Cinnamon Candied Pecans and Almonds

Nov 3, 2026 · By VanillaGoods

Dessert Candy confections Vanilla: Extract Easy

Nuts tossed in a bubbling sugar syrup until it crystallizes into a crisp, sweet shell. Makes 8 servings in about 35 minutes.

Prep 5 min

Cook 10 min

Cooling 20 min

Total 35 min

Servings 8

Diet Gluten free, Vegan

Ingredients

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servings

1 ½ cups (150 g)raw pecan halves
1 ¼ cups (150 g)whole almonds
¾ cup (150 g)sugar
¼ cup (60 ml)water
1 ¼ tsp (3 g)ground cinnamon
¼ tsp (2 g)fine salt
1 tsp (5 ml)vanilla extract

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Instructions

Line a baking sheet with parchment.
Combine the sugar, water, cinnamon and salt in a large skillet over medium heat and stir until the sugar dissolves.
Add the nuts and stir constantly as the syrup boils down, about 4 to 6 minutes.
When the liquid is gone and the sugar turns sandy and then melts to a light amber glaze, remove from the heat.
Stir in the vanilla, which will sizzle, and pour onto the sheet.
Separate the nuts with two forks and let cool 20 minutes until crisp.

Tips

Keep stirring so the sugar doesn't burn.
Work fast when separating; the glaze sets quickly.
Use a wide pan so the water evaporates evenly.
Hot sugar causes severe burns; keep children away and do not touch the glaze until cool.

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Recipe FAQ

How long does it take to make cinnamon candied pecans and almonds?

Plan on 5 minutes of prep and 10 minutes of cooking, plus 20 minutes to chill. The recipe makes 8 servings.

How should I store cinnamon candied pecans and almonds?

Store airtight at room temperature up to 2 weeks.

Can I make cinnamon candied pecans and almonds ahead?

It is at its best the day it is made; prepare it a few hours before serving.

Can I use a different form of vanilla?

Yes. This recipe uses 1 tsp vanilla extract (5 ml). Each teaspoon of pure vanilla extract can be swapped for 1 teaspoon of vanilla bean paste, the seeds of half a vanilla bean, or 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla powder. Paste and seeds add the classic dark specks.

Is this recipe vegan?

Yes, as written. Check that packaged ingredients such as chocolate, sprinkles and plant butter are labeled vegan.

Serve it with hot cider.

Estimated · per serving

Nutrition

Per serving = 1 of 8 servings this recipe makes.

313 Calories / serving

22.9g Fat

25.8g Carbs

5.7g Protein

20.4g Sugar

Whole recipe (8 servings): ~2504 cal · 183g fat · 206g carbs · 46g protein · 163g sugar

Estimated values per serving, calculated from standard ingredient data. Not verified Nutrition Facts; actual values vary with brands, measurements, and preparation.