Sugar Spiced Pecans
Sweet and spicy glazed pecans with warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, perfect as a snack, topping, or gift for those who enjoy flavorful crunch and aromatic spices.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a one-quart microwavable shallow casserole, combine whipped butter, confectioners sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and ground cloves; microwave on high for 1 minute until melted.
- Add pecan halves and stir to coat them with the mixture; microwave on high for 2 minutes until the pecans are glazed.
- Transfer the nuts to a sheet of wax paper, set aside, and let cool until the sugar mixture hardens, about 5 to 10 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of vanilla extract to the sugar mixture. If you don't have pecans, walnuts or almonds can be a great substitute. Keep an eye on the nuts while microwaving to prevent burning, as microwaves can vary in power. Stirring halfway through can help achieve even glazing.
Serving Suggestions
These sugar spiced pecans make a delightful snack on their own or can be used as a topping for salads, oatmeal, or yogurt. They also pair beautifully with tea or coffee, making them a perfect accompaniment to an afternoon break. For a festive touch, serve them at holiday gatherings alongside other snacks or desserts.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover sugar spiced pecans in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them; they will maintain their texture and flavor well. To reheat, simply spread them on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sugar Spiced Pecans contains roughly 59 calories, with 1g protein, 10g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (21% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 6g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 make these pecans ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare sugar spiced pecans a day or two in advance. Just be sure to store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. The sugar coating will add to their crunchiness, making them an excellent make-ahead treat for parties or snacking.
Can I adjust the sweetness of the pecans?
Absolutely! If you prefer less sweetness, you can reduce the amount of confectioners sugar. Alternatively, you can add more spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to enhance the flavor without increasing the sugar content. Just remember that the sugar helps create the glaze, so some balance is needed.
Are these pecans suitable for special diets?
These sugar spiced pecans are vegetarian-friendly and can be adapted for vegan diets by using a plant-based butter substitute. However, they do contain sugar, so if you're following a strict low-sugar or keto diet, consider using a sugar alternative that can caramelize well for similar results.
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).