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Flavorful Sweet and Spicy Candied Pecans with Rosemary

sweet and spicy candied pecans with rosemary - featured image

These sweet and spicy candied pecans with rosemary offer a perfect balance of flavors and textures, combining a sticky sweet glaze with a subtle herbal twist and gentle heat. They are quick to make, versatile, and perfect as a snack, salad topper, or gift.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups pecans (about 200g), raw or roasted
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar (100g)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (28g), melted
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
  2. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine sugar, melted butter, finely chopped rosemary, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and vanilla extract (if using). Stir until smooth and fragrant.
  4. Add pecans to the bowl and stir well until every nut is coated with the glaze.
  5. Spread the coated pecans evenly on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
  6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, stirring every 8 minutes to prevent burning and ensure even caramelization. Watch closely in the last 5 minutes.
  7. Remove from oven and let pecans cool completely on the baking sheet to allow the glaze to harden.
  8. Once cooled, transfer candied pecans to an airtight container for storage.

Notes

Use fresh rosemary for best flavor; dried rosemary can be substituted but use half the amount. Stir every 8 minutes during baking to prevent burning and ensure even coating. Let pecans cool completely on the baking sheet before moving to avoid sticky mess. For dairy-free option, substitute butter with coconut oil or vegan butter. Variations include swapping pecans for other nuts, using maple syrup or honey instead of sugar, and adding citrus zest for brightness.

Nutrition

Keywords: candied pecans, sweet and spicy nuts, rosemary pecans, holiday snack, easy snack recipe, candied nuts, spicy pecans, sweet pecans, party snack