Sweet and Spicy Pecans with Chipotle (Easy Candied Nuts)
These sweet and spicy pecans with chili peppers are coated in a flavorful blend of Mexican spices, with the ground Chipotle chili peppers providing a light kick of heat. The cinnamon, cloves, and smokedpaprika add depth to the aroma and flavor, and the touch of vanilla provides a perfect balance with a hint of sweetness.These easy candied spicy nuts perfectly balance sweetness, heat, and crunchiness. It is perfect for gatherings!
Medium bowl: For mixing the ingredients.Baking sheet or cookie sheet: For roasting the pecans.Parchment paper ensures the pecans don't stick, providing the best results.
Ingredients
1Egg White from a large eggapproximately 2 tablespoons of egg whites
1/4cupDark Brown Sugarlightly packed - see notes
2teaspoonsVanilla Extract
2teaspoonsGround Cinnamon
1/2teaspoonGround Chipotle Chili Peppers(see notes)
1/2teaspoonSmoked Paprika
1/4teaspoonGround Cloves
1/4teaspoonKosher Salt
1/4teaspoonBlack Pepper
2cupsRaw Pecan Halves - see notes
Coarse Sea Salt for sprinklingoptional.
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C).
Line the baking sheet with parchment paper or non-stick spray.
Whisk the egg white vigorously in a large bowl for about 20 seconds until it's light and frothy.
Whisk in the remaining ingredients except for the pecans. Mix well.
Add the pecans
Mix until thoroughly coated.
Spread the pecans onto the sheet pan, including the liquid, in a single layer.
Bake for 15 minutes, then toss them with a spatula, ensuring the pecan pieces are spread out in a single layer again. Bake for another 15 minutes.
Remove them from the oven, sprinkle some coarse sea salt (if using), and let them cool down.
Serve at room temperature. Enjoy them on a cheese board or simply on their own!
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Notes
Dark Brown Sugar is great for this recipe 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 a flavorful option for this recipe, dry sweeteners are preferred to prevent stickiness.
Ground Chipotle Chili Pepper is a key ingredient in this recipe. The smoky hero that takes these pecans to the next level. Chili powder or Cayenne Pepper are suitable substitutes for missing the chipotle.
Almonds and Walnuts are suitable substitutes for Pecans.