Cinnamon Sugar Roasted Pecans

I discovered these cinnamon sugar roasted pecans quite by accident one autumn when I was searching for something to bring to a potluck and realized I had exactly four cups of pecans sitting in my pantry. What started as a last-minute solution became the snack everyone asks me to make now. There's something about the way the cinnamon-sugar coating clings to each pecan, turning them from simple nuts into something that feels almost indulgent.

I remember my sister stopping by unexpectedly one evening and catching the aroma of these pecans just coming out of the oven. She didn't even take off her coat before asking if she could have a handful. That's when I knew I'd stumbled onto something special, something that transforms a simple kitchen moment into the kind of memory people hold onto.

Ingredients

• Raw pecan halves: Four cups is the sweet spot, and I always choose raw over roasted because they toast beautifully during baking and don't become overdone. Look for halves rather than pieces so they stay intact and picture-perfect
• Granulated sugar: This is your base sweetness, and it caramelizes slightly during roasting to create that addictive crunchy coating
• Ground cinnamon: A full tablespoon might seem generous, but it's what makes these unmistakably special. Fresh cinnamon makes all the difference here, so check that container in your spice cabinet
• Fine sea salt: This small amount balances the sweetness and makes every nut taste more like itself. Don't skip it
• Egg white: This is your secret binder, creating a sticky base that holds the sugar mixture to every pecan without any oil
• Water: This helps the egg white distribute more evenly and prevents clumping
• Pure vanilla extract: One teaspoon adds a warm depth that rounds out the cinnamon without announcing itself

Instructions

Get Everything Ready:

Preheat your oven to 300°F and line your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. This low temperature is intentional, let me tell you, because it allows the pecans to roast gently without burning while the sugar caramelizes into that addictive coating

Create Your Sugar Coating:

In a medium bowl, whisk together the sugar, cinnamon, and salt. You'll smell the cinnamon become more aromatic as you combine these, which is your signal that everything's getting ready to transform

The Part Where Magic Happens:

Whisk your egg white with water and vanilla extract until it gets foamy and frothy. This aeration is key because it helps distribute the coating more evenly across every single nut

The Coating Process:

Add your raw pecans to the egg white mixture and toss them gently but thoroughly. Every pecan needs to wear a light glaze of egg white, which might seem like a small thing but it's everything. Now sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over top and toss again until you can't see any bare patches

Into the Oven:

Spread your coated pecans in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. This is important, no piling them on top of each other, because they need room to roast evenly and crisp up properly

The Crucial Stirring:

Bake for 30 minutes, and here's where patience pays off, stir them every 10 minutes. This ensures they roast evenly and the coating crisps uniformly. You'll notice the kitchen filling with an increasingly intoxicating cinnamon-pecan aroma that's your sign everything's working

The Cooling Moment:

Remove them from the oven and let them cool completely on the baking sheet. This is when the magic truly sets, as the coating hardens into that irresistible crunch you're after

Storage:

Once fully cooled, transfer to an airtight container. They'll keep for up to two weeks, though I've never had them last that long

Save

These pecans became my answer to awkward moments. When unexpected guests arrived, when I needed to apologize, when someone was having a terrible week, a small bag of these appeared from my kitchen. They transformed from being just a snack into something I could wrap and hand to someone with a hug, and somehow that made them taste better.

Keeping It Fresh

The beauty of these pecans is how well they keep. In an airtight container at room temperature, they stay crispy and delicious for nearly two weeks, though honestly they rarely last that long in my house. I've learned to make a double batch just so I have some left by midweek. If you're planning ahead for gifting or serving at an event, you can make these up to three days in advance, and they actually taste even better as the flavors settle and intensify.

When You're Missing Something

This recipe is beautifully flexible once you understand its bones. Don't have vanilla extract, use a splash of bourbon or just skip it entirely. Feeling adventurous, add a pinch of cayenne pepper for unexpected heat that makes people ask what the secret ingredient is. I've successfully substituted almonds or walnuts when pecans weren't available, and while the flavor shifts slightly, the technique works perfectly. The egg white is what matters, the sugar coating is what shines, and everything else can bend to what you have on hand.

Serving Ideas That Clicked

Beyond eating them straight from the container, I've learned these pecans elevate almost everything they touch. Crumble them over morning oatmeal or yogurt for unexpected crunch and warmth. Scatter them across a green salad just before serving for a sweet-salty contrast that somehow works. Use them to top ice cream, brownies, or cheesecake. My favorite discovery was adding a handful to the top of a pumpkin pie before serving, where they add both elegance and an addictive textural element.

• Make these the day before if you're bringing them to a gathering, they travel beautifully and taste even better the next day as flavors meld
• Keep a batch in your freezer in an airtight container, they thaw to perfect crispness in minutes if unexpected guests arrive
• Package them in small mason jars with a handwritten label for gifts that feel personal without requiring actual cooking talent

Save

These cinnamon sugar roasted pecans taught me that the simplest recipes often become the most beloved, and that sometimes the best gifts are the ones made with your own hands in your own kitchen. Make these whenever you need a little warmth and sweetness in your life.

Recipe FAQ

→ What type of pecans works best?

Raw pecan halves yield the best texture and allow for even coating and roasting.

→ Can I add a spicy twist to these pecans?

Yes, including a pinch of cayenne pepper in the sugar mixture adds a subtle heat that balances the sweetness.

→ How do I store the roasted pecans?

Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their crispness for several weeks.

→ Are there nut alternatives for this preparation?

Walnuts or almonds can be substituted, offering a similar crunchy texture and flavor.

→ Is there a recommended oven temperature and timing?

Bake at 300°F (150°C) for 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes to ensure an even roast and crisp coating.