If you adore snacks that combine warm spices with a satisfying crunch, you’re absolutely going to fall head over heels for these Gingersnap Pecans. Imagine pecans generously coated in molasses and spiced up with ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and just a hint of pepper, then slow-baked to caramelized, fragrant perfection. These Gingersnap Pecans embody the cozy essence of your favorite ginger cookie but in a nutty, addictive form that’s perfect for snacking, gifting, or jazzing up any dish that needs a bit of holiday magic year-round.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for a handful of simple but essential ingredients that each play a starring role in crafting those perfectly spiced, sweet, and slightly crunchy Gingersnap Pecans. From the sticky richness of molasses to the warm embrace of ginger and cinnamon, every addition brings balance and depth to this delicious treat.

Pecans (2 lbs): Raw pecans provide the buttery crunch and natural richness that form the base of your snack.
Molasses (2 teaspoons): Adds a deep, robust sweetness and beautiful color.
Light Brown Sugar (2 cups): Contributes caramel notes and helps create that luscious coating that clings to each pecan.
Ground Ginger (2 teaspoons): Brings the signature zing and warmth reminiscent of gingersnap cookies.
Ground Cinnamon (2 teaspoons): Adds a cozy spice that complements the ginger beautifully.
Ground Cloves (1/2 teaspoon): A little goes a long way in delivering aromatic depth.
Ground White Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Offers a subtle kick that balances the sweetness.
Water (1/4 cup): Helps the sugar and spices meld together to coat the pecans evenly.

How to Make Gingersnap Pecans

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to a low 200 degrees Fahrenheit, which allows the pecans to slowly caramelize without burning. Prepare a baking pan with either a silicone baking mat or some foil sprayed generously with non-stick spray—this prevents any sticky messes and makes cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Mix Your Flavorful Coating

In a large mixing bowl, combine the molasses, light brown sugar, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, white pepper, and water. Stir them thoroughly until you get a smooth, rich syrupy mixture where all the spices dissolve nicely. This luscious blend is the secret behind the intense, festive flavor of Gingersnap Pecans.

Step 3: Coat the Pecans

Now comes the fun messy part: toss your raw pecans into the spiced mixture and stir vigorously. You want every single nut to be generously coated with that glossy, fragrant blend. Don’t worry if it looks sticky or thick—that’s exactly what you want for that perfect snap once baked.

Step 4: Bake Low and Slow

Spread your coated pecans in a single layer on the prepared sheet. Bake them gently for 1 hour at 200 degrees Fahrenheit, making sure to stir every 20 minutes. This gradual roasting encourages the sugar to caramelize evenly without burning, yielding pecans that are crisp, flavorful, and beautifully clumped in spots for an irresistible texture.

Step 5: Cool and Store

Once baked, remove the pecans from the oven and let them cool completely on the tray. As they cool, they’ll harden into that perfect candy-like coating you crave. Store your Gingersnap Pecans in an airtight container, and enjoy them within a week for maximum freshness.

How to Serve Gingersnap Pecans

Garnishes

These spiced, sweet pecans make a fantastic finishing touch on a variety of dishes. Sprinkle chopped Gingersnap Pecans over creamy vanilla ice cream, frosted cupcakes, or even pumpkin pie to add a delightful crunch and warm spice flavor that elevates every bite.

Side Dishes

Pair your Gingersnap Pecans with a crisp green salad featuring autumn fruits like crisp apples or pears, crumbled goat cheese, and a tangy vinaigrette. The pecans’ sweet and spicy profile perfectly complements fresh, tangy flavors, making your meals memorable.

Creative Ways to Present

Get playful by incorporating Gingersnap Pecans into festive charcuterie boards alongside cheeses, dried fruits, and honey. Or simply package them in a decorative jar tied with twine for a homemade gift that friends and family will rave about! They’re also fantastic tossed into oatmeal or yogurt bowls for a nourishing, crunchy surprise.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover Gingersnap Pecans in an airtight container at room temperature, and they should stay fresh and crunchy for up to one week. Storing them properly is crucial to maintaining their crispness and flavor, so avoid any exposure to moisture.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze Gingersnap Pecans for longer storage. Place them in a sealed freezer-safe bag or container and freeze up to three months. When you want a quick treat, just thaw at room temperature and enjoy their fresh, spiced goodness.

