Quick Stovetop Candied Pecans Recipe | Easy Sweet Crunchy Snack
Quick stovetop candied pecans with a crunchy cinnamon-vanilla coating made in about 10 minutes. Perfect for snacking, salads, or gifting.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 3 cups pecan halves, raw and unsalted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional)
Instructions
Instructions
- Line a sheet pan with parchment and measure all ingredients.
- Place a large skillet over medium heat, add pecans, and toast 2–3 minutes until fragrant, then transfer to a bowl.
- In the same skillet add sugar, water, cinnamon, and salt, and stir until the sugar dissolves and bubbles across the surface, about 2 minutes.
- Add the toasted pecans to the bubbling syrup and stir continuously to coat.
- Keep stirring as the glossy syrup turns sandy and grainy to crystallize on the nuts, about 2–3 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low, add vanilla and butter if using, and stir 20–30 seconds to lightly re-melt the coating for a thin, crisp shell.
- Immediately spread the pecans on the parchment, separate clumps with forks, and cool completely until dry and snappy.
Notes
Store at room temperature in an airtight jar for up to 2 weeks, or freeze up to 2 months; avoid the fridge. Medium heat and constant stirring prevent scorching. Work quickly when finishing as they set fast. For variations, try pumpkin spice, a maple swap, a spicy-sweet cayenne kick, partial brown sugar, orange zest, cocoa with flaky salt, or rosemary. To refresh softened nuts, warm in a dry skillet 1–2 minutes and cool fully.