Name: Sweet and Spicy Pecans with Chipotle (Easy Candied Nuts)
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Latin
Ingredients: 1 Egg White from a large egg (approximately 2 tablespoons of egg whites); 1/4 cup of Dark Brown Sugar (lightly packed) - see notes; 2 teaspoons of Vanilla Extract; 2 teaspoons of Ground Cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon of Ground Chipotle Chili Peppers - see notes; 1/2 teaspoon of Smoked Paprika; 1/4 teaspoon of Ground Cloves; 1/4 teaspoon of Kosher Salt; 1/4 teaspoon of Black Pepper; 2 cups of Raw Pecan Halves - see notes; Coarse Sea Salt for sprinkling (optional).

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe· 5 from 12 reviews

If you are a pecan lover like me, this recipe is for you! These Sweet and Spicy Pecans with Chipotle are a fantastic treat for any occasion.

The dish is a flavorful blend of Mexican spices, with the Ground Chipotle Chili Peppers providing a light kick of heat. The cinnamon, cloves, and smoked paprika add depth to the aroma and flavor, and the touch of vanilla provides a perfect balance with a hint of sweetness.

Overall, these easy candied-spicy nuts are the perfect balance of sweetness, heat, and crunchiness and bursting with flavor.

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This easy-to-follow recipe will be your new favorite, whether making it for the first time or showcasing it as a great addition to your holiday appetizers.

They're guaranteed to be the first thing to disappear at your next gathering. I like making a big batch to serve them during the holiday season. They are so good; you can't stop eating them!

My homemade Fig Preserves inspired this Pecans recipe because they go well together on a cheese or charcuterie platter, and my other Strawberry-Fig Preserves recipe pairs wonderfully too. And why not pair with this indulgent Dulce de Leche Martini!

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Why You'll Love This Sweet and Spicy Pecans Recipe:
Equipment
Ingredients
Instructions
Serving Suggestions
Storage and Freezing Instructions
Pairing
Other Latin appetizers you may like
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Why You'll Love This Sweet and Spicy Pecans Recipe:

Simple ingredients: You likely have everything you need in your pantry already! The Chipotle Chili Peppers add a delicious Mexican touch.
Easy recipe: It's practically foolproof, even for kitchen newbies.
Fantastic for any occasion: Holiday parties, game nights, or just because you deserve a treat. They also make great gifts.
The perfect balance: Sweet enough to satisfy, with a lingering kick that keeps you returning for more.
Totally customizable: Make it your own with different spices or mix-ins (more on that later).

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Equipment

For this easy recipe, you'll need

Medium bowl: For mixing the ingredients.
Baking sheet or cookie sheet: For roasting the pecans.
Parchment paper: Skip the aluminum foil for this recipe. The parchment paper ensures the pecans don't stick, providing the best results for your spicy pecans recipe.

Ingredients

Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor

Egg Whites – the secret that coats the pecans with the flavors from spices and essences.
Dark Brown Sugar - Opt for dark brown sugar for its molasses flavor, but light brown or white sugar can be suitable substitutes. While a liquid sweetener like honey or maple syrup may be flavorful options for this recipe, dry sweeteners are preferred to prevent stickiness.
Vanilla Extract - Because everything's better with vanilla.
Ground Cinnamon – Adds deep warmth and aroma.
Ground Chipotle Chili Peppers - The smoky hero that takes these pecans to the next level. One of my favorite pantry ingredients. (Chili powder or Cayenne Pepper are suitable substitutes, if you're missing the Chipotle. If you like smokiness with a light heat, I recommend keeping Ground Chipotle Chili Pepper in your spice arsenal!
Smoked Paprika - Adds a savory smokiness flavor with a subtle sweetness.
Ground Cloves – just a tiny hint of cloves impart a warm, sweet, and slightly spicy flavor to this recipe.
Kosher Salt
Black Pepper
Raw Pecan Halves - Almonds and Walnuts are suitable substitutes.
Coarse Sea Salt for sprinkling (optional)

See the PRINTABLE RECIPE CARD at the bottom of this post for quantities.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your delicious Sweet and Spicy Pecans with Chipotle

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Step 1: Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C).
Step 2: Line the baking sheet with parchment paper or non-stick spray.
Step 3: Whisk the egg white vigorously in a large bowl for about 20 seconds until it's light and frothy.

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Step 4: Whisk in the remaining ingredients except for the pecans. Mix well.

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Step 5: Add the pecans

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Step 6: Mix until thoroughly coated.

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Step 7: Spread the pecans onto the sheet pan, including the liquid, in a single layer.

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Step 8: Bake for 15 minutes, then toss them with a spatula, ensuring the pecan pieces are spread out in a single layer again.
Step 9: Remove them from the oven, sprinkle some coarse seal salt (if using), and let them cool down.

The roasting process enhances the natural flavor of pecans, making a perfect snack that's irresistible.

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Serve at room temperature. Enjoy them on a cheese board or simply on their own!

And there you have them! These sweet and spicy candied pecans are the ultimate party trick and snacking champion. They're simple to make, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to be the star of every gathering.

I hope they become your favorite recipe too!

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Comment below on how you made this recipe and share any unique twists you added to your pecans! And remember to tag us @alatinflair

Serving Suggestions

Present these candied pecans on a cheese or charcuterie boards or keep it casual and enjoy them by the handful.
They're the perfect topping for salads, yogurt, or even ice cream.
Need a quick hostess gift? Tie a pretty ribbon or bow to a jar and surprise your guests with a wonderful gift.

Storage and Freezing Instructions

For longer storage, place the pecans in an airtight container like a mason jar.
Enjoy within two weeks for the best flavor and crunchy texture. While they'll last beyond two weeks, they may start to soften.
They can be frozen for future use. Consider making a double batch to have these fantastic pecans ready whenever needed.