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Southwestern Sweet and Spicy Glazed Pecans (with free printable labels for gifting!)

By Chris Scheuer | Updated on March 19, 2022
5 from 17 votes
These Southwestern Sweet and Spicy Glazed Pecans come together in less than 30 minutes. But beware: they are addictively delicious!
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 These Southwestern Sweet and Spicy Glazed Pecans come together in less than 30 minutes. But beware: they are addictively delicious!

Many years ago, I won second prize in a brownie contest sponsored by our local newspaper in Raleigh. I was thrilled but never made that recipe again. From that day on, I always made the first-prize recipe. My son Nick would sometimes get frustrated and ask me to make my original recipe. I would always respond that I knew my recipe was good but this one was better. What does that have to do with these Southwestern Sweet and Spicy Glazed Pecans? Read on!

Horizontal photo of a batch of Southwest Sweet and Spicy Glazed Pecans in a pale blue ramekin bowl.

I got the idea for Southwestern Sweet and Spicy Glazed Pecans from a Rick Bayless recipe that I found online. If you're not familiar with Rick Bayless, he's a culinary guru when it comes to Mexican cuisine and has several award-winning restaurants in Chicago. I tried his Spicy Glazed Pecan recipe and while being delicious they weren't very attractive and burned easily toward the end of the cooking time. I was going for beautiful, shiny glazed pecans and that was not the result I got.

I went on to try several other popular online recipes for glazed pecans with similar results, fairly tasty but not very pretty with a rough, sugary coating. Then I remembered my own recipe for Maple Molasses Glazed Pecans (duh?), a super simple recipe that comes together in way less than 30 minutes and results in beautiful mahogany-hued pecans with a lovely shiny glaze.

Why reinvent the wheel?

I pulled out the Maple, Molasses Glazed Pecan recipe and ran with it in a Southwestern direction. Voila! As you can see the results are beautiful and SO easy! A win-win! I had a little flashback to that long ago brownie contest. Now, whenever I want to make glazed pecans, I will stick to a tried and true recipe!

Vertical overhead photo of a batch of Southwest Sweet and Spicy Glazed Pecans in a light blue ramekin on a decorative napkin.

How to make these Southwestern Sweet and Spicy Glazed Pecans

As mentioned above, these delectable pecans come together in less than 30 minutes. This is, in a nutshell (pun intended!), how it works:

  • Combine all the ingredients in a medium-size bowl that can go into the microwave.
  • Microwave on high power for one minute, then remove from the microwave and stir, stir stir, for another minute. Heating the mixture then carefully stirring is one of the magic tricks for this recipe. Each pecan gets thoroughly coated, down into all the cracks and crevices with the delicious sweet, spicy honey-maple syrup.
  • All that's left is to bake the pecans and give them a couple of stirs to ensure that they bake evenly.
  • Turn them out onto a clean piece of foil and try to control yourself until they cool a bit.

Horizontal overhead closeup photo of a batch of Southwest Sweet and Spicy Glazed Pecans on a decorative napkin.

How spicy are these pecans?

Using a half teaspoon of ground chipotle gives these Southwestern Sweet and Spicy Pecans a pleasant, but fairly mild amount of heat. If you like things spicier, you can always add more, but I would start in small increments and taste them before baking. You can always add more heat at this point but you can't take it away.

How to use these sweet and spicy glazed pecans

  • They make a wonderful snack, decently healthy and good protein.
  • Give your oatmeal a little Southwestern pizzazz with a sprinkle of these pecans.
  • Serve them on salads for a nice sweet and spicy crunch.
  • Sprinkle them on yogurt.
  • Serve them as a cocktail nibble.
  • Serve them on a charcuterie board for a delicious sweet and spicy crunch.

Vertical photo of an appetizer tray featuring Southwest Sweet and Spicy Glazed Pecans.

  • And when your guests rave about how delicious they are, have a little bag or box of them to take along when they leave!

Horizontal photo of an appetizer tray featuring Southwest Sweet and Spicy Glazed Pecans with gift boxes and custom gift labels in the foreground.

Yes, they make a wonderful gift! That's why we created a pretty label to make your packages look festive and beautiful. To obtain the free printable labels, simply scroll to the bottom of this page and let us know in the comment section. We'll send you a PDF for the labels along with instructions on how to use them and links for the boxes and ribbon pictured.

