Recipes › Snacks

Easy 5 Minute Candied Pecans

By Samira Kazan

updated November 27, 2024

Candied pecans on a baking tray and ingredients to make them - 4

These quick & easy candied pecans are sweet, savory, lightly spiced, and ready with just 5 ingredients in 5 minutes on the stove. A delicious gluten-free, vegan holiday snack and addition to salads, main dishes, and desserts!

A handful of homemade candied pecans on a tray - 7

I first fell in love with candied pecans at a local Christmas market. Then I decided to try my hand at making them at home (along with delicious roasted chestnuts ), and I haven’t looked back since. It turns out that making these easy candied pecans at home takes just minutes on the stove, is easy to adapt flavor-wise, makes your kitchen smell amazing, and will save you money over buying them!

You might also enjoy these other candied recipes: candied grapes and tanghulu candied fruit .

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What Are Candied Pecans?
What Are Candied Pecans Made of
How to Make Candied Pecans
How Long Do Candied Pecans Last
Can You Freeze Candied Pecans
Can I Make Candied Pecans Ahead of Time
Can You Reheat Candied Pecans
Uses for Candied Pecans
FAQs
More Nutty Recipes and DIYs
Easy 5 Minute Candied Pecans Recipe

What Are Candied Pecans?

Candied pecans, also called caramelized pecans and glazed pecans, are a sweet confection. They’re made by cooking the nuts on the stove or in the oven with sugar, spices, and sometimes egg white. Then they are left to dry until they have a crunchy, brittle, flavorful sugar coating.

Though I’ve tried roasted candied pecans previously, stovetop candied pecans are my go-to. They’re ready in a fraction of the time (just 5 minutes!), are egg-free and vegan, and are more evenly coated. They just require some speedy work at the end to separate them into a single layer before the coating starts hardening.

For this quick recipe for candied pecans, I’m sharing my current favorite sweet and spicy pecans flavor combination with brown sugar (unrefined option available), orange juice (or water), cinnamon, and optional cayenne – with NO egg. I’ve also included several ways to adapt and add to the flavor to make them your own.

A jar filled with homemade candied pecans over pecans in their shells - 8

Your kitchen will smell amazing when making them. Plus, these appetizing quick candied pecans are a crowd-pleasing, crunchy, sweet, and savory treat everyone will enjoy, and perfect for gift-giving!

What Is the Difference Between Candied Pecans vs Praline Pecans

Traditionally, candied pecan recipes combine sugar, spices, and egg whites and then cooked until crispy. In comparison, pecan pralines coat the pecans with caramel. This candied pecan recipe falls somewhere between the two, omitting the egg whites for a caramel base to these caramelized pecans.

What Are Candied Pecans Made of

These sweet and spicy cinnamon-glazed pecans require just 5 ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. For the best candied pecans recipe, you need:

Pecans: Use raw or roasted, unsalted pecan halves when candying pecans.
Sugar : Brown sugar is best. Though you can use unrefined coconut sugar, raw cane sugar, or even a 50/50 blend of brown and white sugar.

Note that powdered sugar (which you can buy or make powdered sugar at home ) will adhere better to the cinnamon candied pecans.

Salt : (Optional) To balance the sweetness and enhance the flavors in the caramelized pecans recipe.
Vanilla extract : For the best flavor, use natural vanilla extract for these sweet pecans.
Cinnamon : This warming spice perfectly compliments the brown sugar and pecans in this spiced candied pecan recipe.
Cayenne pepper : (Optional) Add some cayenne pepper (or chili powder) for a touch of heat. Use chipotle or ancho chili powder for added smokiness.
Water: Or use fresh orange juice (I often do) for more flavor.

Can You Substitute Walnuts for Pecans

Yes, this easy candied pecans recipe will work with several types of different nuts, including walnuts (though I have another delicious recipe for candied walnuts here ), hazelnuts, almonds, and cashews. You could also use pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds, though they are harder to separate before the coating becomes hard.

How to Make Candied Pecans

How to make glazed pecans on the stove is quick and straightforward, with minimal effort, taking just a few minutes from start to finish.