Reheating

If you’d like to refresh the crunch after storage, a quick 5-minute warm-up in a low oven (around 250 degrees Fahrenheit) will revive their crisp texture and bring out the aromatic spices. Just be sure to watch closely to prevent any burning!

FAQs

Can I use other nuts besides pecans?

Absolutely! While pecans are classic for this recipe, walnuts, almonds, or even cashews can be deliciously transformed with the same spicy-sweet coating. Just adjust the baking time slightly based on nut size and freshness.

Is it necessary to bake at such a low temperature?

Yes, baking at 200 degrees Fahrenheit allows the sugar to caramelize gently without burning, resulting in perfectly crunchy, flavorful nuts. Higher heat risks burnt sugar and bitter-tasting Gingersnap Pecans.

Can I make these nuts Paleo-friendly?

Definitely. Simply substitute the light brown sugar with coconut or palm sugar to keep things Paleo-compliant, and your Gingersnap Pecans will still be just as tasty and addictive.

How long do Gingersnap Pecans keep?

Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, they keep up to one week. Freezing extends their life up to three months without noticeable loss of flavor or texture.

What’s a good substitute for molasses if I don’t have any?

Maple syrup can work in a pinch, though it has a milder flavor than molasses. Your Gingersnap Pecans will still be deliciously sweet and spiced.

Final Thoughts

Once you try these Gingersnap Pecans, I promise they’ll become one of your favorite ways to bring warmth and crunch to any snack time or dish. They’re a simple yet extraordinary treat that fills your kitchen with cozy aromas and leaves you craving more. Go ahead, give this recipe a whirl—you’ll be so glad you did!

Gingersnap Pecans Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 14 reviews

These Gingersnap Pecans are a deliciously spiced, sweet snack featuring pecans coated in a blend of molasses, brown sugar, and warm spices like ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and white pepper. Perfectly baked to a crisp finish, they are an excellent treat for holidays, snacking, or adding to desserts with a spicy-sweet twist.

Author: Dana
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: Approximately 4–6 cups 1x
Category: Snack
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

For the Spiced Coating

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

Main Ingredient

2 lbs pecans (approximately 4–6 cups depending on size)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 200°F (93°C) to prepare for slow baking the pecans.
Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking pan with a silicone baking mat or foil sprayed generously with non-stick spray to prevent sticking. This will ensure easy cleanup and even baking.
Mix the Coating: In a large mixing bowl, combine molasses, light brown sugar, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, ground white pepper, and water. Stir well until all ingredients are fully incorporated, creating a thick spiced syrup.
Coat the Pecans: Add the pecans to the spiced syrup and toss thoroughly to evenly coat each nut. This step can be messy but ensures the nuts absorb all the flavors.
Arrange Pecans on Sheet: Spread the coated pecans in a single, even layer on the prepared baking sheet. Avoid overlapping to help them bake uniformly.
Bake the Pecans: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 1 hour at 200°F, stirring the pecans every 20 minutes to prevent burning and to ensure even caramelization.
Cool and Store: Remove the pecans from the oven and let them cool completely on the baking sheet. Once cooled, transfer to an airtight container. They will keep fresh for up to a week.

Notes

To make these pecans Paleo-friendly, substitute coconut sugar or palm sugar for the brown sugar.
Use a silicone baking mat, coated parchment paper, or non-stick foil on the baking sheet to prevent sticking; plain parchment may cause the coating to adhere and create a mess.
If molasses is unavailable, maple syrup is a suitable alternative, though the flavor will be milder.
You can substitute granulated sugar for brown sugar, but the depth of flavor will be less rich.
Don’t discard the sugar and spice crumbs left on the baking sheet. Use them as a delicious topping for pumpkin pie, cheesecake, popcorn, ice cream, cakes, and brownies!