Honey Roasted Pecans with Cinnamon

Why You’ll Love Honey Roasted Pecans with Cinnamon Recipe

• It’s quick and simple — you’ll have something delicious in minutes.

• The combination of warm honey and roasted pecans creates an irresistible crunchy texture.

• The sweet‑and‑salty flavor profile works beautifully whether you serve them on their own, toss them into salads or package them as a thoughtful gift.

• You’ll feel good about serving something homemade instead of store‑bought.

• You can easily tweak it (for example add cinnamon or other spices) to match your mood or the occasion.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Pecan halves

• Honey, warmed slightly

• Cinnamon (optional)

• Salt

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to about 325 °F (approximately 163 °C).

2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or use a silicone baking mat for easier cleanup.

3. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the pecan halves, warmed honey and, if using, the cinnamon. Stir until the pecans are evenly coated. Add the salt and toss again to ensure good distribution.

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

5. Bake in the preheated oven for about 6 minutes, then stir or turn the pecans to ensure even roasting. Return to the oven and bake for another 5‑8 minutes (timing will vary depending on your oven and the size of the pecans) until they are lightly toasted and fragrant. Be careful not to burn them.

6. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for at least 10 minutes before serving or storing. The cooling time helps the honey glaze set and the pecans become crisp.

Servings and timing

Makes about 2 cups of honey roasted pecans.
Prep time: ~5 minutes
Bake/cook time: ~11‑14 minutes (6 minutes + 5‑8 minutes)
Cooling time: ~10 minutes
Total time: approximately 20‑25 minutes

Variations

• Add a pinch of cayenne or black pepper for a sweet‑and‑spicy twist.

• Use maple syrup instead of honey for a different flavor note.

• Swap in other nuts (almonds, walnuts) or mix pecans with other nuts.

• Add chopped dried fruit (cranberries, cherries) once the nuts have cooled for a trail‑mix style treat.

• Use different spices — for example ground ginger, nutmeg or cardamom — to customize the flavor profile.

Storage/Reheating

Store the cooled honey roasted pecans in an airtight container at room temperature in a cool, dry place. They’ll stay crisp and fresh for up to a couple of weeks. If your climate is warm or humid, you might store them in the refrigerator to maintain crunch. To refresh their crispness, you can spread them on a baking sheet and warm them in a low oven (around 250 °F / 120 °C) for a few minutes, then cool again.

FAQs

1. How do I prevent the pecans from burning?

Ensure you use the correct oven temperature (around 325 °F / 163 °C) and keep a close eye on the nuts during the last few minutes of baking. Smaller or thinner pecan pieces will roast faster — stir mid‑way through to promote even roasting.

2. Can I use raw pecans or do they need to be pre‑roasted?

You can start with raw (unroasted) pecans. The baking step will roast them as well as set the honey glaze. If you already have roasted pecans, you may reduce the baking time slightly.

3. What if the honey glaze is too sticky after baking?

Let the pecans cool completely; as they cool the glaze will firm up and become crisp rather than sticky. If some pieces are clumped, gently separate them with a fork while still slightly warm. Avoid storing in humid conditions, which can cause stickiness.

4. Can I add sugar (white or brown) to the glaze?

Yes — some recipes include sugar (white or brown) and even egg‑white or vanilla to help coat the nuts. That said, this version keeps things simple with just honey (and optionally cinnamon and salt). If you add sugar, you may need to adjust bake time and expect a more candied texture.

5. Are these nuts suitable for gifting?

Absolutely. Once cooled, package them in a decorative jar or bag, tie with ribbon, and include a “Best by” note. They make excellent homemade gifts for holidays or special occasions.

6. Can I use an air fryer instead of the oven?

Yes — some home cooks have adapted roasting nuts to the air fryer. You’ll need to reduce the time and monitor frequently since air fryers heat fast and differently. Spread the coated nuts in a single layer and roast at around 300‑325 °F (150‑163 °C) for a shorter period, stirring once or twice.

7. Are these gluten‑free and vegetarian?

Yes — pecans, honey, cinnamon (optional) and salt are naturally gluten‑free and vegetarian. Just ensure any additional ingredients you use (e.g., flavored salts or spices) are certified gluten‑free if you are very sensitive.

8. Can I scale the recipe up or down easily?

Yes — this recipe scales very well. Just maintain the ratio of pecans to honey (and any optional spices) and adjust your baking sheet size and bake time as needed. Ensure you still spread in a single layer and stir halfway for even roasting.

9. How can I use these pecans besides snacking?

They’re great sprinkled over salads (especially ones with apples, blue cheese, or dried cranberries), used as a topping for ice cream or yogurt, folded into granola or trail mix, or even served alongside a cheese board. They also make a crunchy garnish for baked desserts.

10. How long will they keep their crunch?

Stored properly in an airtight container, at a cool room temperature, they’ll stay crunchy for about 1–2 weeks. If they soften or lose crispness, you can refresh them in a low oven for a few minutes until crisp again.

Conclusion

These honey roasted pecans with cinnamon offer a simple yet delicious way to elevate raw pecans into a snack or topping that’s sweet, crunchy and satisfying. With minimal ingredients and hands‑on time, you’ll have something special ready in under half an hour. Whether you serve them for yourself, share them with friends or give them as a gift, they’re sure to impress.