Crunchy Chili and Brown Sugar Pecans
Sweet, spicy, and irresistibly crunchy, these Chili and Brown Sugar Pecans are the ultimate snack upgrade or gourmet topping for your favorite dishes. Coated in a luscious mix of melted butter, light brown sugar, and vanilla, with a zesty kick from chili powder and cayenne pepper, these pecans strike the perfect balance between sweet heat and warm spice. Finished with a hint of cinnamon and a sprinkle of kosher salt, each bite offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures. Ready in just 25 minutes, these roasted pecans make a show-stopping addition to charcuterie boards, salads, or desserts—or can be enjoyed straight out of the container! Perfect for holiday treats, parties, or as an indulgent snack, this recipe is quick, versatile, and addictively delicious.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups pecan halves
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over low heat. Stir in the brown sugar, chili powder, ground cinnamon, cayenne pepper, and kosher salt until combined and smooth.
Add the vanilla extract to the mixture and stir briefly. Immediately toss in the pecan halves and stir to coat them evenly with the sugar and spice mixture.
Spread the coated pecans in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake the pecans in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, stirring halfway through to prevent burning and ensure even toasting.
Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the pecans cool completely on the parchment paper. They will crisp up as they cool.
Once cooled, transfer the pecans to an airtight container and store for up to one week. Enjoy as a snack, or use them as a topping for salads or desserts.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
323 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 30.5 g | 39% | |
| Saturated Fat | 4.9 g | 24% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 10 mg | 3% | |
| Sodium | 59 mg | 3% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 12.3 g | 4% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.3 g | 15% | |
| Total Sugars | 7.7 g | ||
| Protein | 4.1 g | 8% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 33 mg | 3% | |
| Iron | 1.1 mg | 6% | |
| Potassium | 168 mg | 4% | |
*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.
