Pumpkin Spice Candied Pecans are the ultimate taste of fall. They are sweet, crunchy, and warmly spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of pumpkin pie magic. As they bake, your kitchen fills with the cozy scent of caramelized sugar and toasted nuts. These little gems are perfect for snacking, topping salads, or gifting in pretty jars to share the season’s sweetness.

Pumpkin Spice Candied Pecans

If you’re looking for more flavored nut recipes, Curried Maple Pecans and Easy Vanilla Glazed Pecans will help you on your culinary journey.

One bite of these spiced pecans, and you’ll understand why they’re a fall favorite year after year. Making pumpkin spice candied pecans couldn’t be simpler, and the reward is far greater than the effort.

With just a handful of ingredients: pecans, egg white, brown sugar, vanilla extract, salt, and pumpkin pie spice – you can transform ordinary nuts into something truly special.

The key is coating the pecans evenly so each one gets that perfect crisp shell of sweetness. As they roast in the oven, they take on a deep, nutty flavor and a beautiful golden color that practically shouts “fall.” It’s one of those recipes that makes your home smell like a cozy bakery on a cool October morning.

These candied pecans also make the perfect homemade gift. Pack them in glass jars tied with twine, or tuck them into little cellophane bags with a tag that says “Made with love (and a little pumpkin spice).”

They’re a thoughtful treat for teachers, neighbors, or anyone who loves a touch of sweetness in their day. Beyond gifting, they’re incredibly versatile – sprinkle them over roasted sweet potatoes, fold them into muffin batter, or add them to a cheese board for a festive twist.

No matter how you enjoy them, these pumpkin spice candied pecans are a delicious reminder that the best parts of fall are the simple, homemade moments.

Ingredients to Gather

• Pecans – The star of the recipe, pecans bring a buttery crunch that pairs perfectly with fall spices.
• Egg White – Lightly whipped, it helps the sugar and spices cling to every pecan for an even, crisp coating.
• Light Brown Sugar – Deepens the flavor with a touch of molasses richness that complements the pumpkin spice beautifully.
• Vanilla Extract – Adds warmth and rounds out the sweetness with a hint of comforting aroma.
• Kosher Salt – Just a pinch balances the sweetness and enhances every toasty, spiced bite.
• Pumpkin Pie Spice – A cozy blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves that gives these pecans their signature fall flavor.

Creating a Cozy Life Group

Since you found this recipe for pumpkin spice candied pecans, I’m guessing you love all things cozy living. I created a Facebook group called Creating a Cozy Life with over 214,000 like minded souls.

It’s a group where we share recipes, photos of things that leave you in awe, and ideas on how to make your life just a little bit more snug. Join here to be part of the virtual cozy cottage.

I found this amazing recipe in a Southern Living Magazine. I didn’t change a thing.

Ingredients

1 large egg white

1/2 cup light brown sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon kosher salt

3/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

6 cups pecan halves

Directions

1) Preheat oven to 250 degrees.

2) Whisk one large egg white in a large bowl until foamy. Add in light brown sugar, vanilla extract, kosher salt, and pumpkin pie spice and whisk until blended. Stir the pecan halves in the brown sugar mixture until thoroughly coated.

3) Spread the pecans in a single layer on a large, parchment-lined baking sheet lightly coated with cooking spray. Bake for about 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes, until the pecans are golden brown and the sugary coating is set and crisp.

4) Remove from the oven and let the pecans cool completely on the baking sheet for about 30 minutes.

Cooking Tips

• Use fresh pecans – Stale nuts can taste bitter and ruin the final flavor. Make sure your pecans are fresh and not past their prime.
• Whip the egg white well – Beat it until frothy before adding the sugar and spices. Whipping the egg white helps the coating stick evenly to the pecans and creates that crunchy candy shell.
• Don’t crowd the baking sheet – Spread the pecans in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Overcrowding causes them to steam instead of caramelize, which can make them sticky instead of crisp.
• Stir during baking – Stir every 15 minutes so the pecans toast evenly and the coating doesn’t pool. Stirring on a regular basis helps prevent burning and keeps the texture uniform.
• Let them cool completely – Don’t store them until they’re fully cool; otherwise, trapped steam can lead to sogginess.

Storage

To store curried maple pecans, let them cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Keep them at room temperature in a cool, dry spot away from direct sunlight for up to 1 week.

For longer storage, place the container in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks, or freeze for up to 3 months. If freezing, allow the pecans to come to room temperature before serving to regain their crisp texture.

Uses for Pumpkin Pie Spiced Pecans

1. Salad topper – Add crunch and sweet-savory kick to green salads, especially those with apples, goat cheese, or roasted squash.
2. Cheese board favorite – Pair them with sharp cheeses, dried fruit, and charcuterie for a flavorful contrast.
3. Snack on their own – They’re perfect as a quick, protein-rich snack with a gourmet twist.
4. Soup garnish – Sprinkle over creamy soups like butternut squash or carrot ginger for added texture and flavor.
5. Baked into breads – Fold them into savory quick breads or sprinkle on top of cornbread muffins before baking.
6. Gift idea – Package them in jars or tins for a cozy, homemade holiday or hostess gift.
7. Yogurt or oatmeal topping – Add a handful to breakfast bowls for a sweet-spicy crunch.
8. Chopped into grain bowls – Use them in rice or farro bowls for a sweet-spicy crunch.
9. Ice cream mix-in – Crumble them over vanilla or chai-spiced ice cream for a bold dessert upgrade.
10. Holiday party snack mix – Mix with pretzels, dried cranberries, and popcorn for a seasonal snack blend.

Flavored Nuts Toolbox

• If you’re gifting these curried maple nuts, here’s a great set of glass jars to display them in.
• Pick up some clear cellophane bags to package your candied nuts – they’re perfect for showing off that glossy pumpkin spice coating.

Let me know in the comments below if you tried this recipe and what you thought.

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Printable Recipe Card for Pumpkin Spice Candied Pecans with Nutritional Information