Easy Stovetop Candied Pecans

Holiday season is in full swing around here which means it’s time for one of my favorite lessons of the year — learning how to make Stovetop Candied Pecans. This is something everyone should learn because it seems intimidating but it’s really so easy!

If you’ve ever had candied pecans, then you know how amazing they are. They’re so easy to make, everyone loves them, and they taste so so good. They’re part of our holiday traditions around here!

Please note: recipe photos were updated in December 2024.

How to Make Candied Pecans

I love having family holiday traditions but they have to be pretty easy or they just won’t happen. I’ve always loved making homemade treats to share with our friends and family. A teaching friend of mine made me carmelized pecans one year and I had to get the recipe!

Learning how to candy pecans is one of the easiest holiday sweets to learn to make. They also package up well in those cute gift bags you can find during the holidays. If you have any leftover after enjoying some and packing some up for gift-giving, you’ll also have candied pecans for salad!

So make a big batch of this glazed pecans recipe. You don’t want to run out too quickly! (This happens to me sometimes because I probably sneak a few too many for myself.)

If you love when your home smells like you have something fresh baking in the oven, roasted candied pecans will make it smell like warm cinnamon. It just smells like home for the holidays.

There’s just something special about it.

So when you’re feeling rushed on time but you want a treat to take with you your next Christmas party, or you need something for the teachers at school, you can have these prepped and cooling in about 20 minutes!

Get everything else you need to get done while they cool, then put them in pretty holiday treat bags or in a cute tin and you’re ready for whatever this season throws your way!

Sometimes I add a little vanilla to the butter and sugar mixture to add some extra flavor!

Once the pecans cool, you can serve them or package them to gift them!

Stovetop Candied Pecans FAQ

Do I need to bake these candied pecans?

No! This recipe only uses the stovetop! No need to heat up your oven!

What are some other ways to use candied pecans?

Candy coated pecans can be used in so many different ways! Here are a few ideas that we love:

• Ice cream sundae topping
• Easy on the go snack
• Add to homemade trail mix
• Crushed on top of oatmeal
• Add to yogurt or fruit and yogurt parfait

How long do candied pecans last?

Once the pecans have cooled completely, store them up for a week in an airtight container. They definitely taste the best when they’re fresh!

Do I have to refrigerate candy coated pecans?

No, they’ll keep for 1-2 weeks at room temperature as long as you store them in an airtight container. If you want them to last longer, you can store them in the refrigerator. Then they will last about four weeks.

More Easy Holiday Dessert Recipes

• Crockpot Candy
• Christmas Crack Recipe
• Santa’s Trash Cookies
• Christmas Cookie Dip
• Peppermint Dip

Candied Pecans

This easy stovetop candied pecans recipe is great for holiday entertaining and gift-giving! But it's also a great topping for soups and salads. You can also enjoy it as a delicious sweet and salty snack option!

5 from 2 votes

Print Pin Rate

Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 cups  pecans
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 2 Tablespoons butter
• 2 Tablespoons water
• ½-1 Tablespoon cinnamon
• Pinch salt

Instructions

• Add brown sugar, butter, water, cinnamon and salt to a large sauté pan.
• Mix the ingredients over medium-low heat and heat until it's hot and bubbles
• Add in the pecans and mix to coat.
• Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently. The sauce will cook down and glaze the nuts. 
• Pour onto a sheet on parchment paper and allow to cool completely. Then break apart and enjoy!

Notes

You can add a bit of vanilla for some extra flavor if you're a fan of vanilla.