First, add the water (or orange juice) and the spices to a heavy-based, large frying pan. Heat over medium, stirring to combine.

Add the sugar and stir often until it’s almost entirely melted (a white pan will make this more easily visible).

Then, add the pecans. Use a spatula/spoon to toss them with the cinnamon sugar mixture while cooking for 2-4 minutes, to ensure they’re evenly coated.

Then, spread the coated pecans into a single layer on a parchment paper-lined baking tray (or silicone baking sheet). Ensure they aren’t touching each other too much.

Do this quickly (you have about 30 seconds) to separate the nuts before the candy coating begins to solidify.

Leave the nuts to cool and dry completely, then lightly break up any that are sticking. And this is how to candy pecans.

Enjoy the spicy candied pecans immediately or save them for later.

Before and after drying candied pecans - 11

How Long Do Candied Pecans Last

Keep the cooled, hardened cinnamon candied pecans stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 7-10 days.

Storing them in the refrigerator may cause them to become sticky. However, if you have a fully airtight container, you can store them for up to 3 weeks.

Can You Freeze Candied Pecans

Allow them to cool completely. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe airtight container/bag and freeze them for up to two months. Then, they only need to thaw for a few minutes at room temperature.

Can I Make Candied Pecans Ahead of Time

Yes, you can make these glaze pecans ahead of time as they last for at least 7-10 days at room temperate.

Can You Reheat Candied Pecans

These candied pecans are great at room temperature. If you need to reheat them, you can place them on a flat plate (separate them a bit). Reheat them in the microwave for 2 minutes or so. Alternatively, spread them on a baking tray covered with parchment paper and heat them in the oven (5-10 minutes at 250ºF/120ºC).

Keep in mind that heating them will cause the sugar coating to soften. It will harden again as they cool down.

A jar filled with homemade candied pecans - 12

Uses for Candied Pecans

As long as you stop yourself from eating the entire lot as soon as they’re ready, this festive holiday snack is actually delicious for using as a garnish for cakes (like carrot cake ) and desserts, as well as adding to:

A bowl of caramel ice cream ,
Yogurt bowls with fruit ( homemade plain yogurt or dairy-free yogurt),
Hot stovetop oatmeal or healthy overnight oats ,
Baked into muffins or quick bread,
Candied pecans for salads, tossed with the rest of the ingredients.
Over candied yams ,
With roasted vegetables,
A charcuterie board, cheese board , or grazing platter.

You could also divide these candied nuts between mason jars with a cute label/bow. Give them as a delicious edible gift.

This is likely because you’ve used too much liquid, and undercooked the nuts. Or you live in high humidity (which keeps the nuts from drying properly). To fix the issue, either return them to the stove to cook more, or place them in the oven at a low temperature (or in a dehydrator) to dry them more. Remember, while warm, they will be sticky. But as they cool, the sugar coating should harden.

You can replace the granulated sugar and water/juice with ¼ cup of liquid sweetener + 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter per cup of nuts. I love making maple-glazed pecans in particular.

Many traditional recipes include egg or butter. But as long as you are making candied pecans with a vegan sugar source, this glazed pecans recipe is naturally vegan.

More Nutty Recipes and DIYs

The Best Milk Substitutes (Nut & Seed Milks)
The Guide to the Healthiest Nut Butters
DIY Homemade Vegan Nutella Recipe
Hazelnut truffles (vegan Ferrero Rocher)
Almond Pistachio Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

IngredientsUS CustomaryMetric1x2x3x

▢ 1 lb pecans or walnuts, almonds, cashews, pumpkin seeds, etc.
▢ 1/2 cup brown sugar or palm sugar, coconut sugar, etc; check the FAQs for maple/honey option
▢ 2 Tbsp water OR juice of 1/2 orange
▢ 1 tsp ground cinnamon powder adjust to taste
▢ 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
▢ 1/4 tsp salt adjust to taste; omit if preferred
▢ 1/2 tsp Cayenne pepper optional; alternatively use ancho or chipotle pepper for added smokiness.

Check the Recipe Notes below for flavor variations and add-ins!

