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Gingersnap Pecans Recipe

Gingersnap Pecans Recipe

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.

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 46 cups depending on size)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 200°F (93°C) to prepare for slow baking the pecans.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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!

Nutrition

Keywords: Gingersnap pecans, spiced pecans, holiday snacks, baked pecans, sweet pecans, gingersnap nuts