Discover the irresistible charm of homemade Gingersnap Pecans. These candied nuts bring together the warmth of festive spices with the satisfying crunch of pecans. Our easy and quick recipe ensures you can create this delightful treat for any occasion. These Gingersnap Pecans are perfect for snacking, sharing, or gifting to loved ones. Get ready to fill your home with a wonderful aroma and enjoy a truly special snack.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Gingersnap Pecans
- Irresistible Flavor: These Gingersnap Pecans capture the essence of warm, festive spices like ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and rich molasses for a truly comforting taste.
- Crispy Texture: Each pecan boasts a perfectly candied coating, delivering a satisfying and addictive crunch with every bite.
- Effortless Preparation: You will appreciate the minimal hands-on time this recipe requires, making it ideal for busy schedules.
- Versatile Treat: Enjoy them as a standalone snack, include them on a charcuterie board, or give them as a thoughtful homemade gift.
- Holiday Essential: Their festive aroma and joyful indulgence make them a must-have during the holiday season or any special gathering.
Ingredients for Gingersnap Pecans
Gather your simple ingredients to create these delightful Gingersnap Pecans. We focus on quality for the best flavor.
- 2 lbs pecans (between 4-6 cups depending on size)
- 2 teaspoons molasses
- 2 cups light brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper
- 1/4 cup water
Notes & Substitutions
You need raw pecans for this recipe; they absorb the coating best. You can substitute walnuts or almonds if you prefer, but cooking times might vary slightly. Molasses is key to the authentic gingersnap flavor. If you must, substitute dark Karo syrup or maple syrup, but expect a different taste profile. Light brown sugar gives a balanced sweetness. Feel free to use dark brown sugar for a richer, deeper flavor, or granulated sugar for a less intense sweetness. Ensure your ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and white pepper are fresh for the best spice kick. For a paleo alternative, replace brown sugar with coconut sugar or palm sugar, and use maple syrup instead of molasses.
Equipment Needed
Making these candied nuts requires just a few basic kitchen tools. You will need a standard baking sheet to spread out your pecans. A silicone baking mat or non-stick foil is essential to prevent sticking. A large mixing bowl will hold all your ingredients. Finally, a spatula helps with stirring and coating the pecans.
How to Make Gingersnap Pecans
Learning how to make perfect Gingersnap Pecans is straightforward with these easy steps. Follow along for a delicious result.
- Step 1: First, preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C). This low temperature allows the pecans to candy slowly without burning.
- Step 2: Next, prepare your baking sheet. Place a silicone baking mat on it, or line it with a layer of non-stick foil. If using foil, spray it lightly with non-stick spray for extra protection.
- Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, combine the molasses, brown sugar, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, ground white pepper, and water.
- Step 4: Stir these ingredients together until they are well incorporated. The mixture should be a smooth, runny paste. Make sure no lumps of brown sugar remain.
- Step 5: Add your raw pecans to the spice mixture. Toss them thoroughly until every pecan is evenly coated. This step can be a little messy, but it is worth it for delicious Gingersnap Pecans.
- Step 6: Spread the coated pecans in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. Ensure they are not too crowded to allow for even baking.
- Step 7: Bake for 1 hour at 200°F. Stir the pecans gently and re-spread them every 20 minutes to prevent sticking and promote uniform crispiness.
- Step 8: Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Let the Gingersnap Pecans cool completely on the sheet. They will crisp up significantly as they cool.
- Step 9: Once fully cool, break apart any clumps that may have formed. This makes them easier to store and enjoy.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Achieving perfect crispiness in your Gingersnap Pecans requires full baking time and complete cooling. Do not skip the silicone mat or non-stick spray; this prevents the candied coating from sticking stubbornly to the pan. If your nuts feel soft after cooling, extend baking time slightly during the initial bake, or re-bake them at 250°F for 10-15 minutes, then cool again. If the coating remains sticky, a quick re-bake at 250°F for about 10-15 minutes often solves the issue. For a flavor boost, always use fresh, high-quality ground spices. Do not waste any delicious crumbs left on the baking sheet; sprinkle them over ice cream, yogurt, or use them as a pie topping.
