'Holiday Crunch Pecans' are a seasonal must for us. With just 5 ingredients, they make the whole house smell like Christmas!

Passing down recipes in our family has always been a tradition, much like the generations of trees that stretch across our Midwest farm. Cinnamon sugar pecans bring back memories of holidays past, when the sweet, spiced aroma would fill Grandma’s kitchen, signaling the festive season. These delightful treats are perfect for nibbling while friends and family gather to share stories. Making them is a way to capture a bit of that warmth and make new memories.

These cinnamon sugar pecans add the perfect crunch to your holiday dessert table, but they are also wonderful served with a cheese board alongside sharp cheddar and creamy brie. Pair them with a bowl of warm, hearty soup or sprinkle them over a simple green salad for a touch of sweetness. They also make excellent homemade gifts, lovingly wrapped in mason jars and gifted with a bit of ribbon.

Servings: 8 servings

1 pound of pecans
1 egg white
1 tablespoon of water
1 cup of granulated sugar
1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon

Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk the egg white and water until foamy but not stiff.

Add the pecans to the bowl and stir until they are well-coated in the egg white mixture.

In a separate bowl, combine the sugar and cinnamon.

Pour the cinnamon sugar over the pecans and toss until they are evenly coated.

Spread the pecans in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.

Bake for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes, until the pecans are crisp and the coating is dry.

Allow to cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring to an airtight container.

For a touch of heat, add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the cinnamon sugar mix. You can also try swapping out pecans for walnuts or almonds if you prefer different nuts. Adding a splash of vanilla extract to the egg white mixture adds a lovely depth of flavor. For a more caramelized coating, consider using a half cup of brown sugar in place of white.