Horizontal extreme closeup photo of a gift box of Southwest Sweet and Spicy Glazed Pecans decorated with a gold bow and custom gifting labels.

Have I convinced you that you want these Southwestern Sweet and Spicy Glazed Pecans in your life? Make a batch and the first sweet, spicy, super crunchy bite will have you sold!

Vertical closeup photo of a batch of Southwest Sweet and Spicy Glazed Pecans in a pale blue ramekin.

Café Tips for making these Southwestern Sweet and Spicy Glazed Pecans

  • This recipe calls for chipotle chili powder (aka ground chipotle). Chipotle chili powder is a mildly spicy, slightly smoky chili powder made from chipotle peppers which are actually smoked jalapenos. It adds fabulous flavor to these Southwest Sweet and Spicy Glazed Pecans. I would recommend picking some up as it's a great chili powder to use in lots of recipes, but you could also use an equal amount of ancho chili powder or regular chili powder.
  • When choosing pecans for this recipe, look for packages that have mostly intact half pecans. Sometimes, during shipping and stocking, pecans can get very broken up and, while they will still taste delicious, they won't be as pretty. I save the broken ones to sprinkle over salads, oatmeal, yogurt, ice cream, etc.
  • That being said, if you'd like to make this recipe with chopped pecans, which is nice for salads, feel free!
  • This recipe calls for a microwave-safe bowl. What does that mean? Microwave-safe simply means that the bowl won't get hot or melt in the microwave. Glass, most ceramic ware and heatproof glassware are safe in the microwave oven. The best type of bowl to use for these nuts is a 4 or 8 cup Pyrex measuring cup with a handle. The handle on these type of cups doesn't get hot.
  • If you store these nuts in an airtight container or ziplock bag, they'll stay fresh for a week to 10 days.
  • Be careful when stirring these nuts, the glaze gets very hot.
  • Don't skip lining your pan with foil and greasing the foil. Otherwise, the nuts will stick and make a mess.
  • Work quickly in the final step as you turn the glazed nuts out onto the foil. Try to separate them as much as possible and spread them to a single layer.

 

Thought for the day:

You are the Lord, you alone.
You have made heaven, the heaven of heavens,
with all their host, the earth and all that is on it,
the seas and all that is in them;
and you preserve all of them;
and the host of heaven worships you.
Lamentations 3:13

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Southwest Sweet and Spicy Glazed Pecans

Chris Scheuer
These Southwestern Sweet and Spicy Glazed Pecans come together in less than 30 minutes. But beware: they are addictively delicious!
5 from 17 votes
Prep Time 8 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 28 minutes
Servings 16 servings
Calories 112
PRINT PIN COMMENTS

Ingredients
  

  • 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil or extra virgin olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground chipotle chili powder, sometimes simply called Chipotle
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 2 cups pecans

Instructions
 

  1. Preheat oven to 325˚F. Line a sheet pan with foil and spray the foil generously with nonstick cooking spray. (this will keep nuts from sticking to the pan). Layout a second piece of foil on a work surface and again spray with nonstick cooking spray. Rub each with a small piece of paper toweling to evenly coat with the oil.
  2. Combine all ingredients except pecans in a medium microwave-safe bowl. Stir well. Add pecans, then place bowl in the microwave and cook on high power for 1 minute. This will thin out the maple/honey mixture to help coat the pecans better. Stir continuously for 1 minute (no cheating, you want the syrup mixture to get in every little nook and cranny of the pecans), until pecans are thoroughly coated.
  3. Turn pecans out onto the prepared sheet pan, making sure to scrape out all of the maple syrup/honey mixture as well. Spread out pecans to a single layer on the pan. Place pan in the oven and bake for 10 minutes.
  4. Remove from oven and, using a heat proof silicon spatula, bring all the pecans to the center of the pan. Then stir well and spread out to a single layer again. Do this again at the 15 minute mark.
  5. Bake until deep golden brown, a total of 18-22 minutes. Watch them carefully towards the end as nuts can quickly burn.
  6. Stir again after removing from oven then spread out to a single layer on the 2nd sheet of prepared foil. Work quickly with two forks to separate the pecans. Allow to cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container for storage.

