Preheat your oven to 300 degrees F. It’s important to get the oven nice and hot to ensure even cooking. Line a large baking sheet with a Silpat baking mat or parchment paper to prevent sticking.
In a medium bowl, combine the granulated sugar, light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt. Whisk until everything is well mixed. Setting this mixture aside allows the flavors to blend beautifully.
In a large bowl, whisk the egg white, vanilla extract, and water together until frothy. This is crucial as it will help coat the pecans and create that delicious sugary crust.
Add the pecans to the egg mixture and gently toss them until they are well coated. Make sure each pecan is enveloped in that frothy goodness.
Next, add the sugar and cinnamon mixture to the bowl with the coated pecans. Toss again until every nut is covered in sweet, sticky goodness.
Spread the pecans out in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding them, as this ensures they cook evenly and get that perfect crunch.
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 to 45 minutes. Be sure to stir the pecans every 15 minutes to ensure they bake evenly. Watch them closely as they cook; the sugar mixture will begin to harden.
Once they’re done baking, remove the pecans from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet. This helps them to harden even more.
When completely cool, store your Candied Pecans in an airtight container. They can last for up to a month, allowing you to enjoy them for weeks to come!