Instructions

Add the water (or orange juice) and spices to a heavy-based, large frying pan and heat over medium, stirring to combine.
Add the sugar and stir often until it’s almost entirely melted (a white pan will make this more easily visible).
Add the pecans and use a spatula/spoon to toss them with the cinnamon sugar mixture while cooking for 2-4 minutes, to ensure they’re evenly coated.
Spread the coated pecans into a single layer on a parchment paper-lined baking tray (or silicone baking sheet), ensuring they aren’t touching each other too much. Do this quickly (you have about 30 seconds) to separate the nuts before the candy coating begins to solidify.
Leave the nuts to cool and dry completely, then lightly break up any that are sticking. Enjoy the spicy candied pecans immediately or save them for later.

How to Store Candied Nuts?

Store the cooled, hardened Cinnamon candied pecans in an airtight container for 7-10 days on the counter. Storing them in the refrigerator may cause them to become sticky. However, if you have a fully airtight container, you can store them for up to 3 weeks. Freeze : Allow them to cool completely before transferring them to a freezer-safe airtight container/bag and freeze them for up to two months. Then, they only need to thaw for a few minutes at room temperature.

Video

Notes

Herbs : in place of the cayenne powder, you could use fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or sage. You need around 1 ½-2 Tbsp chopped herbs.
Spices : Swap the cinnamon for pumpkin pie spice or chai spice. Or add more warmth with nutmeg, cardamom, ginger , or smoked paprika (just a tiny pinch).
Citrus Zest : Add 1-2 teaspoons of lemon or orange zest when you candy pecans.
Alcohol : Replace around 1 tablespoon of the water/ juice with Bourbon, Amaretto, or whiskey.

Nutrition

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Recipes › Desserts

Almond Pistachio Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

By Samira Kazan

updated September 21, 2020

Delicious gluten-free, vegan bite-size almond & pistachio thumbprint cookies. Not only are they easy to make- they can either be baked or kept as a no-bake cookie recipe!

Delicious gluten-free, vegan bite-size snacks; almond & pistachio thumbprint cookies - 14

These almond pistachio thumbprint cookies are a delicious vegan and gluten-free cookies recipe using almond flour and pistachio butter. Unlike your generic shortbread thumbprint cookies, these vegan bite-size snacks have a delightful crumbly almond base and can be cooked or kept as a no-bake cookie recipe.

Depending on whether you want these as raw snacks or baked cookies, they are delicious. However, it’s worth noting that there will be some textural difference.

For the raw version, these pistachio thumbprint cookies are a little more gooey and moist. In comparison, when baked, these cookies are more crumbly.

Delicious gluten-free, vegan bite-size snacks; almond & pistachio thumbprint cookies recipe. Not only are they easy to make- they can either be baked or kept as a no-bake cookie recipe! - 15

I always love to switch up classic recipes and decided that rather than using the usual choice of jam filling for this thumbprint cookie recipe, I used some homemade pistachio butter .

Pistachio butter is one of the most delicious, decadent version of all nut butters and yet can be made at home with just pistachios, salt and a blender or food processor. Plus the pistachio flavour compliments the flavour of the gluten-free almond cookies.

These cookies are then an excellent healthier cookie snack option. They can also be displayed in mini cupcake cakes, in a gift box, for a delicious homemade edible gift at Christmas (or any time of the year!).

If you’ve been following me on Instagram, you’ll know that I’ve been cooking up a storm this festive period, with a new recipe posted every day. Honestly, I couldn’t wait for the day to share these pistachio thumbprint cookies though because they are one of my favourite treats so far.

One almond & pistachio thumbprint cookie with pomegranate seeds - 16

I’ve very recently compiled a post for the ultimate guide to homemade nut & seed butters, so I have spent a LOT of time this year in the kitchen blending up delicious nut butters and nut butter recipes. As much as I have a soft spot for good old almond butter, pistachio butter has taken my heart.