Notes

See Café Tips above in the post for more detailed instructions and tips to ensure success.
If you prefer to use Metric measurements there is a button in each of our recipes, right above the word “Instructions”. Just click that button to toggle to grams, milliliters, etc. If you ever come across one of our recipes that doesn’t have the Metric conversion (some of the older recipes may not), feel free to leave a comment and I will add it.

Nutrition

Calories: 112kcalCarbohydrates: 6gProtein: 1gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gSodium: 73mgPotassium: 61mgFiber: 1gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 7IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 14mgIron: 1mg
We love seeing what you made!Tag @thecafesucrefarine on Instagram for a chance to be featured.
Course: Appetizer, Cocktail Nibble, Snack
Cuisine: American, Mexican, Southwestern

 

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275 Comments

  1. May I please have the labels for these Southwest Sweet and Spicy Glazed Pecans? They’ll make fabulous gifts for my Arizona friends! Thank you!

    Reply

    1. Hi Cindy, Thanks for the kind comments - hope your friends love these pecans!
      The labels are on the way to your inbox, Enjoy!

      Reply

  2. Made these last year for gifts & they were a hit. I didn’t realize you have darling labels.
    Thank you for sharing. Have a blessed Christmas!

    Reply

    1. Hi Lynn, good question! I like the way each one adds a unique layer of flavor. However, it would be fine to use soley maple syrup.

      Reply

  8. Hi Chris! I'm planning to make your Southwestern Sweet and Spicy Glazed Pecans for us and gifts. Please send ne the nicely designed label PDF along with the link to boxes and suggestions for use to be included with the gift. I greatly enjoy your recipes and ideas! Thank you.

    Reply

  9. I would love to receive the labels, Chris! Do you think these flavors would work with walnuts? Thank you for all of your wonderful ideas. You are my go-to when I need a recipe!

    Reply

  10. Please, oh please, send the label for the Pecans. Gifts of the Blueberry Almond Granola are always a hit.

    Reply

  20. I would love to have the labels for these sweet and spicy pecans. May I ask how you get each nut so perfect with extra syrup puddled around them? I always have a challenge to get them to look that beautiful.
    May I also ask, are you sending out duplicate emails using your first and last name instead of under the cafe name? I have received a couple that way, but the content just like the emails I get under the cafe name. I hesitate to open them just in case they are not from you.

    Reply

    1. Hi DoLee, we will be happy to get the labels to you. Lindsay will probably send them out tomorrow.
      Regarding your question about the pecans, the microwave and stirring technique mentioned in the recipe ensures that the nuts are well coated with the glaze.
      Regarding the emails, for some unknown reason, our email service has changed the sender to Chris Scheuer instead of The Café Sucre Farine. I have tried to change it back without success so far.

      Reply

  24. Love this recipe. Have tried a few others but these are beautiful and delicious.
    Please send the fun label so I can impress !
    Thank you❣️

    Reply

  26. Made these for Christmas gifts & am getting requests for more b/c they are wonderful. Thank you for sharing & for the lovely printable labels to make them special gifts.

    Reply

  27. I am going to make these for Christmas gifts could you please send me the printable labels the spicy glazed pecans thank you

    Reply

  30. I just finished making them , and they are absolutely the best glazed pecans that i have ever made. Your recipes never fail to impress me on how good , easy and beautiful they are.
    I would love the PDF for the labels, Thank you so much for taking the time to send the labels and i love how you include the link for ribbons and boxes.

    Reply

  31. I read all the reviews and as always givens 5 stars! I must make this recipe too. Labels would be the finishing gift giving touch.
    Thank you,
    Sandra

    Reply

  33. Can’t wait to try the Southwestern pecan recipe and share them with friends using your cute labels. Thanks so much!

    Reply

  34. Hi Chris - I've never made one of your recipes that wasn't FABULOUS! This one is no exception. Is the PDF for the labels still available? If so - could you please send it along?

    Reply

  35. Chris, the southwestern spicy nuts are perfection. Think I can have the pdf labels for the air tight containers., thank you, Elle

    Reply

  36. Chris, my sister loves this type of nut to gift and to eat. I would love to make them for her. May I have the printable labels? Thank you, Elle

    Reply

  37. Looks like another winner! I am anxious to make these. Could you send along the pdf for the labels? Thanks!

    Reply

  38. Love your maple molasses pecans and can’t wait to try these too! Please send the pdf for the labels for gifting. Thanks so much.

