Amazing Cinnamon Roasted Pecans

Oh, hello there! If there’s one smell that just screams cozy to me, it’s the warm, sweet scent of cinnamon roasted pecans. Seriously, they’re just the best, aren’t they? That perfect balance of sweet, crunchy, and that lovely cinnamon hug – it’s pure magic. And the best part? You can whip these up so easily, even on a busy weeknight. My granny used to make them all the time, and watching her simple, no-fuss approach always made me feel so warm and happy. I’ve tweaked her method just a tiny bit over the years, but the heart of it – that simple, comforting goodness – is still there. These are the kind of treats that just make everything feel a little bit better.

Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Roasted Pecans Recipe

Honestly, what’s not to adore about these cinnamon roasted pecans? They’re just fantastic for so many reasons:

• Speedy to Make: You can have them ready in no time at all!
• Super Simple: Seriously, just a few basic ingredients and you’re good to go.
• Amazing Flavor: That sweet cinnamon and crunchy pecan combo is unbeatable.
• So Versatile: Perfect for munching on their own or as a lovely gift.

Quick Prep Time for Cinnamon Roasted Pecans

You really won’t believe how little time this takes. We’re talking just about 10 minutes of prep, which is brilliant when you need a quick treat.

Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor

It’s amazing what you can do with just a handful of everyday ingredients. Pecans, butter, sugar, and cinnamon – simple, yet they create such a wonderfully rich flavor.

Perfect for Snacking and Gifting

These cinnamon sugar pecans are just as delightful to eat yourself as they are to share. They make the most charming little gifts, too! For more appetizer ideas, check out our collection.

Gather Your Ingredients for Cinnamon Roasted Pecans

Alright, let’s get our goodies ready! For these absolutely delightful cinnamon roasted pecans, you won’t need much, which is always a win in my book. You’ll want about 2 cups of lovely pecan halves. Make sure they’re whole, as they toast up so nicely that way. Then, we need 2 tablespoons of butter. I always use unsalted, but salted is fine too, just keep an eye on the salt you add later. Melt it gently, don’t boil it! For that irresistible sweetness and spice, we’ll grab 1/4 cup of granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. And don’t forget a little pinch of 1/2 teaspoon of fine sea salt – it really makes all those flavors pop!

Ingredient Clarifications for Perfect Cinnamon Roasted Pecans

Just a quick note on a couple of things! For the sugar, plain granulated sugar works perfectly for that classic sweet crunch. But if you’re feeling adventurous and want a deeper, almost caramel-like flavor, you could totally swap it for light or dark brown sugar. It gives them a slightly chewier texture, which is lovely too! And about that butter – make sure it’s melted but not hot when you toss it with the pecans. It just helps everything stick together beautifully.

How to Prepare Perfect Cinnamon Roasted Pecans

Right then, let’s get these beauties into the oven! Making these cinnamon roasted pecans is honestly so straightforward, you’ll be wondering why you haven’t made them every week. It’s just a few simple steps that lead to pure nutty bliss. Trust me, this easy roasted pecans recipe is a keeper!

Getting Started: Preheat and Prep

First things first, let’s get that oven nice and warm. Pop it on to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, grab a medium-sized bowl. This is where all the magic starts. We’ll toss our lovely pecan halves in that melted butter we prepared earlier. Make sure they get a good, even coating – every pecan deserves a little butter hug!

Mixing the Sweet Cinnamon Coating

Now, for the best part of this quick roasted pecans recipe: the spice mix! Grab a separate little bowl and whisk together your granulated sugar, that warm cinnamon, and the salt. Give it a good stir until it’s all combined and looks like a lovely, fragrant powder. This is what’s going to give our pecans that irresistible sweet and spiced flavor.

Baking Your Cinnamon Sugar Pecans to Perfection

Sprinkle that gorgeous cinnamon-sugar mixture over your buttered pecans in the bowl. Gently toss them around until they’re all beautifully coated. Then, spread them out in a single layer on your baking sheet. Don’t crowd them – they need space to get perfectly toasted! Pop them into the preheated oven for about 10 to 12 minutes. About halfway through, give them a little stir right on the baking sheet. You’ll know they’re ready when they smell absolutely divine and look slightly golden. That amazing aroma is your cue!

Cooling for Ultimate Crispness

This is super important, so don’t skip it! Once they’re out of the oven, leave those pecans to cool completely on the baking sheet. Seriously, let them be. As they cool down, they’ll transform from slightly soft to wonderfully crisp. Resist the urge to sneak too many while they’re still warm – the real crunch happens as they reach room temperature.