While it’s not a nut butter you’d want to eat by the spoonful every day (or rather you would – but your hips wouldn’t like it!), pistachio butter has an incredible luxury element that works well in so many different recipes. Check out my pistachio butter post for some inspiration.

two-ingredient Homemade pistachio butter in a jar - 17

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Variations on these thumbprint cookies
How To Make The Thumbprint Cookies
Other great snack recipes you may like
Pistachio Almond Cookies Recipe

Variations on these thumbprint cookies

Obviously, my filling of choice is my homemade pistachio butter. However, you can experiment with various fillings including a delicious vegan homemade Nutella , the classic choice of jam, or even some vegan chocolate chips (that will melt from the heat and be heavenly!).

For a sweeter pistachio creme style filling, melt some white chocolate in a heatproof bowl then mix in some pistachio butter with a dash of homemade vanilla powder .

You can also make a delicious chocolate version of these pistachio thumbprint cookies by adding some cocoa powder into the base almond cookies recipe. If the biscuit mix feels too crumbly after adding the powder, add another tsp of coconut oil to offset the powder.

Plus, you can experiment with additional toppings for the pistachio thumbprint cookies. For example, a drizzle of melted white chocolate is a lovely dessert-like touch.

Note* For vegan cookies use dairy-free white chocolate and chocolate chips.

How To Make The Thumbprint Cookies

This pistachio thumbprint cookies recipe is super simple and can be made in just five minutes if you’re keeping them raw. Or around 20 minutes, if baking- which means they’re an excellent option for a last-minute edible gift idea or to whip up on busy days when you don’t have much time to spare.

the ingredients for vegan, gluten-free thumbprint cookies - 19

The almond cookies base is made up of almond flour, coconut oil, maple syrup, coconut flour and cardamon.

Don’t fret if you don’t have almond flour to hand though as this can be whizzed up in a couple of minutes. Blitz some raw almonds in a high-speed food processor for a couple of minutes and you’ll get homemade almond flour, which is a great gluten-free flour to have to hand at all times.

This recipe is also a great way to use leftover almond pulp after making homemade almond milk . Simply allow the pulp to dry out, and it’s ready to use as almond flour.

Note* For this particular recipe the ground almonds don’t have to be too fine, which is why any of the above options will work fine for the almond cookies recipe.

The method

To begin, mix the almond flour with the other base ingredients and then form small, one bite-sized cookies. If you want you can measure these out and use around 1tbsp per cookie. However, I eyeballed it and made 14 of them.

To make them into thumbprint cookies, the process is precisely what it says. Roll each piece of dough into a ball, and then you can use a finger/ thumb to make the indentations. You could also use the rounded back of a spoon. In fact, I used a small 1/2 tsp measuring spoon for an even indentation in each cookie.

If you’re in a hurry to enjoy these delicious cookies, then you can have these as a no-bake cookie recipe by simply adding some pistachio butter to them now and decorating with some pomegranate seeds and chopped pistachios.

Note* Due to the gluten-free nature of these cookies and the lack of dairy, these cookies are more crumbly than general cookie dough so cracking around the edges when pressing your indentation is perfectly normal.

However, if you want to bake the cookies, then you can now bake them in the oven either in mini cupcake cups or on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.

delicious thumbprint cookie recipe for gluten-free almond cookies - 22

These only take ten minutes to bake in the oven and will turn a lovely golden colour around the edges.

delicious thumbprint cookie recipe for gluten-free almond cookies - 23

If you want to use some chocolate chips as a filling, you’ll want to add these to the cookies while they’re still warm, so they melt into the thumbprint.

For the pistachio butter-filled cookies, allow the cookies to cool down a bit before filling them.

homemade two ingredient pistachio butter - 24

Again you can decorate the pistachio cookies with pomegranate seeds and ground pistachios or even a sprinkle of desiccated coconut. Also, feel free to experiment with other fillings and toppings of your choice.

For a sweeter, dessert-like version you can drizzle some white chocolate over the cookies at the end. Or, for a chocolate thumbprint cookie version, you can add some cocoa powder into the base almond cookie recipe.

Other great snack recipes you may like

For another delicious no-bake snack recipe, you may like these healthy cacao & almond protein balls or these coconut bliss balls . These 4-Ingredient Stuffed Dates: with home-made almond butter & Chocolate are always a winner too!