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A white bowl lined with paper, filled with glistening, sweet and crunchy homemade candied pecans, with a few scattered in the background.

The Best Candied Pecans (5-Minute Recipe)

Whip up a batch of irresistibly sweet and crunchy candied pecans in just 5 minutes of active cooking! Perfect for snacking, salads, or holiday gifts.
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Prep Time 2 minutes
Cook Time 3 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Appetizer, Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 210
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Candied Pecans
  • 2 cups pecan halves raw, unsalted
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1/4 tsp fine sea salt
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon optional, for extra flavor
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract optional, for extra flavor

Equipment

  • Large Non-Stick Skillet
  • Wooden spoon or heat-proof spatula
  • Baking Sheet
  • Parchment Paper

Method
 

Prepare Your Workspace
  1. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside. This will be used to cool the pecans.
Combine Ingredients
  1. In a large non-stick skillet, combine the granulated sugar, water, and fine sea salt (and ground cinnamon, if using). Stir well to combine.
Cook the Pecans
  1. Place the skillet over medium-high heat. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, stirring occasionally until the sugar is fully dissolved. This usually takes about 1 minute.
  2. Add the pecan halves to the skillet. Reduce heat to medium and stir continuously with a wooden spoon or heat-proof spatula. Continue stirring for approximately 2-3 minutes, or until the water has evaporated and the sugar mixture turns thick, syrupy, and then begins to crystallize and adhere to the pecans.
  3. Once the pecans are coated and the sugar has crystallized, remove the skillet from the heat. If using, stir in the vanilla extract quickly. The pecans will look dry and coated.
Cool and Enjoy
  1. Immediately spread the candied pecans in a single layer onto the prepared parchment-lined baking sheet. Separate any clusters with your spatula. Allow them to cool completely at room temperature, which will make them crispy and crunchy. This can take 10-15 minutes.

Notes

For best results, ensure your skillet is truly non-stick to prevent the sugar from sticking too much. If you don't have pecan halves, chopped pecans will also work. Store cooled candied pecans in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1-2 weeks. They make fantastic edible gifts, salad toppings, or a quick, satisfying snack.