Irresistible Stovetop Maple Candied Pecans Recipe for Sweet Snacking

Whipping up some delectable stovetop maple candied pecans can transform an ordinary snack into a mouthwatering treat that sparks instant joy.

Crisp autumn mornings call for sweet, caramelized nutty delights that dance between savory and sugary notes.

Maple syrup works its magic, coating each pecan with a glossy, irresistible sheen that beckons you closer.

Simple ingredients create extraordinary flavors when carefully combined with patient stirring and precise temperature control.

Crunch meets silky sweetness in this quick recipe that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum satisfaction.

Sarah’s favorite weekend indulgence starts with a single skillet and ends with a handful of addictive, golden-brown pecans.

Why Candied Nuts Are Hard to Put Down

• Whip Up Quickly: This recipe offers an incredibly simple process that takes just minutes to prepare, perfect for spontaneous snack cravings or last-minute entertaining.
• Customize Your Crunch: Easily swap pecans for mixed nuts or add personal spice touches, making it a versatile recipe that adapts to your taste preferences and pantry ingredients.
• Healthier Sweet Treat: Using natural maple syrup instead of refined sugar creates a wholesome snack packed with nutrients, delivering delightful sweetness without processed ingredients.
• Crowd-Pleasing Appetizer: These candied nuts make an impressive homemade gift, party snack, or elegant addition to charcuterie boards, guaranteed to impress guests with minimal effort.

No-Bake Wreath Cookies (Christmas) Ingredients

• Pecans: Crunchy nuts perfect for caramelizing with maple syrup.
• Maple Syrup: Sweet, natural liquid that creates a glossy coating.

• Sea Salt, Vanilla Extract, Cinnamon: Add depth and warmth to the candied nuts.

• Cinnamon Sugar: Provides an extra sweet and spicy sprinkle on top.

Christmas Wreath Cookies: Your No-Bake Guide

Step 1: Prepare the Skillet

Heat a skillet over medium heat to create the perfect environment for candying your nuts. This gentle warmth will help the maple syrup caramelize beautifully.

Step 2: Create the Syrup Base

• Maple syrup
• Vanilla extract
• Sea salt

Stir and warm the mixture for about a minute, allowing the flavors to meld together and create a rich, aromatic base.

Step 3: Coat the Nuts

Add your chosen nuts to the skillet and stir continuously. Make sure each nut gets a generous coating of the sweet and fragrant syrup mixture. Every movement of your spatula should ensure complete coverage.

Step 4: Sprinkle and Spice

Dust cinnamon over the nuts and stir again. This will distribute the warm, comforting spice evenly across all the nuts, adding depth to their flavor profile.

Step 5: Caramelize and Cook

Keep stirring the nuts as the maple syrup begins to bubble and boil. Watch carefully and continue cooking for 5-7 minutes. You’re looking for the moment when the syrup is completely absorbed and no liquid remains in the skillet.

Step 6: Cool and Separate

Transfer the nuts to a parchment-lined surface, spreading them out to cool. For an extra touch of sweetness, sprinkle a cinnamon-sugar mix over the top if desired.

Step 7: Store and Enjoy

Once completely cooled, gently break apart any clusters. Store your candied nuts in an airtight container to maintain their crisp, sweet coating and preserve their delicious flavor.

Cookie Wreath Tips for a Fun, No-Bake Holiday Treat

• Quick Coating Technique: Stir nuts constantly to ensure even syrup coverage and prevent burning.
• Watch Syrup Stages: Monitor the maple syrup carefully as it transforms from liquid to sticky coating, which takes about 5-7 minutes.
• Prevent Clumping: Spread nuts on parchment paper immediately after cooking to stop them from sticking together while cooling.
• Sugar-Free Option: Replace maple syrup with sugar-free maple-flavored syrup for a low-carb alternative.
• Flavor Boost: Experiment with additional spices like nutmeg or cardamom to create unique taste variations.

Christmas Wreath Cookies Leftover Storage Guide

• Seal cooled pecans in an airtight container, keeping them fresh for up to 2 weeks. Prevent moisture by placing a paper towel inside to absorb excess humidity.
• Pack nuts in a freezer-safe zip-lock bag, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for 3-4 months, maintaining their crispy texture and sweet maple flavor.
• Store in a sealed container away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Consume within 1 week to ensure maximum crunchiness and taste.
• Warm briefly in a dry skillet over low heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring gently to restore their original crispness without burning the maple coating.

