There’s something magical about the smell of Sugar Coated Pecans roasting in the oven. Sweet, crunchy, and a little buttery, they’re perfect for holiday snacking or as a simple appetizer for Christmas. These pecans are not just delicious—they’re the kind of treat that makes your home smell like Christmas morning.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- They make an easy, cute Christmas appetizer that everyone loves.
- Perfect for a Christmas Eve luncheon or as part of a tray of Christmas Eve hors d’oeuvres.
- They store beautifully, so you can make them ahead for your holiday spread.
Ingredients
Simple ingredients come together for the perfect sweet crunch. Here’s what you’ll need and why:
- Pecans : The star of the show, giving you that rich, nutty base.
- Egg white : Helps the sugar and spices stick to every pecan.
- Granulated sugar – Adds sweetness and gives the pecans their signature coating.
- Brown sugar : Adds a warm caramel note and deep flavor.
- Cinnamon : Brings that cozy Christmas warmth.
- Salt : Balances the sweetness just right.
- Vanilla extract : Adds a lovely aroma that makes your kitchen smell heavenly.
Step by Step Instructions
These Sugar Coated Pecans come together easily and bake to perfection.
- Preheat your oven to 300°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Whisk the egg white and vanilla in a bowl until frothy. Add pecans and toss until coated.
- In another bowl, mix both sugars, cinnamon, and salt. Pour over the pecans and stir until every nut is well covered.
- Spread the pecans in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes so they roast evenly and don’t clump together.
- Cool completely before serving or storing in airtight containers.
Pro Tips
- Use fresh pecans stale ones can taste bitter after baking.
- Don’t skip stirring during baking; it keeps the sugar coating even.
- Let them cool completely before storing or the coating will turn sticky.
- Add a pinch of cayenne if you love a sweet and spicy combo.
Mistakes To Avoid
- Don’t bake at a higher temperature; it will burn the sugar and ruin your sugar coated pecans.
- Skipping the egg white makes the sugar slide right off.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; the pecans need space to crisp.
Serving Suggestions
These pecans are amazing on a holiday charcuterie board beside savory cheese balls or tucked into small jars as edible gifts. You can also add them to your Christmas Eve appetizer ideas or sprinkle them over Xmas dips for a sweet crunch.
Sugar Coated Pecans
Equipment
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
- Mixing Bowls
Ingredients
- 4 cups pecan halves
- 1 egg white
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk the egg white and vanilla until frothy. Add pecans and toss to coat.
- In a separate bowl, mix granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Pour over the pecans and stir until evenly coated.
- Spread the coated pecans in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure even roasting and prevent clumping.
- Allow to cool completely before serving or storing in an airtight container.
Notes
- For a spicy twist, add a pinch of cayenne.
- These also make great edible gifts when packed in festive jars!
FAQs
Why are my sugar coated pecans sticky?
If your pecans turned sticky, it’s likely they weren’t baked long enough or didn’t cool fully before being stored. Make sure you bake until the sugar looks dry and grainy, and allow them to cool completely on the pan before sealing them in a container.
How long do sugar coated pecans last?
They stay crisp for up to two weeks when stored in an airtight jar at room temperature. For longer freshness, refrigerate them, but always let them come to room temperature before serving for the best crunch and flavor.
Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?
Yes, almonds or walnuts work beautifully too! Just keep an eye on the baking time as smaller nuts might cook a little faster. The same sugar mixture coats any nut perfectly, giving you endless Christmas Eve appetizer ideas.
Conclusion
Warm, crunchy, and full of holiday flavor, these Sugar Coated Pecans are the perfect homemade snack for your next Christmas Eve luncheon. Whether you’re adding them to your list of easy cute Christmas appetizers or gifting them in little jars, they bring the cozy sweetness of the holidays straight to your table.
