Crunchy Cinnamon Praline Pecans

5 from 3 votes

Crunchy Cinnamon Praline Pecans

Crunchy Cinnamon Praline Pecans are sweet, crisp, and irresistibly delicious. They're perfect for holiday snacking or easy edible Christmas gifts for family, friends, and coworkers.

Prep Time5

Cook Time25

Total Time30

Course: Appetizer, Chrismas, Snack

Cuisine: American

Servings: servings

Calories: 355kcal

Author: Chula King

Equipment

Half-sheet pan lined with nonstick aluminum foil
medium bowl
Silicone spoon or spatula
Clear cone-shaped cellophane bags
Small rubber bands
Decorative ribbon or twine
Gift label, homemade or store-bought

Ingredients

½ cup (3.75 ounces) light brown sugar, packed
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (See Tip 1)
¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
¼ cup (2 ounces) heavy cream
2 cups (8 ounces) pecan halves (See Tip 2)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a rimmed half-sheet pan with nonstick aluminum foil. Set aside.
Add the brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and cream to a medium bowl. Stir with a silicone or wooden spoon until smooth and glossy.
Add the pecan halves. Stir until the pecans are thoroughly coated.
Transfer to the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated 350°F oven for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring after 10 minutes, until the coating is dry and slightly crystalized. (See Tip 3)
Remove from the oven; stir one last time and allow to cool completely on the baking sheet.
Store in an airtight container for up to a week, or package for holiday gifts. (See Tip 4)
Yield: 6 servings.

Video

Notes

Use fresh cinnamon. Cinnamon’s volatile oils, which carry its flavor and aroma, dissipate surprisingly fast once opened. Even though the cinnamon might look fine, old cinnamon can lose 70–80% of its potency within a year of opening.
I purchased the pecan halves from Sam's. A 2-pound bag costs $12.98, and the pecan halves are as good as those from a specialty store that cost three times as much.
Different ovens require different times. For my oven, I consistently cook the pecans for the full 25 minutes to ensure that they are crispy, crunchy, and toasted. However, check after 20 minutes.
The coating on the pecans is hygroscopic, meaning it attracts moisture. An airtight container is a must if you want to maintain the pecan's crunchiness.

Nutrition