Little bites of sweet, spiced candied pecans are perfect for charcuterie boards, gifts, and desserts.

Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Candied pecans taste like little bites of pecan pie.

The vanilla and spices add depth, and the nuts get toasted and aromatic under the crispy sugar shell.

Southern Living Candied Pecans in a bowl to serve

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

They have the perfect amount of spice and warmth for nearly any use you could imagine.

While they taste like you took hours to prepare them, candied pecans are simple to make.

The crunchy outer shell of sugar and spices hardens after baking to create the perfect flavor of fall.

Southern Living Candied Pecans ingredients

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

And you won’t need to mess with fancy candy equipment, despite the name.

Are candied pecans the same as glazed pecans?

They’re very nearly the same thing.

Southern Living Candied Pecans whisking together the sugar mixture

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

The final product is sometimes a little sticky, or perhaps tacky, but rarely hard.

Here’s a brief outline of the process; the full recipe is further below.

ThisChristmas Charcuterie Boardis begging for some candied pecans.

Southern Living Candied Pecans whisking together egg white and vanilla

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Use inpecan scones,browned butter blondieswith candied pecans, and more!

Or use as an ice cream topping.

They’re perfect for that.

Southern Living Candied Pecans adding the pecans to the egg white mixture

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

How Long Do Candied Pecans Last?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.

Can You Freeze Candied Pecans?

Southern Living Candied Pecans adding the sugar mixture in batches

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Yes, candied pecans freeze beautifully up to 1 month.

Once cooled, move the pecans to a baking sheet, and freeze several hours.

Then, transfer the pecans to a ziplock bag, and push to remove as much air as possible.

Southern Living Candied Pecans on a baking sheet before baking

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Thaw overnight in the fridge.

Whisk together sugar, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg in a small bowl; set aside.

Let cool completely on baking sheet, about 15 minutes.

Southern Living Candied Pecans after baking on baking sheet

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Serve immediately, or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.