Sweet and Spicy Pecans

Craving the ultimate holiday snack that’s sweet, spicy, and totally addictive? These Sweet and Spicy Pecans (or walnuts!) are your new go-to—”crack nuts” with the perfect kick of cayenne, cozy cinnamon, and sugary crunch. Whip them up in no time for gifting, parties, or cozy movie nights—they’ll fill your house with that irresistible Christmas aroma!

Course Snack

Cuisine American

Keyword Christmas Pecan Snacks, crack pecans, spiced walnuts, Sweet and Spicy Pecans

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 30

Total Time 50

Servings

Calories 430kcal

Author Evelyn Osborn

Equipment

Ingredients

⅓ cup brown sugar
⅔ sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper may use less
1 egg white
1 tablespoon water
1 pound pecan halves or walnuts

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, salt, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and cinnamon until fully combined and no lumps remain.
In a separate large bowl, whisk the egg white and water together vigorously until frothy (small bubbles form) but not stiff—about 30–45 seconds.
Add the pecans (or walnuts) to the egg white mixture and stir gently until every nut is evenly coated.
Sprinkle the sugar-spice mixture over the nuts and toss thoroughly until they’re completely covered in the sweet-spicy blend.
Spread the coated nuts in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet (no overlapping for best crunch!).
Bake for 30 minutes, stirring the nuts every 10 minutes to ensure even coating and prevent clumping.
Remove from the oven and gently stir/separate the nuts while they’re still warm. Let them cool completely on the baking sheet—they’ll crisp up as they cool.

Nutrition