Trader Joe’s Sweet and Spicy Pecans Recipe

If you’re a fan of bold flavors with just the right balance of sweetness and heat, this Trader Joe’s Sweet and Spicy Pecans Recipe will quickly become your new snack obsession. Pecans are naturally buttery and rich, and when paired with a kick of chili powder, cumin, and crushed red pepper flakes, they transform into an irresistible treat.

Perfect for holiday parties, New Year’s Eve gatherings, or even a midweek pick-me-up, these pecans can be made in under 30 minutes with pantry-friendly ingredients. The aroma that fills your kitchen while they bake is just as rewarding as the final crunch.

Whether you’re serving them at a get-together, gifting them in jars, or enjoying them straight out of the bowl, this recipe promises to satisfy every craving for something sweet, savory, and spicy.

My Personal Experience With This Trader Joe’s Sweet and Spicy Pecans Recipe

The first time I made these pecans, I couldn’t believe how simple the process was. Within minutes, my kitchen smelled like a cozy mix of roasted nuts and warm spices. It felt like a gourmet snack that required hardly any effort at all.

I served them at a small family gathering, and the bowl disappeared before the evening ended. The balance of flavors-the hint of sugar against the smoky cumin and fiery chili-made them irresistible. I had people asking me for the recipe before the night was over.

Now, I often double the batch because I know I’ll end up sneaking a few handfuls before they even make it into the serving bowl. These pecans are truly the perfect recipe for both entertaining and everyday snacking.

Ingredients Required for Trader Joe’s Sweet and Spicy Pecans Recipe

Gather all the following ingredients, before you start making this Trader Joe’s Sweet and Spicy Pecans

• 2 cups pecan halves
• 2 tbsp butter, melted
• 1 tbsp white sugar
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• ¼ tsp salt (Pink Himalayan salt recommended)

Kitchen Utensils Required

1. Mixing bowl
2. Spatula or spoon
3. Baking sheet/cookie sheet
4. Parchment paper (optional)
5. Airtight container for storage

Preparation & Cooking Time

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Yield: 2 cups

Copycat Trader Joe’s Sweet and Spicy Pecans Recipe

Just follow this simple step by step guideline to make your homemade version of Trader Joe’s Sweet and Spicy Pecans in a delicious way.

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C). For easier cleanup, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with butter. This ensures the pecans won’t stick while roasting.

Step 2: Coat the Pecans with Butter
Place the pecan halves into a large mixing bowl. Pour the melted butter evenly over the pecans, then toss well so each nut is lightly coated. The butter helps the spices adhere and gives the pecans a rich, toasted flavor.

Step 3: Add Sweet and Spicy Seasonings
Sprinkle the pecans with sugar, cumin, chili powder, crushed red pepper flakes, and salt. Stir thoroughly until every pecan is evenly covered with the spice blend. The mix of sweet and savory notes balances the subtle heat perfectly.

Step 4: Spread on Baking Sheet
Transfer the seasoned pecans onto the prepared baking sheet. Spread them into a single layer to promote even roasting and prevent clumping.

Step 5: Roast with Care
Place the tray in the oven and roast for 15 minutes, stirring or flipping every 5 minutes to prevent burning. The pecans should look golden and smell fragrant when done.

Step 6: Cool and Store
Remove the pecans from the oven and allow them to cool completely. They’ll crisp up as they rest. Store in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness and crunch.

Delicious Ways to Customize and Serve This Trader Joe’s Sweet and Spicy Pecans

Here are some Variations and Customizations ideas you can try to enjoy this Trader Joe’s Sweet and Spicy Pecans deliciously

1. On a Cheese Board
Every time I put these pecans on a charcuterie board, they’re gone before the crackers. The sweetness balances creamy brie, while the spice cuts through sharp cheddar beautifully.

2. Sprinkled on Salads
I love tossing them over a fresh arugula or spinach salad with goat cheese and dried cranberries. The pecans add the perfect crunchy kick that makes a simple salad feel gourmet.

3. Topping for Roasted Veggies
Roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes taste ten times better with a handful of these pecans sprinkled on top. It’s like adding a secret flavor weapon.

4. Mixed Into Yogurt or Parfaits
For breakfast, I sometimes crush these pecans over Greek yogurt with honey and berries. It feels indulgent yet wholesome at the same time.

5. As a Cocktail Snack
We’ve served them alongside wine and cocktails, and they always steal the show. Their sweet-and-spicy flavor pairs especially well with a crisp white wine or a smoky bourbon.

6. On Ice Cream
Believe it or not, these pecans over vanilla ice cream are heavenly. The warm spices with cold, creamy sweetness-it’s like an instant fancy dessert.

