Irresistible Cinnamon Glazed Pecans: Your Ultimate Sweet & Salty Snack Recipe

Prepare yourself for an explosion of flavor and texture with these incredibly simple yet utterly irresistible Cinnamon Glazed Pecans. Requiring just a handful of ingredients, this recipe transforms ordinary pecans into a sweet, cinnamony, and delightfully crunchy treat that’s dangerously addictive. Whether you’re looking for the perfect party snack, a thoughtful homemade gift, or just a delicious indulgence for yourself, these glazed pecans are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Once you try them, you’ll understand why they quickly become a staple in any kitchen.

The Allure of Homemade Cinnamon Glazed Pecans

There’s something truly special about a homemade treat, and these Cinnamon Glazed Pecans are no exception. This recipe creates a snack that strikes a perfect balance: a touch of sweetness, a warm embrace of cinnamon, and the rich, buttery goodness of pecans. They boast a candied, praline-like coating that shatters delicately with each bite, revealing the tender nut inside. They are fantastic for holiday gatherings, game day spreads, or simply as a comforting afternoon indulgence with a cup of coffee or tea.

A Taste of Georgia: My Pecan Connection

For me, pecans aren’t just an ingredient; they’re a part of life, especially here in Georgia. The Peach State might be famous for its peaches, but our pecans hold a special place in our hearts and kitchens. Every year, we anticipate the pecan harvest, a cherished tradition where we pick our own. There’s a unique satisfaction in cracking open a freshly harvested pecan, knowing the journey it took from tree to table. The process of shelling pecans can be a labor of love, but the unparalleled freshness and flavor of homegrown pecans make every effort worthwhile. You can delve deeper into the fascinating world of pecan harvesting and shelling by reading more about that experience here.

As I write this, my supply of last year’s pecans is dwindling, and I find myself eagerly awaiting and praying for another bountiful harvest this year. Fresh, high-quality pecans are truly the heart of this recipe, lending their natural oils and robust flavor to create an unforgettable snack.

A Recipe Rooted in Community and Hope

Beyond the simple joy of cooking and sharing delicious food, this particular recipe holds a deeper significance for me. It’s a reminder of the power of community, support, and unwavering faith in the face of adversity. This recipe was first shared during a time when my dear friends, Ashley and Ryan, were enduring an incredibly challenging period. Ashley, the brilliant mind behind CenterCutCook, and her husband Ryan, a beautiful young couple, had just welcomed a baby they had waited ten years for. Tragically, at just 29 years old, Ryan was diagnosed with Stage 4 Colon Cancer. Their journey became a testament to fighting the good fight—mentally, emotionally, and physically. Their positive outlook and unwavering faith, even in the darkest moments, continue to be an immense inspiration to me and many others.

While faith provides immense strength, it doesn’t stop the practical burdens that come with such a diagnosis. Fourteen rounds of chemo, multiple operations to remove tumors, Ryan’s transition to disability, and the arrival of a new baby meant mounting medical bills and financial strain. It was in this spirit of solidarity that the blogging community decided to rally together. Living across the country, we couldn’t simply drop off a casserole or a plate of cookies, but we could leverage our collective reach and generosity.

We organized an online auction, which quickly gained incredible momentum. It was heartwarming to see the outpouring of support and generosity. I even tried bidding on a few items myself, consistently getting outbid—and that was perfectly okay! Every bid, every donation, went towards a truly worthy cause. I personally contributed a “Baking Basics Kit” to the auction, which included a Corning casserole dish, a reliable Silpat Baking Mat, an indispensable OXO Medium Cookie Scoop, two of my absolute favorite Gir Spatulas, measuring spoons and cups, and a charming dish towel. What wasn’t pictured, but was definitely included, was a fresh batch of these very Cinnamon Glazed Pecans. It felt right to send a little taste of comfort and homemade love along with the baking essentials.

These pecans truly are addictive – not overly sweet, with just the right touch of cinnamon, reminiscent of a classic Praline. Made with the finest hand-picked Georgia Pecans, they embody a blend of Southern tradition and simple pleasure. They are a small gesture, perhaps, but one filled with immense flavor and even greater sentiment.

