A warm tray of honey roasted pecans cooling on the counter fills my kitchen with the sweetest kind of welcome. As they turn golden in the oven, the air carries that cozy, toasty aroma that draws everyone in. I like making these for church gatherings, a cozy night with friends, or as a simple, heartfelt gift from my kitchen. These sweet, crunchy bites are one of my favorite ways to share love, comfort, and a taste of homemade goodness.
Honey Roasted Pecans
This glazed pecans recipe is one of those rare treasures that’s both elegant and effortless. It takes less than 30 minutes to make and uses only basic ingredients. They’re sweet, slightly salty, and perfectly crunchy: a snack that’s as welcome on a salad as it is in a gift jar like this Pecans Glazed with Brown Sugar and Spice (Crispy & Buttery) and Roasted Buttery Pecans: Classic Southern Snack. I also like that they store beautifully, which means you can make a big batch ahead of time and have them ready for guests or gifting. Think of these as your new go-to for stress-free entertaining, simple snacking, or sharing a little homemade kindness.
They’re similar, but honey roasted pecans use honey instead of a sugar syrup, giving them a softer, natural sweetness and lighter glaze.
Ingredient Notes
Here’s a quick overview of the key ingredients for this recipe. For the full list of ingredients and exact measurements, be sure to check the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Pecans: Use fresh, raw pecan halves for the best flavor and texture. Avoid pre-roasted ones so they don’t overcook. If you want to enjoy pecans in dessert form, check out Rich And Nutty Pecan Pie Without Corn Syrup.
- Honey: I like to use local wildflower honey for a rich, floral sweetness. It gives the nuts that beautiful glossy finish. Warm your honey slightly before mixing; it coats the pecans evenly and helps create that irresistible glaze.
- Sugar: Either white or brown sugar works. Brown sugar gives a deeper, caramel-like flavor.
- Cinnamon: Adds a warm, cozy note and turns these into irresistible candied pecans.
- Sea Salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the nutty depth.
If you enjoy sweet and spicy, use my Mike’s Hot Honey Copycat. I’ll show you how to make hot honey to add bold, sweet heat to your pecans.
How To Make Honey Roasted Pecans
Coat Pecans & Roast
In a small microwave-safe bowl, warm the honey for about 20 seconds until it’s slightly runny. Add the pecans to a medium mixing bowl, drizzle with honey, and toss until every piece glistens. It should look shiny and sticky, like little jewels.
Spread the coated pecans in a single layer on your prepared pan. Bake for 6 minutes, stir gently, and spread them out again. Bake another 6 minutes, or until the nuts are golden and your kitchen smells amazing. Keep a close eye so they don’t burn!
Pro Tip: The best way to know they’re ready is by scent; the aroma will turn sweet and nutty when they’re perfectly toasted.
Season and Cool
Let the pecans cool for 4 minutes on the pan. In a small bowl, combine the sugar, salt, and cinnamon. Using a fine sifter, dust the mixture over the warm pecans, then flip and sprinkle the other side. Let them cool completely (about 30 to 45 minutes). The glaze will firm up as they cool, giving you that crisp, sweet coating everyone loves.
Humidity can cause stickiness. Make sure to let them cool fully and store in an airtight container. A quick reheat in the oven can help dry them out. Because you are using natural honey, the sweet coating will be slightly sticky.
Yes! The honey alone provides enough sweetness. The sugar just adds an extra crisp coating and makes them less sticky.
Spoon them into small mason jars, tie a ribbon around the lid, and add a tag that says “Made with love.” These make perfect gift jars of honey pecans for neighbors or teachers.
Variations, Substitutions, and Recipe Tips
Flavor Enhancements: Try a sprinkle of cayenne for a hot-honey twist, or add a drop of vanilla extract for a deeper flavor.
Add-In Options: Mix in almonds or cashews, or toss them into your favorite salad as a topping, like in this Maple Glazed Spinach Arugula Salad With Toasted Pecans and Low Carb Italian Kale Salad, for a satisfying crunch.
Tips for Recipe Success: Don’t skip the cooling time; the glaze sets as they rest, giving the perfect crunch.
Hospitality Challenge
Host a casual game night with two simple bowls of honey roasted pecans and water or sweet tea. You can also set them out next to this Sweet Creamy Pineapple Dip or Firecrackers (Spicy Ranch Snack Crackers); sweet and salty together always win! Place a small card by the snacks that reads, “What is one joy and one stress from your week?” Let conversation be gentle and Gospel shaped, remembering, “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person” (Colossians 4:6, ESV). As the games wind down, ask if anyone would like a short prayer, share in one minute how Jesus has met you with mercy, and invite a curious friend to return for a simple salad-and-pecans lunch to hear more about the hope you have in Christ.
More Delicious Snacks and Bites
- Copycat Gardetto’s Mustard Pretzels Recipe
- Easy Homemade Candied Cashews
- Crunchy And Sweet Cashew Brittle Recipe
- Easy Homemade Jalapeño Popcorn Recipe
- 4-Ingredient No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Clusters
These honey roasted pecans make the perfect roasted pecans snack; sweet, salty, and ready to share. If you have any questions about making this recipe, feel free to ask in the comments below. I’m here to help!
Easy Honey Roasted Pecans
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Ingredients
- 1 pound pecan halves, unroasted ( about 4 cups)
- ⅓ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons white sugar, or brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
Prepare the oven
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
Coat the pecans
- Place honey in a small microwave-safe bowl and warm for 20 to 30 seconds until slightly runny.⅓ cup honey
- In a medium mixing bowl, add pecans and pour the warmed honey over them.1 pound pecan halves
- Toss until all pecans are evenly coated.
Roast the pecans
- Spread pecans in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 6 minutes.
- Stir the pecans, spread them out again, and bake for another 6 minutes until fragrant and lightly toasted.
Season and cool
- Let pecans cool on the pan for 4 minutes. Use a fork to separate any that are stuck together.
- Combine the sugar, salt, and cinnamon in a small bowl.2 tablespoons white sugar, 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt, ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Using a small screened sifter, evenly shake the cinnamon sugar mixture over the warm pecans.
- Using a spatula flip the peans and sprinkle the other side with cinnamon sugar.
- Allow pecans to cool completely for 30 to 45 minutes.
Store
- Once fully cooled, transfer pecans to an airtight container. Store at room temperature for up to 1 week or in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.
- Note, depending on the weather and conditions they are stored in honey pecans are slightly sticky.
Gina’s Notes and Tips
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container up to 7 days.
- Fridge: Keeps for up to 3 weeks; great if your home is warm or humid.
- Freezer: Store up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Reheat: Warm in a 250°F oven for 5 minutes to refresh their crunch.
