Description
These Gingersnap Pecans are a delightful blend of crunchy toasted nuts and warm holiday spices. With the comforting flavors of ginger, cinnamon, and brown sugar, they’re the perfect homemade treat for snacking, gifting, or adding to salads and desserts. Simple to make, irresistibly delicious, and full of cozy aroma, this recipe turns everyday pecans into a festive favorite.
Ingredients
3 cups (about 12 ounces) pecan halves
1 large egg white
1 tablespoon water
¼ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground ginger
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
⅛ teaspoon nutmeg
⅛ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
1 tablespoon finely crushed gingersnap cookies (optional, for extra crunch)
Tip: Use fresh pecans for the best flavor and texture.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Whisk the Egg White
In a large bowl, whisk together egg white and water until frothy. This helps the sugar and spices stick to the nuts.
Step 3: Coat the Pecans
Add pecan halves to the bowl. Stir gently until all nuts are evenly coated.
Step 4: Mix the Spices
In another bowl, combine brown sugar, granulated sugar, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. Stir well.
Step 5: Combine
Sprinkle the spice mixture over the pecans and toss until evenly coated. Add vanilla extract if using and mix again.
Step 6: Optional Gingersnap Crunch
Add crushed gingersnap cookies for extra flavor and texture. Toss lightly.
Step 7: Bake
Spread the coated pecans in a single layer on the baking sheet. Bake for 25–30 minutes, stirring halfway through to prevent burning or clumping.
Step 8: Cool and Store
Remove from oven and cool completely on the baking sheet. The coating will harden as they cool, creating a crisp, sweet shell. Store or serve once cooled.
Notes
Watch closely near the end of baking to avoid over-caramelization.
Cool completely before storing to maintain crunch.
Double the recipe—these disappear fast!
For a vegan version, replace egg white with 2 tablespoons aquafaba (liquid from canned chickpeas).
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Snack / Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ¼ cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 45 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 2.5 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: gingersnap pecans, spiced pecans, candied pecans with ginger, holiday nut recipe, sweet and spicy pecans, roasted pecans, Christmas snack