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Cinnamon Glazed Pecans Recipe

Rating: 4.4/5 from 46 reviews

Ingredients

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 4 Tablespoons evaporated milk
• 2 teaspoons water
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 1/2 cups high-quality pecan halves
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions

1. **Prepare your workspace:** Line a large baking sheet with waxed paper or parchment paper. This is crucial to prevent the glazed pecans from sticking as they cool. Set it aside within easy reach.
2. **Create the glaze:** In a medium-sized, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, evaporated milk, water, and ground cinnamon. Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir the mixture constantly with a wooden spoon or spatula, ensuring all ingredients are well combined and the sugar dissolves. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Once it reaches a full boil, continue to boil vigorously for exactly 3 minutes, stirring continuously to prevent scorching. This boiling time is essential for the glaze to reach the correct consistency.
3. **Coat the pecans:** Immediately remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the pure vanilla extract, then add the pecan halves. Work quickly and stir vigorously to ensure all the pecans are thoroughly coated with the warm, sticky glaze. Make sure every pecan gets a generous layer.
4. **Cool and separate:** Quickly spread the coated pecans out in a single layer onto the prepared baking sheet. Using two forks or a fork and a spoon, carefully separate the pecans from each other while they are still warm and pliable. This step prevents them from clumping together into a large block. Allow the pecans to cool completely at room temperature. As they cool, the glaze will harden, creating that irresistible crunchy coating.
5. **Store properly:** Once completely cooled and hardened, transfer the Cinnamon Glazed Pecans to an airtight container. Store them at room temperature for up to 1-2 weeks to maintain their freshness and crunch. Avoid refrigeration, as this can make them soft.

Notes

Recipe adapted from ChocolateChocolateandmore.com

Did you make this recipe?

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Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Glazed Pecans

• **Use Fresh Pecans:** The fresher your pecans, the better the flavor. If you can get your hands on locally harvested pecans, even better!
• **Don’t Rush the Boil:** The 3-minute boil time for the glaze is crucial. It ensures the sugar reaches the correct stage to crystalize properly and create a crunchy coating, not a chewy one.
• **Stir Constantly:** When making the glaze, consistent stirring prevents the sugar from scorching at the bottom of the pan.
• **Work Quickly:** Once you remove the glaze from the heat and add the pecans, the mixture will start to set. Stir quickly to ensure all pecans are evenly coated before it hardens too much.
• **Separate Promptly:** Use two forks to separate the pecans on the waxed paper as soon as you spread them out. This prevents them from forming a large, sticky mass.
• **Storage:** Always store in an airtight container at room temperature. Humidity is the enemy of crisp candied nuts!

Serving Suggestions & Variations

These Cinnamon Glazed Pecans are incredibly versatile. Enjoy them straight out of the jar as a delightful snack, or get creative with how you use them:

• **Salad Topper:** Add a handful to a fresh green salad with a vinaigrette for a sweet, crunchy element.
• **Dessert Garnish:** Sprinkle them over ice cream, yogurt, oatmeal, or even incorporate them into cookie dough or brownie batter.
• **Charcuterie Boards:** They make an excellent addition to a cheese and fruit board, providing a sweet contrast to savory cheeses.
• **Homemade Gifts:** Package them in pretty jars or bags with a ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift during the holidays or for special occasions.
• **Spicy Kick:** For a delicious variation, add a pinch of cayenne pepper along with the cinnamon to the glaze for a sweet and spicy treat.
• **Other Nuts:** While pecans are traditional, you can try this recipe with walnuts, almonds, or a mix of nuts!

On a final note, if you were touched by Ashley and Ryan’s story, a GoFundMe page was set up to assist with medical expenses. Your kind words and prayers for them are always appreciated.

Need More Delicious Snack Ideas?

If you love easy-to-make, addictive snacks like these Cinnamon Glazed Pecans, you’re in luck! We have a collection of other fantastic recipes that are perfect for any occasion. From sweet and salty combinations to fruity delights, there’s something here to satisfy every craving. Explore these other popular treats:

Sweet and Salty Crackers

Peanut Butter Popcorn

Caramel Fruit Dip

Pumpkin Spiced White Trash

Peanut Butter Granola

Nutella Mug Cake

We hope you enjoy these fantastic Cinnamon Glazed Pecans as much as we do. Happy baking and happy snacking!