Spiced Pecans make for a delicious snack, crunchy topping, and, for those of you who are already planning, an awesome holiday gift!
If you’re wondering what happiness tastes like – this is it!!!!!
Oh mannnnn, spiced pecans take life to a whole new level.
Yep, I said life. Maybe it’s a little dramatic for some, but unless you’ve tried them – you don’t know what you’re missing!
What makes them the perfect snack? Topping? Gift? They’re:
- crunchy
- sweet
- spicy
- nutty
- healthy
- savory
- simple
- pretty
They’re ideal for:
- cocktail parties
- gift giving
- topping for cakes, ice cream, French toast, pancakes, crostini (<—-stay tuned for that little surprise…see you Friday 😉 )
Here’s the thing – it’s really simple to buy nuts, maybe we grab a tin of mixed nuts, throw them in a few holiday bowls and scatter ’em about the room when we’re entertaining. We’ve all done it. It’s fine. But if we can take an extra 10 minutes to let our guests know how we really feel about them, why wouldn’t we?
The time it takes to combine a few spices with a little butter and some gorgeous pecans to create the perfect crunchy bite….
…is well-worth the special feeling our guests will experience when they’ve been treated to something homemade.
So worth it.
Buon Appetito!
PrintSpiced Pecans
- Category: Snacks & Appetizers
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb. pecan halves
- 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter
- 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
- 1/4 tsp. cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp. salt
- 2 1/2 – 3 Tbsp. brown sugar
- 1 Tbsp. water
Instructions
- Line a cookie sheet with parchment. Set aside.
- Place nuts in a 10″ cast-iron skillet set over medium heat. Stir.
- While stirring, cook for 3 – 4 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the butter and stir until it melts.
- Add the cayenne pepper, cinnamon and salt. Stir to combine.
- Once combined, add the brown sugar and water and cook until mixture thickens and coats the pecans, about 2 – 3 minutes.
- Deliver nuts to the parchment lined sheet pan.
- Separate the pecans and cool completely before transferring to an airtight storage container.
- Serve at room temperature.
CIAO!
Reader Interactions
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stacey @ The Sugar Coated Cottage says
I would be the guest standing next to this bowl of spiced pecans eating one right after the other. These are snack time, cocktail time, any time perfect!! Take care.
Annie says
You and me, both! They are so addicting! Have a beautiful weekend, my friend! 🙂
Geraldine | Green Valley Kitchen says
I bet your house smelled delicious when you made these, Annie! I would eat the whole thing – I have a nut problem – I can’t stop eating them and these would be heavenly!
Annie says
Oh you’re so right! The house smelled wonderful! Perfect for that holiday feel! 😉
Jo says
I’m not into spicy can it just be eliminated or add a little more cinamon? Also would walnuts work too?
Annie says
Yes to both! 🙂 Thanks for your question!
Nicole @ Young, Broke and Hungry says
I would be afraid to have these in the house because I would eat them all.
Annie says
Speaking from experience…you will! 😉
Manali@CookWithManali says
oh man, how good these pecans look! love the spices!
Annie says
Love the crunch of these babies! Thanks, Manali!
Kathy @ Beyond the Chicken Coop says
These look so delicious! I can’t wait to see the recipe you are using them in. I’ll be back on Friday to check it out. In the meanwhile….time to get snacking on some spiced nuts!
Annie says
This is a snack-time I can get behind! Thanks, my friend! See you Friday!
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says
You are reminding me that it’s been way too long since I’ve made spiced nuts! These pecans are just calling my name. I would have absolutely no willpower around them…looks delicious!
Annie says
Thanks, Gayle! Yep, willpower’s out the door!
Sues says
These look like the BEST snack!! Especially with a nice cold beer or cider 🙂
Annie says
Oh yeahhh, that sounds like a treat! 🙂
Katherine | Love In My Oven says
I’m addicted to caramelized pecans so I can only imagine how much I would enjoy these! I would have a hard time gifting them before I eat them all!
Annie says
They start out sweet on your tongue and end with a little spice! I think you’d love them, too! 🙂
Milena | Craft Beering says
Mmmm…I don’t think that I have ever had spiced pecans before, time to try! Would totally pair them with a Marzen which will echo the cinnamon.
Annie says
I just love the sounds of that…’echo the cinnamon’…wonderful! Thank you, my friend!
Nicoletta @sugarlovespices says
I so agree with you on giving our guests the best experience ever, treating them with homemade food, yes, even spiced nuts!! Pinned, we are going to make them for sure!
Annie says
Nothing better! I just read about your lovely collaborative dinner while in Rome! Incredible, my friend! 🙂
Kelsie | the itsy-bitsy kitchen says
YASSSSSS! Spiced nuts are just too good. I like to plant myself next to a bowl and make that my dinner :). Printing this out to add to my ever-growing list of Christmas cookie tray recipes!
Annie says
Oh – that is music to my ears, girlfriend!…”Christmas cookie tray!” Yasssssssss! 🙂
Robin Botie says
Thinking of topping my plain oatmeal with this. What do you think?
Annie says
I think that’s a perfect use for these sweet and spicy beauties! I like the way you think, Robin! 🙂
Jennifer @ Seasons and Suppers says
I love everything about these! For all the reasons you described 🙂 They would make great holiday or hostess gifts, packed up in jars, wouldn’t they?! Great for snacking or to use with fall baking, too.
Annie says
Yes! So adorable packed up in jars! If I can keep them in the house long enough to share! 😉 Thanks, Jennifer!
Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen says
My favorite little treat for the holiday season Annie! And pecans are my favorite nut ever! I’d have a hard time sharing these. Have an awesome week!
Annie says
Pecans are fabulous! And they can be dressed up in so many ways! Thanks, Mary Ann! Have an awesome week, my friend!
Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary says
Oh gosh, you said “plan for the holidays” and I cringed a little bit. Are we already there!? I should probably start now because I’m always procrastinating and end up doing everything at the last minute.. which is stressful. Maybe I should just make a few vats of these nuts and eat my feelings?? 😉 I LOVE me some spiced nuts and these look PERFECT!! Cheers, doll!
Annie says
I know, I know, I know…it’s just for planning purposes! I promise! 😉 Spiced nuts just might be my new favorite nibble! Thanks, Chey!
Daw- Girl Heart Food says
True story – these would be dangerous around me. I would have little self control, lol. I love spiced nuts and always reach for them, especially when I’m a tad hungry and need a little something. You’re right – they would make an awesome gift. Can’t believe I’m thinking about the holidays….oh, yes, I can 😉 Can’t wait to see what you bring us Friday! XOXO
Annie says
Hahah! I believe your story because it’s my story too! These are dangerous to be around – they should come with a warning! Sorry about the holiday reference… but it’s never too early to accumulate good ideas, right? 😉 Have a great week, sweets! XOXO
Deepika|TheLoveOfCakes says
Wow!! Spiced caramelized pecans!! Yummy! I love the gorgeous color they have taken after caramelizing!! This is such a great fall snack recipe!
Annie says
Perfect little snack for so many occasions! Thanks, Deepika!
Annie says
🙂