Simple roasted, maple-sweetened spiced pecans with a dusting of cinnamon and a hint of vanilla—perfect as a snack, holiday treat, salad topper, or thoughtful homemade gift.
Pecans are my favorite nut. I toss them on salads, stir them into oats, add them to baked treats, and swap them in recipes that call for walnuts. If there’s a bowl of mixed nuts, you’ll find me picking out every pecan—guilty as charged.
These maple vanilla roasted spiced pecans are my go-to for the holidays and beyond. They’re delicious to snack on, lovely to receive, and make easy, attractive gifts.
Why You Will Love These Maple Spiced Pecans:
- Quick prep: Just mix and spread the pecans—about 5 minutes of hands-on time, then bake.
- Lasts well: Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these keep for several weeks, making them great for make-ahead gifting or parties.
- Great as a gift: Pack in mason jars with a bow for a charming homemade present.
- Perfect party snack: They work beautifully on charcuterie boards or served in a bowl with other nibbles.
What you will need to make this Maple Vanilla Spiced Pecans Recipe:
- Pecans: Use raw pecan halves or pieces. Buying in bulk or on sale helps with cost.
- Maple syrup: Use real 100% maple syrup for the best flavor; honey can be substituted if needed.
- Vanilla: Pure vanilla extract adds warm depth; vanilla bean powder can be used for a stronger vanilla note.
- Coconut oil: Melted coconut oil works well and adds a subtle sweetness. Use refined coconut oil if you prefer no coconut flavor, or substitute a neutral oil.
- Cinnamon: Any cinnamon will do—Ceylon or common cassia both work.
- Sea salt: A pinch of sea salt brightens the flavors; omit if you prefer.
Recipe Notes:
- The maple syrup can pool and then crisp on the pecans as they cool. If you prefer less sticky candying, lift the pecans from the bowl with a slotted spoon to drain a bit of excess syrup before baking.
- Let the pecans cool completely on the pan if you want crunchy clusters; they firm up as they cool.
- Feel free to experiment with spices—add a pinch of nutmeg, a little ginger, pumpkin pie spice, or cardamom to vary the flavor.
- These pecans are versatile: enjoy them by the handful or use them on oatmeal, ice cream, salads, sweet rolls, and more.
Other Holiday Recipes:
- NUTELLA STUFFED RITZ CRACKER COOKIES
- ONE BOWL SMALL BATCH CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES
- CHRISTMAS GOLDEN OREO TRUFFLES
- SNICKERDOODLE CHEESECAKE STUFFED CRESCENT WREATH
- DARK CHOCOLATE CANDY CANE PRETZEL BARK
- DARK CHOCOLATE PEPPERMINT PUPPY CHOW
- INDIVIDUAL CRANBERRY ORANGE CRISPS
- NUTELLA CRUMBLE BARS
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Maple Vanilla Spiced Pecans
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups raw pecans
- 2–3 T 100% pure maple syrup (or honey)
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 T coconut oil, melted
- 1 1/2 T cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
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In a bowl, combine pecans, maple syrup, vanilla, and melted coconut oil. Stir until the pecans are evenly coated.
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Add the cinnamon and sea salt, stirring to coat the pecans evenly.
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Spread the coated pecans in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
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Bake for about 25 minutes, stirring once or twice if desired for even toasting.
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Let the pecans cool completely on the baking sheet so they crisp up. Store in an airtight container.
Notes
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 9 g,
Protein: 3 g,
Fat: 24 g,
Sugar: 4 g
Nutrition information is an approximation.
Recipe originally posted in February 2015. Updated December 2019 to add detail and notes.