Cinnamon Brown Sugar Roasted Pecans

$- 2 cups pecan halves - 1/2 cup packed brown sugar - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon sea salt - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional) When measuring the brown sugar, pack it tightly in your cup. This step ensures you get the right sweetness. For the pecans, use whole halves for the best texture and crunch. The sea salt balances the sweetness well. If you crave a spicy kick, add cayenne pepper. This touch enhances the flavor without overwhelming it. You can also consider adding a splash of maple syrup for a unique sweetness. {{ingredient_image_2}} First, set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This heat will roast the pecans perfectly. Next, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps with easy cleanup later. In a large bowl, add 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar. Then sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt. If you like heat, add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Stir everything well. This mix will give your pecans a sweet and spicy kick. In a small bowl, melt 1/4 cup of unsalted butter. Add 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. Whisk until well mixed. Now, pour this buttery mix over 2 cups of pecan halves in the large bowl. Toss the pecans to coat them well. Every pecan should be covered in the buttery goodness. Transfer the coated pecans to your lined baking sheet. Spread them out in a single layer. This ensures they roast evenly. Place them in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. Stir the pecans halfway through. Watch closely; you want them golden brown, not burnt. Once the pecans are golden and smell amazing, take them out of the oven. Let them cool on the baking sheet. They will harden as they cool, becoming crunchy. After they cool, break apart any clusters. Store the pecans in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and tasty for your next snack! To get perfectly roasted pecans, start with fresh nuts. Old pecans can taste stale. Use a simple mix of brown sugar and cinnamon. This blend gives the nuts a sweet and warm flavor. Always spread the pecans in a single layer on your baking sheet. This helps them roast evenly. Stir them halfway during baking. This step ensures all sides get heat. Keep a close watch while your pecans bake. They can burn quickly. Set a timer for 10 minutes. Check them often after that. If they start to darken too much, pull them out early. Also, make sure your oven temperature is correct. An oven thermometer can help with this. A few degrees too high can lead to burnt nuts. For even coating, mix the sugar and spices well before adding them to the pecans. Toss the pecans in butter first. This helps the sugar stick better. Use your hands or a spatula to mix thoroughly. You want every pecan to be covered in that sweet blend. After mixing, let the coated pecans sit for a few minutes. This allows the flavors to soak in before roasting. Pro Tips Use Fresh Spices: Ensure your ground cinnamon and cayenne pepper are fresh for maximum flavor impact. Cool Completely: Allow the pecans to cool completely on the baking sheet to achieve the best crunch. Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add other spices like nutmeg or ginger for a unique twist on the classic recipe. Storage Tips: Store the cooled pecans in an airtight container to maintain their freshness for up to two weeks. {{image_4}} For a spicy twist, add cayenne pepper to the mix. Use 1/4 teaspoon for a kick. This heat pairs well with the sweetness of brown sugar. Adjust the spice level to fit your taste. More cayenne means more heat. If you love bold flavors, this option is for you! You can mix in other nuts or seeds for variety. Walnuts, almonds, or cashews work great. Use a mix of 2 cups total for a fun texture. This blend adds depth to each bite. You can also add sunflower or pumpkin seeds for a crunch. Each nut has its own flavor, making every handful different. Try new flavors to excite your taste buds. A touch of cocoa powder gives a chocolatey flavor. Maple syrup can replace some brown sugar for a unique twist. Adding a hint of nutmeg or cardamom can also elevate your mix. Be bold and test different spices. The possibilities are endless, and you might find your new favorite snack! To keep your cinnamon brown sugar roasted pecans fresh, let them cool completely. Once cooled, you can store them in a cool, dry place. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can make them stale. These pecans can last for about two weeks when stored properly. If you want to keep them longer, freezing is a good option. Place them in an airtight container and store them in the freezer. They will stay fresh for about three months this way. Use an airtight container to store your pecans. Glass jars or plastic containers with tight lids work well. Avoid paper bags or loose containers, as they let air in and can make your pecans soft. Yes, you can use other nuts. Almonds, walnuts, or cashews work well. Each nut has its own flavor. Adjust the roasting time based on the nut you choose. Nuts like almonds may take longer to roast. If you lack brown sugar, you can make your own. Mix white sugar with molasses. Use one cup of white sugar and add one tablespoon of molasses. You can also use honey or maple syrup, but this may change the texture. To make the nuts sweeter, add more brown sugar. Start with an extra tablespoon. If you want less sweetness, cut back on the sugar. Try adding more spices like cinnamon for flavor without the sugar. Roasted pecans are tasty on their own. You can sprinkle them on salads for a crunch. They also make a great topping for yogurt or ice cream. Use them in trail mixes or as a snack during movie night. Roasting pecans is simple and rewarding. We covered ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips to guide you. You learned how to make different flavors, like spicy cinnamon or mixed nuts. Remember to store your roasted pecans properly to keep them fresh. Try new mixes and share with friends. Enjoy your crunchy treats and experiment with flavors that excite you!$

Cinnamon Brown Sugar Roasted Pecans

Sweet and spicy roasted pecans that make a delightful snack or topping.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Ingredients

2 cups pecan halves
0.5 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
0.25 teaspoon sea salt
0.25 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

Instructions

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to facilitate easy cleanup later.
In a generous mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, sea salt, and optional cayenne pepper. Stir the mixture well to ensure even distribution of the spices.
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the melted butter and pure vanilla extract until fully combined and slightly frothy.
Pour the butter and vanilla mixture over the pecan halves in the large mixing bowl. Use a spatula or your hands to toss the pecans, ensuring that each one is thoroughly coated with the buttery goodness.
Sprinkle the combined sugar and spice mixture over the butter-coated pecans. Stir gently yet thoroughly until all the pecans are evenly coated in the sweet and spicy mixture.
Transfer the coated pecans onto the lined baking sheet. Spread them out in a single layer to ensure even roasting.
Bake the pecans in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes. Be sure to stir them halfway through the baking time to promote even browning. Keep a vigilant eye on them, as they can quickly go from golden to burnt.
Once they are golden brown and exude a delightful aroma, remove the pecans from the oven. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet; they will harden as they cool, becoming perfectly crunchy.
When they have completely cooled, break apart any clusters that have formed and transfer the pecans to an airtight container for storage.

Notes

Keep an eye on the pecans while baking to prevent burning.

Keyword pecans, roasted, snack, spicy, sweet