The scent of warm spices wafting through the air, a sweet crunch echoing like Christmas carols in your mouth—this is what you can expect from making Holiday Spiced Candied Pecans. old fashioned apple dumplings Imagine the joy of biting into a sugary, spiced pecan that dances on your taste buds, making you feel like you’re at a festive gathering, surrounded by laughter and cheer.
Now, picture this: every holiday season, my family gathers around the kitchen to whip up these delicious treats. It’s a tradition that brings us together as we share stories and laughs while creating something truly special. These pecans are more than just snacks; they’re the edible embodiment of warmth and celebration that everyone looks forward to year after year.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These delightful Holiday Spiced Candied Pecans offer an easy preparation process that even rookie chefs can handle.
- The sweet and spicy flavor profile makes them irresistible for any holiday gathering.
- With their glossy finish and vibrant colors, they add a festive touch to your dessert table.
- Enjoy them as a snack, gift them in jars, or sprinkle them on salads for an extra crunch.
Ingredients for Holiday Spiced Candied Pecans
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Pecans: Choose fresh, whole pecans without any blemishes for the best flavor and crunch.
- Granulated Sugar: This sweetener creates the perfect crunchy coating when caramelized.
- Brown Sugar: Adds a deep richness and enhances the overall sweetness of the pecans.
- Ground Cinnamon: The quintessential holiday spice that gives these candied pecans their warm aroma.
- Ground Nutmeg: Just a pinch will transport you to cozy winter nights filled with festive cheer.
- Salt: A tiny bit balances out the sweetness and elevates all the flavors beautifully.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds an extra layer of flavor, making these pecans utterly irresistible.
- Egg White: This ingredient helps bind everything together for a delightful texture.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Holiday Spiced Candied Pecans
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Step 2: Whip Up Your Mixture
In a large bowl, whisk together one egg white until frothy. Add granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
Step 3: Toss in Those Pecans
Gently fold in your fresh pecans until each one is coated with that sugary spice mixture. This step is crucial; we want each pecan to have its own little candy coating!
Step 4: Spread Them Out
Pour the coated pecans onto your prepared baking sheet in an even layer. Make sure they’re not crowded; we want them nice and crispy!
Step 5: Bake Away!
Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. Stir halfway through so they get golden brown on all sides.
Step 6: Cool Down
Once baked, remove from oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet before transferring them to a serving bowl or jar. Trust me; it’s hard to resist snacking on them while they’re still warm!
Now you have your very own batch of delectable Holiday Spiced Candied Pecans! These are perfect as a festive treat or even as gifts during the holiday season. You might want to hide some away because they’ll disappear faster than you can say “Merry Christmas!” Enjoy!
You Must Know
- These Holiday Spiced Candied Pecans are a delightful treat that brings warmth and flavor to any gathering.
- They’re easy to whip up and can elevate your snack game, making them perfect for holiday parties or cozy nights in front of the fireplace.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Next, combine the pecans with sugar, spices, and butter in a bowl. Spread the mixture evenly on a baking sheet and bake for about 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway through for even candied goodness.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to experiment with different spices like nutmeg or cayenne for a spicy kick. You can also swap pecans for walnuts or almonds if you prefer. Adding a splash of maple syrup can enhance the sweetness beautifully.
Storing & Reheating
Store your Holiday Spiced Candied Pecans in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them crunchy. If they lose their crispness, simply pop them back in the oven at 200°F for a few minutes to restore their texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use fresh nuts for optimal flavor; old nuts can taste stale and ruin your recipe.
- Stir the pecans halfway through baking to ensure even candiness.
- Let them cool completely before storing to maintain that irresistible crunch.
My friend once told me that these Holiday Spiced Candied Pecans were the highlight of her family’s Thanksgiving dinner. She caught her husband sneaking some before dinner and declared it “the best snack ever!”
FAQs :
What are Holiday Spiced Candied Pecans?
Holiday Spiced Candied Pecans are a delicious treat made by coating pecans in a mixture of sugar, spices, and often butter. This sweet and spiced snack becomes especially popular during the holiday season. The blend of flavors typically includes cinnamon, nutmeg, and sometimes a hint of vanilla, creating a warm and inviting taste that complements festive gatherings. They can be enjoyed on their own or used as toppings for salads, desserts, or even as gifts. For more inspiration, check out this festive breakfast delight recipe.
How do you store Holiday Spiced Candied Pecans?
To maintain the freshness of your Holiday Spiced Candied Pecans, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Proper storage helps prevent them from becoming soggy or losing their crunchy texture. For longer shelf life, you can freeze them in a sealed bag or container. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply take out the amount you need and let them thaw at room temperature for a short time before serving.
Can I customize the spices in Holiday Spiced Candied Pecans?
Absolutely! One of the joys of making Holiday Spiced Candied Pecans is experimenting with different spices to suit your taste preferences. You can add cayenne pepper for heat, ginger for warmth, or even cardamom for an exotic twist. Adjusting the sweetness level by varying the amount of sugar is also possible. Feel free to create your unique blend that reflects your holiday spirit!
Are Holiday Spiced Candied Pecans suitable for gift-giving?
Yes, Holiday Spiced Candied Pecans make an excellent gift! Their crunchy texture and delightful flavor appeal to many people. You can package them nicely in decorative jars or boxes tied with ribbons to add a personal touch. cozy pumpkin spice latte Consider including a recipe card for recipients who may want to recreate this tasty treat themselves. They are not just delicious but also bring warmth and joy during the festive season.
Conclusion for Holiday Spiced Candied Pecans :
Holiday Spiced Candied Pecans offer a wonderful combination of sweet and spicy flavors that enhance any festive gathering. With simple ingredients and easy steps, they make a delightful snack or gift option during the holidays. Whether enjoyed on their own or as part of various dishes, these pecans will surely impress family and friends alike. Remember to customize the spice blend and storage method to keep them fresh for longer enjoyment! For more inspiration, check out this hot honey chicken recipe recipe.
Holiday Spiced Candied Pecans
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: About 8 servings 1x
Description
Holiday Spiced Candied Pecans are a festive delight that encapsulates the warmth and joy of the holiday season. Coated in a sweet and spicy mixture, these crunchy pecans are perfect for snacking or gifting. Their irresistible flavor and delightful aroma will fill your home with holiday cheer, making them a cherished treat at family gatherings. Easy to prepare and versatile, they can also add a festive touch to salads and desserts, enhancing any dish with their unique flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 cups whole pecans
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 egg white
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk the egg white until frothy. Add granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and vanilla extract; mix until well combined.
- Fold in pecans until each is evenly coated with the mixture.
- Spread the coated pecans in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through for even cooking.
- Allow to cool on the baking sheet before transferring to a serving dish or jar.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 35mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: - For an extra kick, add cayenne pepper or experiment by swapping pecans for walnuts or almonds. - Store in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain crunchiness.
