Vanilla & Spice Candied Pecans

These are by far the treat that is most requested during the holiday season!

We have nicknamed them "Christmas Crack Pecans" but they really are that good!

The vanilla balances out the sweetness and the spice blend is perfection. 

They are perfect to give to friends in cute goodie bags, set out a little at a time in a candy dish, or hoard them and devour them yourself. I'm not here to judge! HA! They even make a nice addition to a holiday salad. A spinach salad with apples and cranberries topped with these?! Chef's kiss.

A little perk for the baker.... Save the little crumbly bits to put in your coffee. DEVINE!

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Vanilla & Spice Candied Pecans

Shannon Ginochio

Servings

8-10

Prep Time

5 minutes

Cook Time

45 minutes

Category

Christmas

My most requested Christmas treat! Sugar, spice and everything nice!

Vanilla & Spice Candied Pecans

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs Pecan Halve (I use 1 bag from Costco)

  • 2 Egg Whites

  • 2 tsp Vanilla Extract

  • 1 Cup Dark Brown Sugar

  • 1 Cup Granulated Sugar

  • 2 tsp Ground Cinnamon

  • ½ tsp Ground Ginger

  • ½ tsp Ground Cardamom

  • ½ tsp Salt

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 250 degrees

  2. Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil. Lightly coat the foil with oil to keep the nuts from sticking.

  3. In a large bowl, combine the sugars, salt and spices. Use a whisk to get them combined without clumping.

  4. In another large bowl or stand mixer, beat the egg whites until they foam and form stiff peaks.

  5. Add the vanilla to the egg whites and beat for a few more seconds, just until mixed in evenly.

  6. Gently pour the pecans into the egg whites. Fold until all of the pecans are coated with the egg whites.

  7. Pour the sugar mixture into the pecans. Gently fold until the sugar is coating the pecans generously.

  8. Spread the pecans evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes. They should look dry and no longer glossy.

  9. Allow to cool for 15 minutes before serving. Cool completely before storing.

  10. Share and ENJOY!