Mother'S Cinnamon Pecans
Crispy, sweet cinnamon pecans with a glossy coating, perfect for snacking, gift-giving, or topping desserts. Rich in flavor with warm cinnamon and caramelized sugar.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix sugar, water, salt, vanilla, and cinnamon in a 2-quart heavy saucepan and simmer until the mixture threads when dropped from a spoon or forms a soft ball in cold water (about 15 to 20 minutes).
- Remove from heat and stir in pecan halves.
- Continue stirring until all nuts are coated with sugar and break into their original halves.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, use fresh pecans and ensure they are evenly coated by stirring continuously after adding them to the sugar mixture. If you want a deeper flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or using brown sugar instead of white. You can also experiment with different nuts like walnuts or almonds for a variation on this recipe, which can be found in many American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
These cinnamon pecans make an excellent snack on their own or can be used as a topping for salads, oatmeal, or desserts. They pair beautifully with Tangy Beans for a delightful contrast in flavors. Consider serving them at gatherings or as a gift during the holidays for a sweet treat that everyone will love.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cinnamon pecans in an airtight container at room temperature. They will maintain their crispness for up to two weeks. If they become soft, you can re-crisp them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mother'S Cinnamon Pecans contains roughly 147 calories, with 1g protein, 18g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (24% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1755mg per serving (76% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of nut?
Yes, you can substitute pecans with walnuts, almonds, or even cashews. Each type of nut will give a slightly different flavor and texture, but they should all work well with the sugar and spice coating.
How do I know when the sugar mixture is ready?
The sugar mixture is ready when it forms a soft ball in cold water or threads when drizzled from a spoon. This usually takes about 15 to 20 minutes of simmering, so be patient and keep an eye on it.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare cinnamon pecans in advance and store them in an airtight container. They make a great snack for parties or a thoughtful addition to gift baskets, especially during the holiday season.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).