Spiced Pecans Recipe
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This Spiced Pecans Recipe makes a snack that’s the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and a little bit smoky. Toasted pecans are glazed in pure maple syrup, tossed with chili powder and garlic, and baked until crisp and caramelized. Every bite delivers buttery crunch, subtle heat, and a touch of sweetness that’s completely addictive. These nuts are easy to make, smell amazing while baking, and cool into a glossy, crave-worthy snack that’s as good for gifting as it is for snacking straight off the tray.
Table of Contents
WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE FOR SPICED PECANS
- Sweet-savory flavor with a hint of heat.
- Perfect for snacks, salads, or homemade gifts.
- Ready in under 25 minutes.
- Just five pantry ingredients!
Spiced Pecans Recipe
I make this recipe for spiced pecans every holiday season. And honestly, they never last long enough to package up for friends.
The smell alone is reason enough to bake them! That buttery, maple-chili aroma fills the whole kitchen and makes everyone wander in asking, “What’s in the oven?”
Crunchy, a little sweet, a little salty, and totally addicting… Around here, we call them “snack board gold” because they disappear before the cheese is even sliced.
Sometimes I’ll even mix and match with candied almonds and toasted walnuts so there’s a little something for everyone.
Trust me, you’ll want to make a double batch. Or maybe a double, double batch!!
INGREDIENT NOTES
- Pecans: Use whole, raw pecans for the best texture and flavor. Halves work too, but watch the bake time. Smaller pieces toast faster.
- Maple Syrup: Pure maple syrup coats evenly and caramelizes beautifully. Honey can work in a pinch, but it browns quicker.
- Chili Powder: Adds gentle warmth without overwhelming heat. For a bolder kick, use chipotle chili powder.
- Salt: Kosher salt balances the sweetness, while sea salt flakes make a great finishing touch.
- Garlic Powder: A subtle savory note that makes the pecans irresistibly snackable.
VARIATIONS
Sweet & Spicy: Add ¼ teaspoon cayenne for extra heat.
Smoky BBQ: Mix in ½ teaspoon smoked paprika and a pinch of brown sugar.
Cinnamon Maple: Replace chili powder with 1 teaspoon cinnamon for a cozy, sweet version.
Savory Herb: Add ½ teaspoon dried rosemary or thyme before baking.
Holiday Blend: Stir in a dash of pumpkin pie spice for festive flavor.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
- Snack Board Favorite: Pair with cheeses, dried fruit, and charcuterie.
- Dessert Garnish: Sprinkle over sweet potato casserole or vanilla ice cream.
- Salad Topper: Add crunch to mixed greens or a harvest salad recipe with spiced pecans.
- Giftable Treat: Package in mason jars with ribbon for an easy homemade gift.
- Beverage Pairing: Snack on a handful while you sip bourbon or mulled wine.
RECIPE SPICED PECANS FAQ
Yes! The coating works perfectly on other nuts. Just watch the bake time since smaller nuts toast faster.
Stir halfway through baking and keep an eye on the pecans in the final minutes. All that sugar content can make them brown quickly!
Absolutely. Just use two baking sheets to keep the pecans in a single layer. If you’ll be baking both pans at the same time, be sure to swap their positions halfway through the bake time so they brown evenly.
They need to cool completely. The maple coating hardens as it cools, creating that crisp texture.
Through the years, I’ve learned that the secret to perfect spiced nuts is timing and temperature.
Pecans are delicate. If they are too hot, they burn before the coating sets; too cool, and they never crisp up.
The maple syrup acts as both a sweetener and a binder, caramelizing around the nuts for that irresistible crunch.
The chili powder and garlic cut through the sweetness to make these dangerously snackable.
Whether I’m adding them to salads or gifting them in jars, this spiced pecans recipe always ends up stealing the show.
DONNA’S PRO TIPS
- Single Layer: Don’t crowd the pan. Leaving space ensures even toasting.
- Flip Halfway: Toss once during baking to coat each pecan evenly and prevent hot spots.
- Watch Closely: Maple syrup caramelizes fast! Remove the sheet pan as soon as the nuts darken slightly.
- Cool Fully: The coating won’t crisp until the nuts are completely cooled.
- Make a Double Batch: They store well, and one tray disappears in minutes!
TOOLS NEEDED
- Baking Sheet: Large, rimmed sheet pan for even roasting.
- Parchment Paper: Keeps the glaze from sticking.
- Mixing Bowl: For tossing nuts with syrup and spices.
- Spatula: To stir mid-bake.
- Airtight Container or Mason Jars: For storing or gifting.
Enjoy!
With love, from our simple kitchen to yours.
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Spiced Pecans Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 cups whole pecans, about 12 ounces
- 4 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Coat the Pecans: In a medium bowl, add 3 cups whole pecans, 4 tablespoons pure maple syrup, 1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder, 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, and 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder. Toss until the nuts are evenly coated and glossy.
- Bake: Spread the pecans in a single layer on the prepared sheet. Bake for 10 minutes, then toss gently with a spatula and bake for an additional 8 minutes, until fragrant and lightly toasted.
- Cool Completely: Remove the sheet pan from the oven and let the pecans cool on the pan. The coating will firm up as the pecans cool.
Donna’s Notes
Nutrition
All nutritional information is based on third party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe’s nutritional value will vary depending on the ingredients used, measuring methods, and portion sizes.
Originally published November 2025
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We’re Donna and Chad, the dream team behind The Slow Roasted Italian. Our focus is on taking complicated OUT of the kitchen. Life is busy enough, making meals should be fast and easy, to help make your life as simple as possible. Read More >>