Tips for Success with Your Cinnamon Roasted Pecans

Okay, so making these cinnamon roasted pecans is pretty simple, but a few little tricks can make them absolutely perfect every time. It’s all about getting that lovely flavour and texture just right, whether you’re making them for a quick snack or as part of your holiday spiced pecans spread.

Achieving an Even Coating

To make sure every single pecan gets coated beautifully, I like to use a big bowl. Toss the pecans with the melted butter first until they’re all glistening, then sprinkle over the sugar mixture. Gently fold everything together with a spatula. It helps to do this a couple of times to really make sure all those nooks and crannies are covered in that delicious cinnamon sugar!

Preventing Burning and Ensuring Even Toasting

Pecans can go from perfectly toasted to burnt in a flash, so keep an eye on them! That 10-12 minute baking time is a guideline. Stirring them halfway through is key for even toasting. If you notice some spots browning faster, just give them a quick nudge. They should smell wonderfully fragrant and look slightly golden brown when they’re done. They’ll crisp up even more as they cool, promise!

Variations for Your Cinnamon Roasted Pecans

While these cinnamon roasted pecans are absolutely divine as they are, I just love playing around with them! It’s so easy to switch things up and create something a little different. For instance, if you want to add a bit more warmth, try adding a tiny pinch of nutmeg or even allspice to the cinnamon-sugar mix. It gives them a lovely, festive flavour. Or, for a real surprise, a whisper of cayenne pepper adds a tiny bit of heat that’s just addictive with the sweet cinnamon. You could even add a splash of vanilla extract to the melted butter before tossing – it adds another layer of deliciousness!

Adding Extra Spice to Your Pecans

Feeling a bit adventurous? To really amp up the flavour, try adding about 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg or a pinch of cayenne pepper right into your cinnamon-sugar mix. It adds a lovely complexity that’s just wonderful, especially if you’re making these as fall spiced nuts or for the holidays.

Serving Suggestions for Cinnamon Roasted Pecans

Honestly, these cinnamon roasted pecans are so good, you’ll find yourself reaching for them all the time! They’re not just a standalone snack, though they are absolutely perfect for that – think of them as your new go-to crunchy treat. But they’re also fantastic sprinkled over a crisp green salad to add a bit of sweetness and crunch, or stirred into your morning yogurt or oatmeal. They even make a lovely topping for ice cream or baked apples. Plus, they fit the bill if you’re looking for a satisfying, healthier snack option too!

Storage and Reheating Your Homemade Cinnamon Pecans

Once your homemade cinnamon pecans have cooled completely, storing them is super simple! Pop them into an airtight container or a good quality zip-top bag. They’ll stay nice and crisp at room temperature for about a week, which is usually long enough for me to devour them! If by some chance they lose a little crispness, you can always pop them on a baking sheet in a low oven (around 250°F or 120°C) for just a few minutes to perk them right back up. Easy peasy!

Frequently Asked Questions about Cinnamon Roasted Pecans

Got questions about these delightful little nuts? I get it! It’s always good to know a few extra bits. Here are some things folks often ask me about my cinnamon roasted pecans.

How long do Cinnamon Roasted Pecans last?

Once they’re all cooled down, just pop them into an airtight container. They’ll stay nice and crunchy at room temperature for about a week. Honestly, they rarely last that long in my house though!

Can I make Cinnamon Roasted Pecans without butter?

You absolutely can! If you need to skip the butter, try using a neutral oil like melted coconut oil or even a touch of maple syrup to help the cinnamon sugar stick. It gives them a slightly different flavour, but they’re still wonderfully tasty!

Are these pecans a healthy snack option?

Pecans themselves are packed with good fats and nutrients, which is great! While these do have sugar and butter, they’re definitely a more satisfying and wholesome treat than many processed snacks. Enjoy them as a delicious indulgence!

Nutritional Information for Cinnamon Roasted Pecans

Just so you know, the nutritional info below is an estimate, and it can change a bit depending on the exact brands you use and how much you end up eating. But for about a 1/4 cup serving, you’re looking at roughly 200 calories. They’ve got about 18g of fat, which sounds like a lot, but most of that is the good kind of unsaturated fat. You’ll also get around 12g of carbohydrates, with about 10g coming from sugar, and a couple of grams of fiber to keep things happy. They also offer about 3g of protein. So, while they’re a treat, they’re a pretty satisfying one!

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