    Reply

  39. Please please email your sweet spicy southwestern pecan labels. I live in central Texas snd always have pecan@ on hand

    Reply

  40. Would appreciate receiving the labels for the pecans. All your recipes are so wonderful and you always make them look so attractive! Thank you for your time!

    Reply

  42. Being as this email just came this morning, I have not been able to make these yet, but I definitely plan to do so soon. I would love to have the labels. Thank you once again.

    Reply

  43. Being as this email just came this morning, I have not been able to make these yet, but I definitely plan to do so soon. I would love to have the labels. Thank you once again. What would I do without you.

    Reply

  46. YOU ARE AWESOME! BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY THIS HOLIDAY SEASON AND YEAR ‘23. YOU TAUGHT ME THE EASY WAY FOR SCONES AND NOW THE NUTS! AND SO MANY OTHER THINGS, LIKE THE WONDERFUL HOLIDAY COOKIES. THESE RATE RIGHT UP THERE WITH THE REST!

    Reply

  50. Would you please send the label template for the Southwestern Sweet and Spicy Pecans? Any suggestions for ordering the pecans at a good price?

    Reply

  52. Would you please send the label template for the Southwestern Sweet and Spicy Pecans? I am having trouble deciding what to gift this year!
    ML

    Reply

  53. Just made your Sweet & Spicy SW Pecans. They're a hit! A definite 5 star recipe. So thoughtful of you to provide labels and info on packaging for gifting. These are definitely gift worthy. Thank you so much. Love that you share your scripture & songs with us. Blessings, MaryEliz.

    Reply

  54. I usually make just regular candied pecans and give them out during the holidays. I am excited to try these out to give them as part of my homemade gifts.

    Please send me the labels for the Sweet & Spicy Glazed Pecans.

    Thanks in advance.

    Reply

  55. All looks so good. I’m so glad you are around. A great resource! Could you please send me labels of the pecans and the granola? Everything looks scrumptious. Thank you!

    Reply

    1. Thanks, Mary Ann! We do not have labels for the granola, but we are happy to send the labels for the pecans.

      Reply

  56. Hi Chris,
    You mentioned pieces in addition to pecan halves. Got me thinking ... could you use smaller pieces, combine them with dried cranberries and maybe those large coconut flakes or chunks to make a sort of trail mix? Love your recipes. Hope you're enjoying WNC.

    Reply

    1. Hi David, you could do that although I might add the cranberries afterward though, so they don't dry out too much.

      Reply

  57. Hi Chris
    These nuts sound yummy and will make some gift batches. Could you please send me the label?
    Thank you for all your fabulous recipes and I REALLY appreciate you preparation details.

    Reply

  58. Please send me the PDF for the labels. I thought I had already asked for them, but never got them. I think this will be a great gift for the neighbors and hair dresser. Loving your recipes.
    Kathy

    Reply

  60. The first time I’ve tried this recipe, I’ve used mixed nuts ! It was good, but it was sticky chunks (note what I wanted)!
    Yesterday I used only pacanes and it’s the best recipe ever !
    They came out like the amazing picture showed. I was so happy !
    These will make yummy Christmas gifts !
    Thank you so much !

    Reply

  61. Going out this morning to buy pecans!! Please send me the printable labels for the Southwestern Sweet and Spicy Pecans!!

    Reply

  62. Love your recipes! I'd love to make this Southwestern Glazed Pecans for gifts. May I have your label .pdf, please?

    Reply

  63. Love your site, the yummy recipes, and how you honor and share God’s Word! Love the verses💗. Would love the precious labels too! Thank you, Betsy

    Reply

  65. Since I live in the Southwest and love spicy I am going to try this recipe. Thank you for putting it out there and like the labels which I would request you please send me.

    Reply

  68. I make something similar, but your addition of honey and oil sounds interesting. Please send labels.

    Reply

  72. Hello, I haven't tried any of your great recipes YET, just found your site minutes ago, but I have printed out several and love the idea of getting PDF labels! Spicy/Sweet Pecans sound like a HIT for Christmas presents. Thanks so much, I look forward to more recipes in my inbox. Sincerely, Sharon

    Reply

  73. Your recipes look devine. Can't wait to try the Southwestern Sweet & Spicy Pecans. I would love to have your labels for this recipe - so cute!!! Thank you so much - you give me such wonderful inspiration!!!

