Cocktail Orange Pecans
Elevate your snack game with these irresistible Cocktail Orange Pecans, a sweet and savory recipe bursting with zesty citrus flair and a hint of spice. Fresh pecan halves are coated in a luscious mixture of melted butter, fragrant orange zest, and fresh-squeezed juice, then sprinkled with light brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and a touch of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick. Toasted to perfection in the oven, these candied pecans boast a golden caramelized exterior and a tantalizing aroma that will have everyone reaching for more. Perfect for holiday gatherings, cocktail parties, or as a thoughtful edible gift, these gourmet-style pecans are easy to make with just 10 minutes of prep time. Whether served alongside a cheese board or enjoyed straight from the jar, these flavorful nuts are a crowd-pleasing treat you’ll want to make again and again. Keywords: cocktail orange pecans, candied pecans, orange zest pecans, spiced pecans recipe, sweet and spicy pecans.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups raw pecan halves
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 2 teaspoons fresh orange juice
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 0.5 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 0.25 teaspoons salt
- 0.125 teaspoons cayenne pepper
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, stir in the orange zest, orange juice, and light brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and sugar is dissolved.
Add the ground cinnamon, salt, and cayenne pepper into the butter mixture, stirring until well combined.
Remove the saucepan from heat and toss the pecan halves into the mixture. Stir until the pecans are evenly coated with the buttery orange mixture.
Spread the coated pecans in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet to ensure even baking.
Bake the pecans in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until they are toasted and fragrant. Keep a close watch to prevent burning.
Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the pecans cool completely on the tray. The coating will harden as they cool.
Once cooled, transfer the Cocktail Orange Pecans to an airtight container for storage. They can be kept at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1884 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 184.4 g | 236% | |
| Saturated Fat | 28.4 g | 142% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 62 mg | 21% | |
| Sodium | 600 mg | 26% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 61.7 g | 22% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 26.3 g | 94% | |
| Total Sugars | 34.4 g | ||
| Protein | 24.6 g | 49% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 206 mg | 16% | |
| Iron | 6.0 mg | 33% | |
| Potassium | 1027 mg | 22% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
