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Spicy Candied Pecans have a kick that makes them downright irresistible! These sweet and spicy candied pecans make a great homemade gift idea.

Spicy Candied Pecans close up in bowl with ribbon in background

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Growing up my great-grandfather had multiple pecan trees on his farm. Every time we visited in the fall it would be my responsibility to go around the yard and collect the pecans into a big wicker bucket. I loved it!

Then we would sit in front of the TV that evening and crack them to prepare for my grandmother to make any number of amazing pecan treats for us the next day, whether it was pecan pie, microwave pralines, or pecan snowballs.

I always loved her cinnamon sugar candied pecans but the grown-ups liked a spicier version. Now that I’m older I prefer the spicy candied pecans too! These Spicy Candied Pecans bring back those memories for me every time I make them!

Why I love this recipe

These are not your typical sweet candied pecans like I’ve posted before. This recipe has a kick! For some, it may seem to be a peculiar combination but I promise you, it is the perfect balance of sweet and spicy, with just the right amount of heat.

The first taste is just like any other candied pecan recipe…sweet, roasted pecans. Then, a moment later that spice hits and you can’t stop yourself from grabbing another handful! It is such an easy recipe you will find yourself making them all the time!

These pecans are also great for gifting. Get the pecans at the grocery store or farmer’s market in bulk for the best prices in the fall and make a big batch. Package them up in cute little mason jars and watch the “thank you”s roll in! I’m serious, they are that good!

Spicy Candied Pecans on baking sheet with silicone mat

INGREDIENTS

This easy candied pecan requires just a few basic ingredients.

honey
kosher salt
white sugar
cinnamon
cumin
cayenne pepper
pecan halves

STEP BY STEP

It’s so easy to make this delicious snack!

Preheat the oven and line a baking sheet or sheet pan with parchment paper.
Combine sugar, honey, salt, and spices in a medium bowl. Stir.
Add the raw pecans to the bowl and stir to coat the pecans in the honey mixture.
Pour onto the prepared baking sheet in a single layer and bake for ten minutes.
Remove pecans from the hot cookie sheet and allow to cool. Break apart if necessary once cool.

That’s it! It’s so easy and fast too!

Tips for best results

Do not overcrowd the pecans, they must be in a single layer. Work in batches if necessary.
If the pecans are tacky or sticky they have not baked long enough. They should be crispy on top with a nice caramelized crust on the bottom.
This recipe has a medium heat level. You can adjust the spice to your taste by decreasing or increasing the cayenne pepper.

Serving suggestions

These make a great snack but you can also use them to top vanilla ice cream for a fun dessert or serve this crowd-pleasing recipe up on a charcuterie board at your next get-together. I also enjoy them on salads or as a topping for baked sweet potatoes or mashed sweet potatoes.

Storage

Store candied pecans in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.

Here are a few more great homemade gift ideas you can make in the kitchen:

If you try this recipe, please comment and rate it below, I love hearing from you!