Treat yourself this Christmas with our delectable sweet and spicy pecans or spiced walnuts. A little spicy, a little sweet, and oh-so-delicious, these pecans are the perfect holiday snack. And the best part? They’re easy to make! And they are the perfect treat to munch while ticking off your holiday to-do list or watching your favorite Christmas movie. Give them a try and you’ll know why we call them “crack pecans.
Christmas isn’t complete without the aroma of holiday baking wafting through the house. This year, make our Sweet and Spicy Pecans, or substitute with walnuts for a spicy kick. These spicy pecans are a little bit naughty (spicy) and a little bit nice (sweet) that your family will enjoy this Christmas. So while you’re jotting down your to-do lists or searching for new holiday recipes, treat yourself with these scrumptious snacks!
This post may contain affiliate links which means if you make a purchase we might receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Around Christmas time our home smells of holiday baking and sweet treats which is a part of this glorious holiday that we love. It’s such a busy time of the year that sometimes we run around and just check things off the list. But we forget to take the time to just sit and treat ourselves. Remember the first thing that should be on any to-do list is to treat yourself. Yes, you need to be first. It’s not being selfish, it’s taking care of yourself because you deserve to enjoy all the holidays also. But we almost don’t believe it’s Christmas until we make our Sweet and Spicy Pecans. (Or sometimes we replace the pecans and make spicy walnuts.)
And one of the best ways I enjoy treating myself is little snacks that I can munch while I’m doing other things. I can sit and write out lists or browse new recipes and snack on these sweet and spicy pecans or spiced walnuts at the same time.
How to make sweet and spicy pecans
Ingredients:
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- ⅔ cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon Cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper, you may wish to use less
- 1 egg white
- 1 Tablespoon waster
- 1 pound Pecan Halves or Walnuts
Equipment Needed:
- Mixing Bowls
- Mixer
- Baking Sheets
- Parchment Paper
How to make these sweet and Spicy Pecans (Crack pecans)
-
Preheat oven to 300 degrees
-
Mix brown sugar, white sugar, salt, cayenne, pepper, and cinnamon in a medium bowl until there are no lumps and everything is well blended
-
In a separate medium bowl, whip egg white and water until frothy but not stiff
-
Add pecans (or walnuts) to egg white mixture and stir to coat evenly
-
Sprinkle the pecans (or walnuts) with the sugar mixture, and toss until evenly coated
-
Spread the nuts on a single layer on a parchment lined baking sheet.
-
Bake for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally
-
Remove from oven and stir gently to separate the nuts as they cool
We usually have a Christmas dish or a pretty Christmas Canister on the bar, on a side table or near the coffee pot during the holidays. They are filled with these “crack pecans” that are sweet with the rich taste of brown sugar but have a dash of cayenne that gives these pecans a “bite” of spiciness. And these spicy walnuts or spicy pecans are very easy to make which makes entertaining a little easier for you.
Other Christmas Treats:
Click HERE to save this sweet and spicy pecan recipe to Pinterest
Sweet and Spicy Pecans
An easy recipe for Sweet and Spicy Pecans (crack pecans) or spiced walnuts that are a little bit naughty (spicy) and a little bit nice (sweet).
Servings: 8
Calories: 430kcal
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 oven to 300 degrees
- Mix brown sugar, white sugar, salt, cayenne, pepper, and cinnamon in a medium bowl until there are no lumps and everything is well blended
- In a separate medium bowl, whip egg white and water until frothy but not stiff
- Add pecans (or walnuts) to egg white mixture and stir to coat evenly
- Sprinkle the pecans (or walnuts) with the sugar mixture, and toss until evenly coated
- Spread the nuts on a single layer on a cookie sheet covered with a silicone baking mat.
- Bake for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally
- Remove from oven and stir gently to separate the nuts as they cool
Nutrition
Calories: 430kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 41g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Sodium: 300mg | Potassium: 251mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 45IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 50mg | Iron: 2mg
Jan Boesel
Saturday 16th of December 2023
Just finished these. Delish!! House smells wonderful. ๐
Evelyn
Sunday 17th of December 2023
Yay!! I'm so glad! Merry Christmas
Jamie
Friday 4th of June 2021
By far the best recipe I've used so far. I've tried all different ways. They either come out too hard or ruin the pans or cookware. I think the egg whites help with the separation of the nuts.
Evelyn
Monday 7th of June 2021
Awe, you are so kind. We are so glad you enjoyed them
Jamie Sherman
Monday 24th of November 2014
Yummy!! I should make some of these for gifts this year!
Linda Sears
Sunday 5th of January 2014
spiced nuts. yum! love pecans! thank you for the recipe.
Kelly Blackwell
Saturday 4th of January 2014
Love pecans! Spicy or otherwise. I will definitely give these a try!