Few snacks evoke the warmth of the holidays or the cozy feeling of autumn quite like spiced nuts. Gingersnap Pecans are a delightful treat that balances the rich, buttery crunch of pecans with the warming spices of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves. Imagine biting into a nut coated in a caramelized, spiced glaze reminiscent of your favorite gingersnap cookies—sweet, aromatic, and irresistibly crunchy.
Whether you’re looking for a simple snack, a topping for salads, or a gift-worthy treat to share with friends and family, these candied pecans are a versatile crowd-pleaser. They fill the kitchen with an inviting aroma and are surprisingly easy to make at home. With just a few pantry staples, you can transform plain pecans into a show-stopping snack that tastes like it came straight from a gourmet bakery.
Recipe Overview
Gingersnap Pecans combine buttery pecans with a spiced sugar glaze for a sweet, crunchy snack. Lightly baked to perfection, these nuts are coated in molasses, brown sugar, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and white pepper, creating a sophisticated flavor reminiscent of classic gingersnap cookies. Perfect for snacking, gifting, or adding a festive touch to desserts.
Ingredients & Instructions
Ingredients
- 2 lbs pecans
- 2 teaspoons molasses
- 2 cups light brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon ground white pepper
- ¼ cup water
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet
Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C). Line a baking sheet with a silicone baking mat or lightly grease foil to prevent sticking.
2. Make the Spiced Sugar Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine molasses, brown sugar, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, white pepper, and water. Stir well until the sugar is fully dissolved and all the spices are evenly mixed.
Tip: Using light brown sugar enhances the caramel flavor and gives a classic gingersnap sweetness.
3. Coat the Pecans
Add the pecans to the sugar-spice mixture. Toss thoroughly to ensure every nut is evenly coated in the glaze.
4. Arrange on Baking Sheet
Spread the coated pecans in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Ensure they aren’t overcrowded so each pecan can bake evenly and crisp up.
5. Bake the Pecans
Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 1 hour, stirring the nuts every 20 minutes. This ensures even coating and prevents burning.
Tip: Keep an eye on the pecans during the last 10 minutes—sugar can caramelize quickly, and you want a deep golden color without burning.
6. Cool Completely
Remove the pecans from the oven and allow them to cool completely on the baking sheet. As they cool, the glaze will harden, giving you that satisfying crunchy texture.
7. Store Properly
Transfer the cooled Gingersnap Pecans to an airtight container. They will keep at room temperature for several weeks, making them perfect for snacking or gifting.
Cooking Tips & Variations
- Sweetness & Spice Adjustment: Adjust brown sugar or spices according to your preference. Add a pinch of nutmeg for an extra holiday aroma.
- Nut Variations: Swap pecans with walnuts, almonds, or a mix of nuts for different textures and flavors.
- Gluten-Free & Vegan Friendly: This recipe is naturally gluten-free and vegan. Just ensure your sugar is vegan-certified if needed.
- Serving Ideas: Sprinkle over salads, oatmeal, or ice cream. They also make a beautiful holiday gift in decorative jars or tins.
Storage & Serving Suggestions
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 weeks. For longer storage, pecans can be refrigerated or frozen.
- Serving: Serve as a snack on their own, add to charcuterie boards, or chop and sprinkle over desserts like pies, cakes, or ice cream sundaes for added crunch and spice.
Gingersnap Pecans are a simple yet elegant way to elevate plain nuts into a sweet, spicy, and crunchy treat. Perfect for holidays, gifting, or simply indulging at home, these pecans bring warmth and flavor to any occasion. With their aromatic spices and caramelized glaze, every bite is a delightful mix of texture and taste. Once you try this recipe, these pecans are sure to become a pantry favorite for both everyday snacking and special celebrations.
FAQs
1. Can I make Gingersnap Pecans ahead of time?
Yes! They store well in an airtight container for several weeks and make a great make-ahead snack or gift.
2. Can I use different nuts?
Absolutely! Walnuts, almonds, or cashews work wonderfully with this spiced glaze.
3. How do I keep them crunchy?
Cool completely on the baking sheet and store in a tightly sealed container to maintain their crisp texture.
4. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just make sure to spread them in a single layer on multiple baking sheets for even baking.
5. Are they vegan-friendly?
Yes, as written this recipe is vegan-friendly and gluten-free.
Gingersnap Pecans are a sweet, spiced, crunchy treat perfect for snacking, desserts, or gifts. Easy to make with warming spices and caramelized sugar glaze.
