Sweet and Spicy Candied Pecans

Instructions

1. Step 1

   Gather the ingredients.

2. Step 2

   Position a rack in the center of the oven and heat to 350 F. Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with aluminum foil and spraying the foil with cooking spray.

3. Step 3

   Spread the pecans on the baking sheet and toast them in the oven until dark and fragrant, about 10 minutes. Stir every 3 or 4 minutes.

4. Step 4

   While the pecans are toasting, prepare the coating mixture. Microwave the butter in a large microwave-safe bowl until melted. Stir in the brown sugar, maple syrup, salt, cayenne, and cinnamon.

5. Step 5

   Once the pecans are fragrant, remove them from the oven and pour the hot nuts into the coating mixture, reserving the baking sheet. Be careful as it might splutter and hiss. Stir until the nuts are evenly coated.

6. Step 6

   Pour the nuts back onto the reserved baking sheet, spreading them out into an even layer.

7. Step 7

   Bake for another 10 minutes, stirring after every 3 to 4 minutes. After 10 minutes, remove the nuts from the oven and allow them to cool and crisp up on the baking sheet.

8. Step 8

   Once cool, break the nuts apart or coarsely chop them.

9. Step 9

   Use them in your favorite recipe or simply serve and enjoy!