Sweet & Irresistible Slow Cooker Candied Cinnamon Pecans : The Ultimate Easy Holiday Treat

Few aromas can rival the warm, inviting scent of cinnamon and sugar wafting through your kitchen—and when you make Slow Cooker Candied Cinnamon Pecans, you get both the smell and the taste of the holidays. These pecans are perfectly coated in a sweet, spiced mixture, then slow-cooked to a crunchy, caramelized perfection.

Whether you call them crockpot sugared pecans, crockpot candies, or brown sugar pecans, this recipe is a must-have in your snack and gift-giving rotation. It’s a “set it and forget it” recipe that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. Plus, they’re perfect for holiday gatherings, snack tables, or packaging in pretty jars for homemade gifts.

If you’ve ever wished you could make something festive and delicious without babysitting the oven, this recipe will quickly become one of your favorites.

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Why You’ll Love These Slow Cooker Candied Cinnamon Pecans

Here’s why these cinnamon sugar pecans crockpot style will win you over:

• Effortless cooking – The slow cooker does the work, no constant stirring required.
• Crowd-pleasing flavor – Sweet, nutty, and spiced in every bite.
• Make-ahead friendly – Stays fresh for days, perfect for prep before events.
• Multi-purpose snack – Great for munching, salads, and topping desserts.
• Gift-worthy – Perfect for edible holiday presents in mason jars or bags.

They’re the perfect addition to a festive snack board alongside pumpkin fluff dip or apple pie dip with cinnamon sugar chips.

Ingredients You’ll Need (with Quantities)

For a standard batch, you’ll need:

• 1 pound (about 4 cups) pecan halves
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 2 large egg whites
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup water

How to Make Slow Cooker Candied Cinnamon Pecans Step-by-Step

1. Prep the Pecans
   Place the pecan halves in a large mixing bowl and set aside.
2. Mix the Sugar and Spice
   In a separate bowl, combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Stir until evenly mixed.
3. Coat with Egg Whites
   In another bowl, whisk egg whites and vanilla extract until frothy. Pour over pecans and toss until they’re evenly coated.
4. Add the Sugar Mix
   Sprinkle the sugar mixture over the coated pecans. Toss until every pecan is well covered in cinnamon sugar.
5. Load the Slow Cooker
   Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker. Add pecans and spread evenly.
6. Slow Cook and Stir
   Cook on low for 3 hours, stirring every 45 minutes. On the last stir, add the water to help create that perfect candy coating.
7. Cool and Store
   Spread pecans onto parchment paper in a single layer to cool completely before storing.

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Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

• Slow cooker (4–6 quart recommended)
• Large mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Parchment paper for cooling
• Airtight containers or jars for storage

A good slow cooker makes this process nearly foolproof—just like with our creamy crockpot chicken gnocchi soup.

The Secret to Perfectly Coated Cinnamon Sugar Pecans

The key to crisp, even coating is the egg white step. Whipping them until frothy helps the cinnamon sugar adhere evenly, and the water added near the end creates a glossy, crunchy shell.

Pro tip: Stir gently but thoroughly every 45 minutes—this prevents clumping and keeps the coating from burning on the edges of the slow cooker.

Flavored Pecans Variations You Can Try

These flavored pecans can easily be adapted to suit your taste:

• Maple pecans – Replace some sugar with maple syrup for a rich, earthy sweetness.
• Pumpkin spice pecans – Add nutmeg, cloves, and ginger.
• Chocolate cinnamon pecans – Add cocoa powder to the sugar mix.
• Vanilla bean pecans – Use vanilla bean paste instead of extract.
• Savory rosemary pecans – Reduce sugar, add rosemary and sea salt.

How to Store and Keep Pecans Fresh

• Room Temperature – Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Refrigerator – Keeps for up to 3 weeks.
• Freezer – Store for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe bag or container.

Always cool completely before sealing to avoid trapping moisture.

How to Use Candied Pecans Beyond Snacking

• Salad topping – Perfect on spinach salad with goat cheese and cranberries.
• Baked goods – Stir into muffin or bread batter.
• Dessert garnish – Sprinkle over ice cream, pumpkin brownies, or yogurt.
• Charcuterie boards – Adds sweetness to a cheese spread.
• Gift jars – Dress up in mason jars with ribbon for holiday presents.

Brown Sugar Pecans vs. White Sugar Pecans: Flavor Differences

• Brown sugar – Deeper caramel notes, slightly softer crunch.
• White sugar – Brighter sweetness, crispier shell.
  This recipe uses both to get the best of both worlds.

Crockpot Candies and Other Sweet Slow Cooker Treats

If you love easy sweets from your slow cooker, try:

• Slow cooker peanut clusters – Perfect for candy platters.
• Crockpot caramel sauce – Drizzle over cakes or pies.
• Hot chocolate in the crockpot – Great for parties.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Crockpot Sugared Pecans

• Cooking on high heat – Will burn the sugar coating. Always use low.
• Skipping the last water stir – Results in a sandy texture instead of a glossy candy shell.
• Overcrowding the crockpot – Leads to uneven cooking.
• Not stirring regularly – Causes clumps and burnt spots.

Slow Cooker Candied Pecans as Homemade Gifts

These pecans are ideal for holiday gifting. Package in:

• Mason jars with holiday ribbon.
• Decorative tins.
• Clear treat bags with custom tags.

Add them to a holiday dessert platter for a festive touch.

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FAQs About Cinnamon Sugar Pecans Crockpot Style

Can I use almonds or walnuts?
Yes, but cooking times may vary slightly.

Do I have to use both brown and white sugar?
No, but the flavor is richer with both.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but use a larger crockpot and stir more frequently.

Will the coating stay crunchy?
Yes, as long as you cool completely before storing.

Final Thoughts: Your New Go-To Holiday Snack Recipe

These Slow Cooker Candied Cinnamon Pecans are sweet, spiced, and endlessly snackable. They fill your home with the scent of cinnamon, taste like the holidays, and work just as well for casual snacking as they do for gifting.

Whether you call them crockpot candied pecans, crockpot sugared pecans, or simply your new favorite treat, this recipe is one you’ll come back to again and again.

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