Sugar Pecans

Sugar Pecans are a sweet, crunchy snack that comes together with just a handful of ingredients and a few minutes of prep. The pecans get coated in a perfectly spiced mixture of sugar, cinnamon, and egg whites, then baked until golden and crisp. I like making these around the holidays, but honestly, they’re too good to limit to just once a year.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how easy and fast this recipe is to whip up. It only takes 5 minutes of prep, and the rest is hands-off baking time. These pecans come out of the oven smelling incredible, with a crisp sugary shell and warm cinnamon flavor. They’re a great treat to have around for snacking, gifting, or topping salads and desserts. Plus, the ingredients are pantry staples, which means I can make them any time without a special trip to the store.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Melted butter

• Egg whites

• Brown sugar

• Granulated sugar

• Ground cinnamon

• Pecan halves

Directions

1. I preheat the oven to 350°F and pour the melted butter over a baking sheet, spreading it evenly to coat the surface.

2. In a large mixing bowl, I whisk the egg whites, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon together until fully combined.

3. I add the pecan halves to the bowl and toss them well until every piece is coated in the sugary mixture.

4. I spread the coated pecans evenly over the prepared baking sheet.

5. I bake them for 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.

6. Once baked, I let the pecans cool on the baking sheet for 10–15 minutes before serving or storing.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 16 servings, with each serving being approximately ¼ cup. Prep time is just 5 minutes, and the baking time is 30 minutes, making the total time about 35 minutes from start to finish. It’s one of my favorite quick recipes to satisfy a sweet craving.

Variations

• Spiced Version: I like adding a pinch of cloves, nutmeg, or ginger for a deeper spice profile.

• Sweet & Spicy: Sometimes I mix in chili powder, cayenne, or black pepper to balance the sweetness with a little heat.

• Vanilla Touch: A splash of vanilla extract in the egg white mixture gives it a rounder flavor.

• Coconut Sugar: I’ve swapped in coconut sugar for a more natural sweetener—it changes the flavor slightly but still tastes great.

• Maple Cinnamon: I replace some of the sugar with maple syrup and reduce the egg whites slightly for a sticky-sweet glaze.

Storage/Reheating

Once cooled, I store sugar pecans at room temperature in an airtight container for up to a week. If I want them to last longer, I refrigerate them for up to 3 weeks or freeze them for up to 2 months. I always make sure they’re completely cooled before sealing to prevent condensation and sogginess. There’s no need to reheat—they stay crunchy and delicious straight from storage.

FAQs

Can I use other nuts besides pecans?

Yes, I’ve tried this with walnuts and almonds too. Just make sure the nuts are halved or whole for the best texture.

Why are egg whites used in this recipe?

Egg whites help the sugar and cinnamon mixture adhere to the nuts and create that crisp, glossy coating during baking.

How do I keep the pecans from burning?

I stir them every 10 minutes while baking and start checking closely after 20 minutes to prevent overbaking or burning.

Can I make this recipe without butter?

Yes, I’ve skipped the butter before or replaced it with a light coating of cooking spray on the pan. The butter adds flavor, but it’s not essential.

Are sugar pecans gluten-free?

Yes, as long as all ingredients used are certified gluten-free, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.

Conclusion

Sugar Pecans are one of my favorite go-to snacks when I want something quick, crunchy, and packed with flavor. They’re great for gifting, sprinkling on salads, or just grabbing by the handful. I love how customizable they are, and once I start making them, they never last long in my kitchen.

Sugar Pecans

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Sugar Pecans are the ultimate sweet and crunchy snack made with just a handful of pantry staples. Coated in cinnamon-spiced sugar and baked to golden perfection, these easy candied pecans are perfect for gifting, topping salads, or enjoying by the handful. Ready in just 35 minutes!

• Author: Mayaa
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 16 servings (about ¼ cup each)
• Category: Snack, Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp melted butter
• 2 egg whites
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 4 cups pecan halves

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Pour melted butter onto a baking sheet and spread to coat evenly.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together egg whites, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon until smooth.
3. Add pecan halves to the bowl and toss until fully coated in the sugar mixture.
4. Spread the coated pecans evenly over the prepared baking sheet.
5. Bake for 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes to ensure even baking and prevent burning.
6. Let cool on the baking sheet for 10–15 minutes before serving or storing.

Notes

• Spiced Variation: Add a pinch of cloves, nutmeg, or ginger for extra warmth.
• Sweet & Spicy: Stir in cayenne or chili powder for a kick.
• Vanilla Flavor: Add 1 tsp vanilla extract to the egg white mixture.
• Natural Sweetener: Use coconut sugar as a refined sugar substitute.
• Maple Twist: Replace some sugar with maple syrup for a stickier coating and reduce egg whites slightly.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/4 cup
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 20mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 0mg