7. Baked Into Cookies
I once chopped them up and folded them into chocolate chip cookie dough. The result? Chewy, chocolatey cookies with a surprise spicy crunch. People raved about them!

8. As a Trail Mix Add-In
Mix them with dried fruit and dark chocolate chunks, and you’ve got a trail mix that’s so addictive you’ll want to pack extra.

9. On Top of Oatmeal
When I need a cozy breakfast, I top a steaming bowl of oatmeal with a handful of these pecans. The spice wakes up the whole dish.

10. Holiday Gifting
We’ve packed them in little jars with ribbons during the holidays, and friends always think they came from a gourmet shop. It’s such a thoughtful (and delicious) homemade gift.

Some Notable Tips and Tricks on This Trader Joe’s Sweet and Spicy Pecans Recipe

Here are some tips and tricks you should follow when trying this recipe.

1. Use fresh pecans. Old nuts taste bitter, so fresh ones make your snack yummy.

2. Melt the butter slowly. Don’t rush-it mixes better when smooth and warm.

3. Mix, mix, mix! Stir the spices well so every pecan gets a tasty coat.

4. Spread them out. Give the pecans space on the pan so they bake evenly.

5. Check every 5 minutes. Stir often so they don’t burn on one side.

6. Smell the magic. When you smell sweet and spicy, they are almost ready.

7. Let them cool. Hot pecans can be soft-wait a bit and they get crunchy.

8. Use pink salt. It makes the flavor pop, but regular salt works too.

9. Double the recipe. They go fast-make extra so you don’t run out.

10. Store in a jar. Keep them in a tight jar to stay fresh and crunchy.

How to Store and Reheat Leftover Trader Joe’s Sweet and Spicy Pecans Properly?

If you have any leftover (hopefully you don’t have) you can process them properly as follows,

Store cooled pecans in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. To re-crisp, simply warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes.

FAQs on this Copycat Trader Joe’s Sweet and Spicy Pecans Recipe

When you give this Trader Joe’s Sweet and Spicy Pecans Recipe a try, you might have a few questions. Don’t worry-we’ve rounded up answers to the most common ones to help you out.

1. What spices are in Trader Joe’s sweet and spicy pecans?

From my experience making this recipe, the flavor comes from a mix of ground cumin, chili powder, crushed red pepper flakes, and just a touch of salt. These spices create that signature balance of warmth, smokiness, and heat.

2. What are the ingredients in Trader Joe’s pecan pralines?

Trader Joe’s pecan pralines are different from the sweet and spicy version-they’re usually made with pecans, sugar, butter, and sometimes a hint of vanilla. They’re sweeter and more candy-like, without the chili kick that this recipe has.

3. Are Trader Joe’s candied pecans healthy?

I’d say they’re more of a treat than a health food. Pecans themselves are full of healthy fats and protein, but once you add sugar and butter, they become more of an indulgence. I like to enjoy them in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

4. Does Trader Joe’s sell candied pecans?

Yes, they do! Trader Joe’s often carries seasonal versions of candied pecans, pralines, or sweet and spicy nut mixes. But honestly, I prefer making them at home because I can control the spice level and sweetness.

5. Can I make this recipe less spicy?

Definitely. I’ve tried reducing the crushed red pepper flakes or leaving them out entirely when serving to kids or spice-sensitive friends. The pecans still turn out flavorful thanks to the cumin and chili powder.

6. How do you keep roasted pecans crunchy?

From experience, the key is letting them cool completely before storing. I always use an airtight container, and they stay crisp for up to a week at room temperature.

7. Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely! I often make a double batch because these pecans disappear quickly. Just make sure to spread them out evenly on the baking sheet so they roast properly.

8. What can I serve sweet and spicy pecans with?

I love them as a snack on their own, but they’re also great on cheese boards, tossed into salads, or sprinkled over roasted veggies for extra crunch and flavor.

9. Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?

Yes, I’ve tried this recipe with almonds and cashews, and it works beautifully. Each nut absorbs the spices differently, but the overall flavor is just as delicious.

10. How long do homemade sweet and spicy pecans last?

In my kitchen, they rarely last more than a few days! But properly stored in an airtight container, they can stay fresh for about a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them and re-crisp in the oven before serving.

This Trader Joe’s Sweet and Spicy Pecans Recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves bold flavors and easy snacking. With just a handful of ingredients and 20 minutes of your time, you can create a crowd-pleasing treat that works for parties, gifts, or even your own snack stash.

We’d love to hear how this recipe turns out for you! Give it a try, then drop a comment below to share your thoughts and tips with us.

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