Serving Tips for Christmas Wreath Cookies

• Pair with Creamy Vanilla Chai Latte: Complement the maple and cinnamon notes with a smooth, spiced chai that echoes the warm flavors of the candied nuts.
• Serve alongside Maple-Glazed Baked Brie: Create a decadent appetizer where the crunchy pecans perfectly contrast the soft, melted cheese with matching maple undertones.
• Match with Apple Cider Bourbon Cocktail: Blend the nutty sweetness with a spirited drink that highlights the caramelized maple and cinnamon profiles of the nuts.
• Top Creamy Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Sprinkle these candied pecans over a cold, rich dessert for a delightful texture contrast and complementary sweet-spicy flavor.

Maple Candied Nut Variants

• Vegan Maple Nut Delight: Replace maple syrup with agave nectar or coconut syrup for a plant-based alternative that maintains the sweet coating.
• Spicy Maple Nuts: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to create a hot and sweet flavor profile that tingles the taste buds.
• Gluten-Free Crunchy Treat: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free and use alternative spices like nutmeg or cardamom for additional depth.
• Low-Sugar Nutty Option: Substitute maple syrup with a sugar-free maple-flavored syrup or use a small amount of stevia to reduce overall sugar content while keeping the classic candied nut experience.

FAQs

• Can I use other types of nuts for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute pecans with almonds, walnuts, or a mixed nut blend. Just ensure the nuts are raw and unsalted for the best caramelization.

• How do I prevent the nuts from burning during cooking?

Stir constantly and maintain medium heat. Watch the skillet closely and adjust heat if the syrup starts to darken too quickly. The constant stirring helps distribute heat evenly.

• Are these nuts safe for people with dietary restrictions?

These nuts are naturally gluten-free and can be vegan if using pure maple syrup. However, check for nut allergies before serving, as nuts are the primary ingredient.

• What happens if I overcook the nuts?

Overcooking will cause the maple syrup to burn and create a bitter taste. Remove from heat when the syrup is fully absorbed and the nuts look glossy and caramelized.

Stovetop Maple Candied Pecans Recipe

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4.7 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Maple-glazed pecans bring Southern charm to snack time with irresistible sweetness and crunch. Homemade goodness awaits you in just minutes, delivering nutty warmth perfect for gifting or enjoying solo.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Nuts:

• 4 cups pecan halves (or mixed nuts like cashews and almonds)

Sweeteners and Flavoring:

• 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 1/2 tablespoons cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt

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Instructions

1. Prepare a large skillet and warm it to medium heat, creating an even cooking surface.
2. Pour maple syrup into the skillet, blending in vanilla extract and sea salt to create a fragrant liquid base.
3. Gently introduce the nuts to the syrup mixture, using a spatula to ensure each piece becomes thoroughly coated with the sweet glaze.
4. Dust cinnamon across the nuts, stirring continuously to distribute the spice evenly and enhance the flavor profile.
5. Maintain constant stirring as the maple syrup begins to bubble and reduce, watching closely for the transformation from liquid to a sticky caramelized coating.
6. Continue cooking for approximately 6-7 minutes, allowing the syrup to completely absorb into the nuts and create a glossy, candied exterior.
7. Rapidly transfer the candied nuts onto a parchment-lined surface, spreading them out to prevent clumping and facilitate rapid cooling.
8. For an optional extra touch of sweetness, sprinkle a delicate layer of cinnamon-sugar over the warm nuts.
9. Allow the nuts to cool completely, then gently separate any clusters that may have formed during the cooling process.
10. Store the finished candied nuts in an airtight container to preserve their crisp texture and rich flavor.

Notes

• Toast nuts briefly before adding syrup to enhance their natural flavors and create a deeper, richer taste profile.
• Adjust heat carefully to prevent burning; constant stirring prevents syrup from caramelizing too quickly and ensures even coating.
• Use alternative sweeteners like honey or coconut nectar for different flavor variations or dietary preferences.
• Allow nuts to cool completely before storing to maintain crispy texture and prevent moisture buildup.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 156
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 42 mg
• Fat: 13 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 9 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg