Cinnamon Sugar Roasted Pecans

why make this recipe

Cinnamon Sugar Roasted Pecans are a quick, crowd-pleasing snack that balance buttery richness with warm cinnamon sweetness. They make an excellent party nibble, holiday gift, or crunchy topping for salads and desserts. If you want a homemade alternative to store-bought candied nuts, this recipe is fast, affordable, and highly customizable.

introduction

This simple recipe coats pecan halves in a buttery mixture, then roasts them until the sugar caramelizes and the nuts turn golden and fragrant. The process is forgiving—perfect for cooks of any skill level—and yields nuts with a crisp, crunchy exterior and tender center. For another spiced nut idea with a ginger twist, see this gingersnap pecans recipe to compare flavor profiles.

how to make Cinnamon Sugar Roasted Pecans

Roasting concentrates the pecans’ natural oils and flavor while the cinnamon-sugar mixture creates a crisp, sweet coating. The method is straightforward: melt butter, toss nuts in butter and vanilla, coat with sugar and cinnamon, then roast briefly while stirring occasionally for even browning.

Ingredients :

• 2 cups pecan halves
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions :

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
3. In another bowl, combine melted butter and vanilla extract.
4. Add pecans to the butter mixture and stir to coat.
5. Pour the sugar mixture over the pecans and stir until evenly coated.
6. Spread the pecans on a baking sheet in a single layer.
7. Roast in the oven for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and fragrant.
8. Remove from oven and let cool before serving.

how to serve Cinnamon Sugar Roasted Pecans

Serve them warm or at room temperature. They’re great:

• As a snack on a cheese board alongside fruit and crackers.
• Sprinkled over salads (especially those with bitter greens and goat cheese).
• Chopped and used to top ice cream, yogurt, or oatmeal.
• Packaged in small cellophane bags with a ribbon as homemade gifts.

how to store Cinnamon Sugar Roasted Pecans

Let the nuts cool completely, then store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to 1 month or freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Bring frozen or refrigerated nuts to room temperature before serving to restore crunch.

tips to make Cinnamon Sugar Roasted Pecans

• Use fresh pecans for the best flavor; older nuts can taste rancid when roasted.
• Stir the nuts every 5 minutes while roasting to promote even browning and prevent burning.
• If the sugar begins to clump during coating, gently break apart with a spatula before baking.
• For a lighter coating, reduce the sugar by 1–2 tablespoons.
• For extra depth, add a pinch of ground nutmeg or a splash of bourbon to the butter mixture.
  Second inspired option: check another spiced pecan idea here gingersnap pecans for variation inspiration.

variation (if any)

• Spiced: Add 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg and a pinch of cloves for holiday flavors.
• Savory-sweet: Replace half the sugar with brown sugar and add 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika and a pinch of cayenne.
• Maple: Substitute melted butter + vanilla with 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup and 1 tablespoon melted butter for a maple-glazed version.

FAQ

Q: Can I use other nuts?
A: Yes — almonds, walnuts, or cashews work well with the same method; adjust roasting time as needed.

Q: Will the coating stay crunchy?
A: Proper cooling on a single layer and storing in an airtight container helps maintain crunch.

Q: Can I make these nut-free?
A: Use roasted pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds as substitutes and follow the same steps.

Conclusion

If you want to compare recipe techniques or find more serving ideas, see this version at Cinnamon Sugar Roasted Pecans – Tastes of Lizzy T. For another tested take with helpful tips, check out Cinnamon & Sugar Roasted Pecans Recipe – Belle of the Kitchen.