Serving, Storage & Variations
Enjoy these Gingersnap Pecans in many delightful ways. Serve them as a simple, satisfying snack. Add them to your morning oatmeal, sprinkle them over salads for a sweet crunch, or use them as a delicious topping for desserts like ice cream or yogurt.
For storage, ensure your Gingersnap Pecans are completely cool before transferring them to an airtight container. They will stay fresh and crunchy at room temperature for up to 2-3 weeks. You can also freeze them in airtight bags for up to 2 months; just re-crisp them in a low oven (250°F for 5-10 minutes) if they lose their crunch after thawing.
Variations
- Different Nuts: Try these Gingersnap Pecans with walnuts, almonds, or cashews for a different texture and flavor profile.
- Extra Spice: Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the spice mixture for even more aromatic depth and warmth.
- Sweetener Swaps: Experiment with maple syrup instead of molasses for a slightly different, lighter sweet note in your candied nuts.
Nutrition Information
Pecans are a good source of healthy fats, fiber, and protein, making them a nutritious snack. These delicious nuts also provide essential minerals like manganese and copper, supporting overall health.
Beyond their delicious taste, ingredients like cinnamon, ginger, and cloves offer various health benefits.
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Serving | 1 |
| Calories | 267 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 19 g |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Fat | 22 g |
| Saturated Fat | 2 g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 7 g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 12 g |
| Sodium | 5 mg |
| Potassium | 153 mg |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 16 g |
| Vitamin A | 17 IU |
| Vitamin C | 0.3 mg |
| Calcium | 36 mg |
| Iron | 1 mg |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Are gingersnap pecans gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe for gingersnap pecans is naturally gluten-free, assuming all your spice blends are pure and free of any hidden gluten. Always check ingredient labels to be sure.
Can I use toasted pecans?
While you can, raw pecans are recommended. They absorb the sugary spice coating better and toast during the baking process, giving you the best flavor and texture.
Why are my candied pecans not crunchy?
The most common reasons are not baking them long enough or not letting them cool completely. Ensure they are fully baked and allow plenty of cooling time for maximum crispiness.
How do I prevent the pecans from clumping?
Stirring the pecans every 20 minutes during baking and spreading them in a single layer helps immensely. Breaking them apart once fully cooled also prevents large clumps.
What are the best ways to gift gingersnap pecans?
Package them in decorative jars, cellophane bags tied with ribbon, or small tins. They make wonderful homemade gifts for holidays or special occasions.
Final Thoughts
You will love the homemade Gingersnap Pecans. This recipe delivers a perfect blend of sweet and spicy flavors with an irresistible crunch. It is incredibly easy to make, even for beginners, and quickly becomes a family favorite. These Gingersnap Pecans offer a perfect sweet and spicy addition to any gathering or a delightful treat for yourself. Try this rewarding recipe today and savor every delicious bite.
The Best Gingersnap Pecans for a Sweet & Spicy Treat
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 200F.
- Prepare a baking pan by lining it with a silicone baking sheet or foil; if using foil, spray it with non-stick spray.
- In a mixing bowl, combine molasses, light brown sugar, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, ground white pepper, and water; stir until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Add the pecans to the bowl and mix well to thoroughly coat them with the spice mixture.
- Spread the coated pecans in a single layer onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 1 hour at 200F, making sure to stir the pecans every 20 minutes for even cooking.
- Once baking is complete, remove the pecans from the oven and allow them to cool completely.
- Store the cooled gingersnap pecans in an airtight container for up to one week.
Notes
High-Protein Nutrition Specialist and Wellness Advocate with over a decade of experience.
My human-first approach blends science-backed guidance with real-life empathy, shaped by my own journey through fatigue and muscle loss. Today, I help people reclaim strength, energy, and confidence through high-protein nutrition that’s both practical and empowering.
- Anne Newgenthttps://goldfoodie.com/author/anne-newgent/
- Anne Newgenthttps://goldfoodie.com/author/anne-newgent/
- Anne Newgenthttps://goldfoodie.com/author/anne-newgent/
- Anne Newgenthttps://goldfoodie.com/author/anne-newgent/
