Easy Candied Pecans

Easy Candied Pecans: Sweet, Crunchy, and Addictively Good

If you’ve ever wandered through a fall market or a holiday fair, you’ve probably caught a whiff of that irresistible sweet, nutty aroma wafting through the air — that’s candied pecans doing their magic. Crunchy, caramelized, and just the right amount of sweet, they’re one of those treats that feel fancy but are secretly so easy to make at home.

Today I’m sharing my small-batch candied pecans recipe — perfect for when you just want a little snack or a sweet gift without making a giant batch.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and simple: No thermometer or fancy tools needed.

• Perfectly portioned: Makes enough for snacking or topping salads and desserts, without overdoing it.

• Smells amazing: Your kitchen will smell like a candy shop.

  
  

  🛠 Tools You’ll Need

  To make these candied pecans perfectly every time, I recommend using these tools (available on Amazon):

Tool	Image	Buy Now
Medium Saucepan		Buy on Amazon
Wooden Spoon or Heat-Resistant Spatula		Buy on Amazon
Baking Sheet		Buy on Amazon
Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mat		Buy on Amazon
Measuring Cups & Kitchen Scale		Buy on Amazon

Recipe

Ingredients (Scaled-Down Small Batch)

• 165 g sugar (about ¾ cup)

• 75 g water (about ⅓ cup)

• 165 g pecans (about 1½ cups)

That’s it — just three ingredients!

Instructions

1. Prep your space: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat for easy cleanup.

2. Make the syrup: In a medium saucepan, combine sugar and water. Heat over medium-high, stirring until the sugar dissolves.

3. Add pecans: Once the syrup comes to a gentle boil, add the pecans. Stir continuously to coat them evenly.

4. Cook and candy: Keep stirring as the water evaporates and the sugar thickens, then begins to crystallize and coat the nuts. This takes about 10–12 minutes. The pecans will look sandy at first — that’s good!

5. Finish them off: Keep stirring until the sugar starts to melt slightly again and gives the pecans a glossy, crunchy coating.

6. Cool and enjoy: Spread the candied pecans onto your prepared baking sheet and let them cool completely before breaking apart.

Tips & Variations

• Add a pinch of cinnamon or sea salt for extra flavor.

• Toss a few into a salad with goat cheese and cranberries for a fancy touch.

• Sprinkle over ice cream, oatmeal, or baked brie — heavenly!

How to Store

Once cooled, store your candied pecans in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks (if they last that long!).

Final Thoughts

These small-batch candied pecans are the perfect quick treat to satisfy a sweet craving, elevate your desserts, or add a touch of homemade goodness to your day. Plus, they make the cutest little gifts in a jar tied with ribbon.

Give them a try — but fair warning: once you make them, you’ll be hooked.

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