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Let me tell you about my favorite holiday season recipe - stovetop maple candied pecans. I stumbled upon this delicious treat years ago when searching for an easy homemade gift idea. The aroma of maple and cinnamon fills up the whole house while they're cooking and everyone who tries them begs for the recipe. Best of all they only take 20 minutes to make.
Why These Are Always in My Kitchen
Here's why I keep coming back to this recipe again and again. First they're incredibly quick to make perfect for those last minute holiday gifts or unexpected guests. I love that they're naturally sweetened with pure maple syrup no refined sugar needed. You can use any nuts you have on hand pecans are my favorite but I've made them with almonds cashews even mixed nuts. They make the most thoughtful homemade gifts just pop them in a pretty jar tie on a ribbon and you're done. Plus they're amazing on everything from ice cream to salads or just straight out of the jar.
Let's Gather Our Ingredients
Before we start grab these simple ingredients:
- 4 cups pecan halves or any nuts you love
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup the real stuff makes all the difference
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 tablespoons cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
Trust me on using real maple syrup it creates this incredible caramelized coating that artificial syrup just can't match.
Kitchen Tools You'll Need
You won't need any fancy equipment for this recipe. Just grab a medium sized skillet I use my trusty cast iron one. You'll want a wooden spoon or spatula for stirring some parchment paper for cooling and an airtight container for storage if they last that long in your house.
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Let's Make Some Magic
Start by warming your maple syrup vanilla and salt in the skillet over medium heat. Once it's warm add your nuts and stir them around to coat every piece. Sprinkle in the cinnamon and keep stirring. The mixture will start to bubble that's exactly what you want. Keep stirring for about 5 to 7 minutes until the syrup gets thick and sticky and coats the nuts completely. You'll know they're done when there's hardly any liquid left in the pan.
Transfer them to some parchment paper and spread them out to cool. I like sprinkling a little extra cinnamon sugar over them while they're still warm. They'll crisp up as they cool and become absolutely irresistible.
My Best Tips
Here's what I've learned from making countless batches. Don't stop stirring or the nuts can burn and that's a sad waste of good maple syrup. Make sure to cook them until all the syrup is absorbed or they'll end up sticky instead of crispy. Feel free to skip the cinnamon if you want just the pure maple flavor my husband actually prefers them that way.
Ways to Enjoy Your Creation
These nuts are so versatile you'll find yourself sprinkling them on everything. I love them on my morning yogurt or tossed into salads. They're amazing on vanilla ice cream the warm spices with the cold cream is heaven. During the holidays I add them to my cheese boards they disappear faster than the cheese. And honestly they're perfect just for snacking straight from the jar.
Keeping Them Fresh
Store your cooled nuts in an airtight container they'll stay fresh and crunchy for about two weeks. If you want to make them ahead for gifts they freeze beautifully for up to two months. Just thaw them at room temperature when you're ready to use them.
Common Questions From My Kitchen
I get asked all the time about substituting honey for maple syrup. Yes you can but watch the heat carefully honey burns more easily. If your nuts turn out sticky they probably needed a bit more time in the pan. And yes you can absolutely double or triple this recipe just use a bigger pan so the nuts have room to get evenly coated.
Final Sweet Thoughts
These maple candied nuts have become such a tradition in my kitchen. They're my go to for holiday gifts hostess presents or just because treats. The combination of maple cinnamon and toasted nuts never fails to bring smiles. Give them a try and I bet they'll become a tradition in your kitchen too.
More Sweet Ideas
If you enjoy these nuts you might also love my sugar cookie cheesecake or Italian anise cookies. During winter I make the cutest polar bear cookies that everyone adores. There's something special about homemade treats that just makes the holidays feel more magical.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why stir constantly?
Constant stirring prevents nuts from burning and helps syrup coat evenly. The syrup can burn quickly if left unstirred.
- → Can I use different nuts?
Any raw nuts work well including cashews, almonds, or mixed nuts. Just keep total amount the same for proper coating.
- → How do I know when they're done?
No liquid should remain in pan and nuts will look glossy. They'll crisp up more as they cool.
- → Why line surface with parchment?
Prevents nuts from sticking as they cool and makes cleanup easier. They can stick badly to unlined surfaces.
- → Can I add different spices?
Try nutmeg, cardamom, or pumpkin pie spice instead of cinnamon. You can also make plain with just maple syrup.
Conclusion
These quick candied nuts combine pure maple syrup with warm cinnamon for a naturally sweetened treat. Ready in just 20 minutes on the stovetop.