These Cinnamon Sugar Pecans are one of those recipes that instantly make your home smell like the holidays. Warm, crunchy, and perfectly spiced, they’re sweet enough to satisfy your cravings but simple enough to make anytime you need a cozy snack. 🥰

With only a few pantry staples, these candied nuts come together beautifully — perfect for gifting, topping desserts, or munching by the handful straight off the tray.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Only 6 ingredients: Simple pantry staples make magic together.
Perfectly crunchy: The sugar coating crisps beautifully in the oven.
Smells amazing: Like cinnamon rolls baking — but in snack form!
Great for gifting: Package them in jars or bags for easy, homemade presents.

Time Needed

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: About 4 cups (1 pound)

Ingredients

1 pound pecans (or almonds)
1 cup granulated sugar
1 tbsp ground cinnamon
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 egg white
½ tsp salt
2 tsp water

Instructions

Preheat and preparePreheat oven to 250°F (120°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
Mix sugar coatingIn a small bowl, whisk together sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
Whisk egg white mixtureIn a large bowl, whisk egg white, vanilla, and water until frothy. Add pecans and stir until evenly coated.
Coat with cinnamon sugarSprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the nuts and stir until fully covered.
Bake low and slowSpread nuts evenly on prepared baking sheet. Bake for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure even coating and prevent clumping.
Cool and enjoyRemove from oven and let cool completely. Nuts will crisp up as they cool. Store in airtight container.

Chef Emma’s Tips

Want a stronger cinnamon flavor? Add ½ tsp nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice.
Try with mixed nuts for variety — almonds, cashews, and pecans all work great!
Don’t skip stirring — it keeps the sugar coating crisp, not sticky.
Perfect for gifting: fill small mason jars and tie with a ribbon for a festive touch.

Storage

Store cooled pecans in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 weeks. For longer storage, refrigerate up to 1 month or freeze up to 3 months.

Nutrition Info (Per ¼ cup)

Calories: 220
Fat: 18g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 3g
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 75mg

Final Thoughts

Whether you make them for yourself or as thoughtful edible gifts, these Cinnamon Sugar Pecans are a guaranteed hit. Sweet, spiced, and perfectly crunchy — the ultimate cozy snack for the holidays or any day of the year!