Preheat your oven to 250 degrees F. This low temperature is crucial for slowly caramelizing the sugar without burning it. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
In a large zip-top bag, combine 1 cup of granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon, and 1 teaspoon of salt; set aside. Mixing these dry ingredients first ensures an even coating later.
In a large bowl, whisk together 2 egg whites, 2 tablespoons of water, and ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract. You want to whisk until it’s frothy but not too stiff. This mixture will help the sugar adhere to the pecans.
Add the 1 pound of pecan halves into the bowl with the egg white mixture. Use a rubber spatula to stir, ensuring all pecans are well-coated with the mixture. You want them all to be moist, as this will help them get that sweet coating.
Using a slotted spoon, carefully remove the pecans from the egg white mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Place them into the bag with the sugar-cinnamon mixture. Be gentle, as you want to keep the coating light.
Once all the pecans are in the bag, seal it tightly. Shake vigorously until every nut is coated in the sweet mixture. This step is essential for ensuring an even coverage that will yield delicious results.
Using a clean slotted spoon, remove the pecans from the bag and spread them onto the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. It’s crucial not to overcrowd the pan, as this allows them to bake evenly and become crisp.
Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes. Stirring is important to ensure they cook evenly and don’t burn on one side. You'll see them gradually turn golden brown and have a delightful aroma.
Once done, remove from the oven and let cool to room temperature on the baking sheet. The pecans will harden as they cool, creating that perfect crunchy coating.
Store the cooled Cinnamon Sugar Candied Pecans in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. Enjoy them as a snack or use them to elevate your salads and desserts!
