Description
Crunchy, sweet, and warmly spiced, these Christmas New Orleans Pecan Clusters bring a festive southern flair to your holiday treats—perfect for gifting or snacking.
Ingredients
- Pecans: 2 cups
- White Sugar: 1/2 cup
- Light Corn Syrup: 2 tablespoons
- Unsalted Butter: 2 tablespoons
- Ground Cinnamon: 1/2 teaspoon
- Ground Nutmeg: 1/4 teaspoon
- Sea Salt: 1/4 teaspoon
- Vanilla Extract: 1/2 teaspoon
Instructions
- Preheat Your Equipment: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- Combine Ingredients: Toast pecans in a dry pan over medium heat for about 5 minutes until fragrant. Set aside. In the same pan, combine sugar, corn syrup, and butter. Stir constantly as it melts and begins to bubble.
- Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Attach a candy thermometer. Heat the sugar mixture until it reaches 235–240°F (soft-ball stage). Immediately remove from heat.
- Assemble the Dish: Stir in cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and salt. Add the toasted pecans and stir until fully coated.
- Cook to Perfection: Quickly scoop small spoonfuls of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Work fast before the caramel starts to harden.
- Finishing Touches: If desired, sprinkle clusters with sea salt or colored sugar while still warm.
- Serve and Enjoy: Let cool completely. Store in an airtight container and enjoy within two weeks.
Notes
- Use a candy thermometer to ensure the perfect soft-ball stage.
- Toast pecans before coating for deeper flavor.
- Sprinkle garnishes immediately after forming clusters while warm.
- Store cooled clusters in layers separated by parchment.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cluster
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 5mg