Easy Cinnamon Sugar Pecans are a fragrant and addictive snack, perfect for the holidays, as a topping for salads, or simply as a sweet treat to enjoy with your afternoon coffee. This recipe is celebrated for its simplicity and the magical transformation of raw pecans into candied nuts with a glossy, crispy coating, thanks to a few basic ingredients and some kitchen alchemy.
The journey begins with whole pecans, chosen for their rich, buttery flavor and satisfying crunch. These nuts are then tossed in a mixture that typically includes granulated sugar, brown sugar for its molasses-like depth, ground cinnamon for warmth, and a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness. An egg white, sometimes whisked with a splash of water or vanilla extract, serves as the binding agent for the sugar and spice mixture to the pecans, ensuring a uniform coat on each nut.
The pecans are spread out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking. Baked in a preheated oven, the heat works its magic, causing the egg white to create a crisp shell around each pecan as the sugars caramelize into a shiny, crackled glaze. The aroma of cinnamon and toasted nuts fills the kitchen, creating an inviting warmth.
Stirring the pecans occasionally during baking ensures they roast evenly and the sugar coating crisps up without burning. Once removed from the oven, the pecans must cool, during which time they transform from sticky to wonderfully crunchy.
Easy Cinnamon Sugar Pecans are not just delicious but also versatile. They can be packed into jars and given as thoughtful homemade gifts, scattered over a creamy dessert for added texture, or simply enjoyed by the handful. Their blend of sweetness, spice, and nuttiness makes them irresistibly snackable, and their ease of preparation ensures they’re a go-to recipe for cooks of all levels.
Ingredients:
1 pound pecans (or almonds)
1 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1 egg white
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons water
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions:
Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 250°F (120°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, combine 1 cup granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon salt.
Prepare Egg White Mixture: In a separate large bowl, beat 1 egg white until frothy. Add 2 teaspoons each of water and vanilla extract, and mix well.
Coat the Pecans: Add 1 pound of pecans to the egg white mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated.
Add Cinnamon-Sugar: Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the pecans and toss to coat thoroughly.
Bake: Spread the coated pecans in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 1 hour at 250°F (120°C), stirring every 15 minutes.
Cool: Allow the pecans to cool completely on the baking sheet.
Store: Transfer the cooled cinnamon sugar pecans to an airtight container.
These Easy Cinnamon Sugar Pecans are not just a treat; they’re an experience. The warm, sweet aroma and the delightful crunch make them an ideal snack for any occasion. Enjoy the process of making them and the joy of sharing with loved ones.
