Sweet and Spicy Pecans
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 20 minutes mins
Total Time 30 minutes mins
- 1 1/2 pounds pecan halves
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar, plus more as needed
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon sea salt, plus more as needed
Preheat oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit.
Place the pecan halves in a mixing bowl.
In a small saute pan, over low heat, melt the butter and stir in the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon of the cayenne pepper, and 1 teaspoon salt. Stir to combine.
Once the sugar is dissolved, 1 to 2 minutes, remove the mixture from the heat.
Spread the seasoned pecans evenly on a large rimmed baking sheet and bake for 20 - 22 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes, Take pan out of oven every 5 minutes and shake to even out the pecans on the pan before returning them to the oven.
When the pecans are done they will be dark golden brown and aromatic.
After removing pecans from the oven, sprinkle the remaining 1/4 teaspoon cayenne atop them and add more salt and sugar, if desired.
Cool the seasoned pecans on a paper towel lined baking sheet.
Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week at room temperature of up to 1 month in the freezer.