    Reply

  75. Please send me the labels. Everyone loves to be given a homemade gift and these make it even more special. Thanks!

    Reply

  76. These sound lovely. I would also love to have the labels and information on the boxes. Thanks so much..

    Reply

  78. Thanks for this recipe, it sounds amazing and I'm going to make the Sweet and Spicy Pecans. I love the gift idea and would love the printed labels PDF and information for gift boxes. Thank you and can't wait to try these.

    Reply

  79. Hi Chris!
    I am an avid fan of your recipes, and have really enjoyed so many of them! I had made spiced pecans before, but not with this seasoning. Loved the taste, and not too much heat, which works for me! I'd love to have the PDF for the labels, as well as the information for the boxes and ribbon! Looking forward to making these for family and friends! Thanks for sharing this recipe with us!

    Reply

  81. These look incredible!!! I cannot wait to make them! Please send me the labels and the information on the boxes. Also, I love your Thoughts for the Day! They provide food for thought and also a nice respite for these days!!!

    Reply

  82. These sound delicious, I'm going to make some as gifts! Could you please tell me the best place to buy pure maple syrup? I would love to have the labels and where you got boxes. Thank you very much!

    Reply

    1. Hi Dayna, I normally purchase maple syrup at Costco or Sam's. Aldi also has it for a reasonable price. We will send the labels your way!

      Reply

  86. Thank you Chris, for another delicious recipe, I have all the ingredients and would love to have the labels so I can gift some to my friends.
    Thanks again
    Brigida

    Reply

  91. Am going o give some of thee away for gifts and would love to have the little labels Thanks so much for all your interesting recipes.

    Reply

  92. These pecans are great! I saw the recipe this morning and ran out to buy some pecans just to make the recipe. The chipotle chili powder adds just the right amount of kick to go with the sweet.

    Reply

  93. I've made your maple, molasses glazed pecans and given them to family and friends for Christmas gifts. Loved by all! Please send me the link for the gift boxes and the labels for this recipe. Thank you!

    Reply

  95. Chris, these are ridiculously addictive! I've made 2 batches so far and will for sure make more. They bake up glossy and crunchy. Used almonds for the first batch. Didn't have cooking spray so oiled the foil with canola and had no problems with sticking. The taste seemed a bit off though. I know that different salts have different saltiness- used grocery store kosher for the first, so for the second batch (with pecans) I used regular table salt and that hit the sweet-salty nail on the head. The chipotle seasoning was just right. Thanks for another stellar recipe! I loved your French Grandmother's Cake- have made it three times, topped with chocolate ganache- to rave reviews.

    Reply

  97. I actually have all the ingredients and will use this recipe soon. I would like to have the label, please.

    Reply

  112. These pecans look so pretty, can't wait to share with family and friends! I would appreciate the link to the labels, thank you!

    Reply

  116. These Southwest Sweet and Spicy Glazed Pecans sound and look delicious. Please send me the labels and the link for the boxes. Thank you!

    Reply

  124. Please forward PDF for Southwestern Sweet and spicy pecans as well as Candied Pecans. These will make wonderful hostess gifts as well as for general gift giving.

    Reply

  128. I did a batch for a get together this afternoon and my hubby eat half before the party. Had to make more .absolutely delicious!
    Can you also please send me the labels and the link for the boxes. Thank you.

    Reply

    1. Haha! I love it, Toni! You are super speedy, it's only been 30 minutes since this post went out 🥰 We will send you the labels!

      Reply

    1. Recently subscribed to your blog and already have some favorites that I am making regularly. Like the one bowl honey glazed bran muffins. They have become a morning staple.
      Thank you for delicious fairly easy recipes !
      I would like the labels for the Southwest sweet and spicy pecans please.

      Thank you,
      Therease

      Reply

  130. I will save this for Christmas baking. They sound delicious and wonderful for gifting, and am looking forward to receiving the PFD for the printable label. Thank you very much.

    Reply

  131. Please send me the pdf for the printable lable. I'll definately want to gift these to friends and relatives.

    Reply