Let the cinnamon fragrance of the holidays fill your home with this easy and flavorful treat.

If you have a day at home coming up (or are already working from home), this recipe is a perfect blend of cinnamon fragrance and a must-have holiday treat. It takes a few hours, but it's so worth it! Once the pecan halves are mixed together, all you need to do is stir occasionally.

I made this recipe when my family rented a cabin in Estes Park, Colorado. I set the pecans to cook in the slow cooker and set a timer to stir every 20 minutes, as I finished preparing the cabin for guests. As those from out-of-state were arriving, the cinnamon smell permeated throughout the cabin. And they all enjoyed a delicious snack!

Candied Pecans in the Slow Cooker

Yield: 2 pounds pecan halves
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours

Ingredients

2 egg whites
1 T. vanilla extract
1 3/4 c. sugar
1 3/4 c. brown sugar
1 T. cinnamon
1/2 t. nutmeg (or pumpkin pie spice)
1/4 t. salt
2 lbs. whole pecan halves

Instructions

1. Combine the egg whites and vanilla in a small bowl. Whisk until foamy, about two minutes. Set aside.

2. In a medium bowl, combine the sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir and set aside.

3. Place the pecan halves in a large bowl. Pour the egg mixture over the pecans and stir until coated. Add the sugar mixture and stir until the pecans are coated.

4. Spray a 6 qt. slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray. Add the sugar-coated pecans.

5. Place the lid on the slow cooker and set it to cook on low. Cook for 3 hours, and stir every 20 minutes. When stirring, be sure to scrape the sides and bottom of the slow cooker well as the candy coating can stick easily.

6. After the 3 hours of cooking, pour the nuts onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cool for 30 minutes. Enjoy! 

7. Store these pecans in an airtight container for up to a week. You can also package these pecans in bags or decorative containers and give as holiday gifts.

What is your favorite holiday snack? Share in the comments below.