My grandma is famous for her Christmas cookies and candies. Every year, my sisters and I gather at her house to help her prepare the holiday goodies. Make no mistake—this isn’t your typical baking session. For the last 40 years, Grandma has churned out at least 12 types of holiday cookies and desserts, plus one nostalgic treat that I look forward to every year: her candied pecans.
Grandma’s candied pecans are the ideal treat, especially if you love easy snacks that will satisfy your sweet tooth. Warm spices, sugar, and a hint of salt make a perfect coating for the crunchy nuts. The best part? The cozy aroma that wafts through the house while they bake is absolutely heavenly.
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How To Make Grandma’s Candied Pecans
While Grandma’s exact recipe is staying with the family, it’s pretty close to this popular version. You’ll just need egg whites, some water, sugar, cinnamon, salt, and a pound of pecans.
The pecans are coated in a mixture of egg whites and water, which is the key to helping the seasoning stick. The nuts are then tossed in the sweet sugary spice blend before they’re baked until brown and wonderfully crunchy. Once they’re done cooking, make sure to let them cool down before digging in.
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Storing the candied pecans is also easy. They’ll last about a week in an airtight container, or you can keep them refrigerated for almost three weeks. I’ll admit, I’ve never had them last that long, mainly because I finish my share within a couple of days.
As an added perk, they a great holiday gift. Grandma always goes the extra mile, packaging them in pretty winter-themed bags tied off with ribbons. You can even store them in glass jars for a different look that’s just as festive.
To add your own personal touch to these holiday-worthy treats, mix things up with different spices like nutmeg and apple pie spice. If pecans aren’t your favorite, try making candied walnuts instead.
I love snacking directly from the bag or sprinkling the nuts over a bowl of oatmeal to add some texture and sweetness to my breakfast. You can also incorporate the nuts into other recipes, like a spiced pumpkin loaf or over an apple crumble. Add this easy recipe to your to-do list this holiday season. You won’t regret giving it a try!