothy, mix in the vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract thoroughly.
Coat the Pecans
Add the pecan halves to the egg mixture, ensuring the pecans are evenly coated. Then, pour the sugar mixture over the pecans and gently stir until all pecans are evenly covered in the sugar-spice blend.
Bake the Pecans
Spread the sugar-coated pecans into a single layer on the prepared parchment-lined baking sheet. Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour. Remember to stir the pecans every 15 minutes to avoid clumping and ensure an even roast.
Cool and Store
Once the pecans are done roasting, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool completely. This step is essential to achieving that perfect crunch. Store the cooled pecans in an airtight container. Enjoy them as a snack or use them for various culinary purposes, such as topping for desserts or salads.

Notes

Vanilla bean paste can be substituted for vanilla extract in a 1:1 ratio.
These roasted pecans make a fantastic holiday gift – wrap them in clear bags or festive jars for a thoughtful treat.
Use these pecans to top ice cream, add crunch to salads, or mix them into yogurt.
Ensure the pecans cool completely before storing to prevent sogginess. They also freeze well, making them easy to prep in advance.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 97
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 35 mg
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 6g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg