Gingersnap Roasted Candied Pecans

Gingersnap Roasted Candied Pecans, an easy homemade sweet glazed nut recipe with molasses, cinnamon, and a few other spices. Similar to what you find at your local mall, but these nuts are made from scratch right in your oven. These simple crunchy nuts are delicious on spinach salads, sweet potatoes and yams, carrots, and even cheesecake and ice cream. And of course, these candied pecans are tasty and the best ever on their own just for snacking!

Gingersnap Roasted Candied Pecans, a simple homemade candied nut recipe! These nuts are great on so many things and delicious just to snack on. They also make a great holiday or Christmas gift this time of year! And the best part is that they are far less expensive to make at home in your own oven rather than buying.

My husband goes crazy for roasted and candied nuts at all the local malls, holiday markets, fairs, the corners of NYC, bulk food stores, and everywhere else you find them! I’ve been making various versions for him over the years but think I finally found a version I’m truly happy with.

I’ve tried various recipes for candied pecans and have done plenty of my own experimenting. Since he also loves gingersnaps I thought it would be the perfect flavor for these candied pecans. This version has all the delicious gingersnap flavors including molasses, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves.

Don’t worry though, if you don’t have all those spices you can definitely just use cinnamon or even your favorite spice blend like pumpkin pie spice or apple pie spice.

What are Candied Pecans

If you have no idea what I’m talking about, candied nuts start with your favorite nut (in this case pecans but you could also substitute peanuts, walnuts, or almonds). The nuts are then coated in some kind of sweet crunchy coating or glaze. The coating can vary and have various spices and flavorings.

The nuts are then baked in the oven or sometimes in a pan on a stovetop until crispy.

Equipment You May Need

• Rimmed Cookie Sheet – You’ll need a large pan so the nuts can be cooked in a single layer. I’d also recommend a rimmed cookie sheet so that the coating and sugar don’t spill over to the bottom of your oven.
• Silicone Mat – A silicone mat for your pan makes cleanup a breeze and helps the nuts from sticking.

(Full printable recipe card is at bottom of post.)

Gingersnap Roasted Candied Pecans Ingredients

Sugar Coating

• Granulated sugar – You could also try brown sugar, but I haven’t with this particular recipe.
• Ground cinnamon – You can use any spice mixture you’d like. If you don’t like gingersnaps, you can use just cinnamon in this recipe. Just be sure to add some extra to make up for any spices you omit.
• Ground ginger – You can add more/less to your personal preference.
• Salt – If you like your candied nuts sweet and salty, you can add more salt.
• Ground nutmeg – You can buy it already ground or grind your own.
• Ground cloves – A little goes a long way so be careful.

Batter Coating

• Egg whites – Just the whites. Save the yolks for something else.
• Water – Helps thin out the egg whites a little.
• Molasses – A strong flavor so also a little goes a long way. If you don’t like molasses, you can omit it or use maple syrup or honey instead.
• Vanilla extract – Or add your favorite extract such as maple extract or even almond extract if you’re using almonds instead of pecans.

How to Make Candied Pecans

1. PREHEAT. Preheat oven and line pan.
2. SUGAR MIX. Mix sugar and spices together
3. BATTER MIX. Mix egg whites, water, molasses, and vanilla.
4. NUTS. Add nuts to batter. Then stir in sugar mix.
5. BAKE. Bake nuts and stir occasionally.
6. COOL. Cool slightly.

(Full printable recipe card with full details is at bottom of post.)

Uses for Candied Pecans

• Delicious just for snacking!
• Chop them up and put them on baked yams or sweet potatoes.
• Perfect for salads such as spinach salads.
• Mix up some candied pecans with vegetables such as carrots.
• The best topping for desserts such as ice cream sundaes, cheesecakes, cakes, and more!
• Sprinkle some over pancakes, waffles, or French Toast (this French Toast looks delish!).

Quick Tips for Best Results

• Make sure to use good quality nuts and that they haven’t gone bad before starting. Nuts can go rancid quite quickly if in the back of your cupboard. Since nuts can be kind of expensive it’s always good to be sure they’re ok before starting.
• Be sure to mix the nuts every 15 minutes or so while baking so that they don’t stick together.
• Use a spice mix you like. We loved this spice combo but you can definitely mix it up a little to your personal preference. I would recommend using this recipe as-is the first time before experimenting.

Candied Pecans FAQ

How should I store the Candied Pecans?
Store the Gingerbread Roasted Candied Pecans in an airtight container or resealable bag. They make an adorable gift in a mason jar with a gift tag and twine.

Can I freeze Candied Pecans?
Yes! The candied nuts do well in the freezer.

How long will the pecans last?
I would guess they should last at least a week at room temperature, a few weeks in the fridge, or a few months in the freezer.

Substitutions?
Instead of pecans, you can use your favorite nuts such as walnuts, almonds, or peanuts. You can also use your favorite spices rather than the spices listed. Maple syrup or honey instead of molasses would also be good. And add your favorite extract instead of vanilla if you’d like. Instead of water, you could use bourbon or your favorite alcohol or liqueur. I have not tried all of these substitutions so can’t say for sure how they will all turn out.

Can I use low-fat ingredients?
The nuts are really the only high-fat ingredient so can’t really swap them out.

What else can I add to this recipe?
A little dried orange zest would be delicious. You can add more salt for more of a sweet and salty version. For a spicy version, you could even add a little cayenne. With all the spices in this version, the candied pecans do have a slight spiciness to them so be careful adding anything else that’s spicy.

Can I make this vegan/vegetarian/low carb/gluten-free?
Here are some suggestions, but I can’t guarantee results. Be sure as always to check particular brands and ingredients if you’re following a specific diet or have diet restrictions or allergies.

Vegan – You’ll have to find a substitute for the egg whites. I haven’t tried it but aquafaba might be a good option to try.

Vegetarian – The candied pecans are vegetarian.

Low-Carb – You can try a sugar substitute however, make sure it’s one that will do ok in the oven. I haven’t tried any in particular so can’t say for sure.

Gluten-Free – All the ingredients should be gluten-free.

Other Homemade Edible Gift Recipes You May Enjoy

• Crack Bars – Easy homemade chocolate and peanut butter candy. A family favorite!
• Cannoli Cream Truffles – A fun chocolate truffle inspired by the popular Italian cannoli.
• Burger Seasoning – For savory lovers, this DIY burger seasoning is perfect.
• DIY Vanilla Extract – You’ll need about a month for this one, but so worth the wait.
• Hot Chocolate on a Stick – Perfect for those living in cold climates this time of year.
• Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix – Quick and easy!

Hope you enjoy these Gingersnap Roasted Candied Pecans. Tell me in the comments how you liked them! They make a great edible gift idea, so give some to everyone on your holiday list.

You may also like these Caramel Pecan Rolls!