Cinnamon Brown Sugar Roasted Pecans

$To make delicious Cinnamon Brown Sugar Roasted Pecans, you need some key ingredients. Here’s what you will need: - 2 cups pecan halves - 1/2 cup brown sugar - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional) Each ingredient plays a vital role. The pecans are the star. They bring a nutty flavor and great crunch. Brown sugar adds sweetness, while cinnamon gives warmth. Salt balances all the flavors. Butter adds richness, making the pecans crispy. Vanilla extract brings a lovely aroma. If you want a kick, add cayenne pepper. It’s optional, but it can make your snack extra special. Gather these ingredients before you start cooking. This way, you will have everything ready to create this tasty treat. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, you need to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step ensures even cooking. Next, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This makes cleanup easy and keeps the pecans from sticking. In a large mixing bowl, combine 1/2 cup of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. This mix will give the pecans a sweet and spicy flavor. If you like a little heat, add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Mix everything well. In another bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of melted butter and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Pour this buttery mix over 2 cups of pecan halves. Toss to coat the pecans evenly. Then, add the sugar and spice mix to the pecans. Stir well to ensure all the nuts are coated. Now, spread the coated pecans evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure they are in a single layer. Bake them for 15-20 minutes. Stir the pecans halfway through the baking time. This helps them cook evenly. Keep a close eye on them to avoid burning. Once baked, remove the pecans from the oven. Let them cool on the baking sheet. They will harden as they cool down. This step is important to avoid clustering. After they are cool, break apart any clusters. Store the pecans in an airtight container to keep them fresh. To get the best roasted pecans, watch the baking time closely. Set a timer for 15 minutes. Stir the pecans halfway through to help them cook evenly. The nuts are done when they turn a nice golden brown. You will smell a rich, warm aroma. If they start to darken too much, take them out right away. Want to switch up the taste? Try other spices instead of cayenne pepper. A pinch of nutmeg or a dash of ginger can add a nice twist. You can also use almond or maple extract for a new flavor. Mix and match to find what you like best! One common mistake is overbaking. Keep checking your pecans to prevent burning. If you leave them too long, they will taste bitter. Another mistake is not letting them cool properly. Let them sit for a bit after baking. This helps them harden and stay crunchy. If you store them too soon, they may clump together. Pro Tips Use Fresh Pecans: Always choose fresh pecan halves for the best flavor and texture. Rancid nuts can ruin your dish. Monitor Baking Time: Keep a close eye on the pecans while baking, as they can go from perfectly toasted to burnt in a matter of minutes. Experiment with Spices: Feel free to customize the spice mix with other flavors, like nutmeg or ginger, to create a unique twist on the classic recipe. Storing Properly: Store cooled pecans in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their crispness and flavor for longer. {{image_2}} You can easily add fun flavors to your roasted pecans. To make them even sweeter, try adding chocolate. Melt some chocolate and mix it with the pecans after baking. You can also drizzle warm caramel over them for a rich taste. Another option is to mix in other sweet spices. Ginger or nutmeg can add warmth. Try a pinch of cardamom for an exotic twist. Each spice will change the flavor profile and keep things interesting. If you want a savory twist, consider using different nuts. Almonds or cashews can give a unique crunch. Mixing nuts adds texture and flavor. Just remember to adjust the cooking time based on the nut type. You can also add herbs or cheese. A sprinkle of rosemary can elevate the taste. For a cheesy flavor, try adding grated Parmesan before baking. This will create a surprise flavor that is sure to impress your guests. Making this recipe vegan is simple. Swap the butter for coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative. You can still enjoy the same great taste without dairy. If you want lower sugar options, use a sugar substitute. Try coconut sugar or a stevia blend. Both will give sweetness without the extra calories. Adjust the amount based on your taste preference. To keep your roasted pecans fresh, place them in airtight containers. This helps keep out air and moisture. Glass jars or plastic containers work well. Store them in a cool, dark place. Avoid areas that get too hot, like near the stove. Roasted pecans last about two weeks at room temperature. If you want them to stay fresh longer, store them in the fridge. They can last up to a month when refrigerated. Just make sure they are in a sealed container to keep them crisp. You can add leftover pecans to many dishes. Try mixing them into salads for added crunch. They also make a great topping for yogurt or oatmeal. If you want a quick snack, enjoy them straight from the container. Their sweet and spicy flavor makes them hard to resist! Yes, you can use other nuts. Almonds, walnuts, and cashews work well. Each nut brings a different flavor. Try to keep the same size for even baking. Look for a golden brown color and a nice aroma. Bake them for 15-20 minutes. Stir halfway to help them brown evenly. Watch them closely to avoid burning. Yes, you can make them ahead of time. Store them in an airtight container. They stay fresh for about a week. This makes them a great snack for guests. These pecans pair well with cheese and fruit. Serve them with a cheese board or a salad. They also taste great on their own as a snack. Absolutely! Place them in a cute jar or bag. They make a great gift for friends and family. Everyone loves a tasty homemade treat. Roasting pecans is simple and fun. We covered the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for perfect pecans. You learned about variations and how to store them well. Remember, the right baking time makes all the difference. With these ideas, you can enjoy tasty snacks or impress guests. Try new flavors and share with friends. Enjoy your roasted pecans!$

Cinnamon Brown Sugar Roasted Pecans

Deliciously sweet and slightly spicy roasted pecans coated in cinnamon and brown sugar.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Ingredients

2 cups pecan halves
0.5 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
0.25 teaspoon salt
0.25 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, salt, and cayenne pepper (if using). Mix well.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter and vanilla extract.
Pour the butter mixture over the pecans, tossing to coat them evenly.
Add the sugar and spice mixture to the pecans and stir until all the nuts are well-coated.
Spread the coated pecans evenly on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are in a single layer.
Bake for 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway through, until they are golden brown and fragrant. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
Remove the pecans from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet; they will harden as they cool.
Once cooled, break apart any clusters and store the pecans in an airtight container.

Notes

Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Keyword cinnamon, pecans, roasted, snack, sweet