This Homemade Sweet-Nutty Holiday Treat Is My Favorite Thing To Gift

When I’m looking for ways to give loved ones something special—something that says I really care and I took the time to make this for you—I give food. A small, home-cooked token of holiday warmth and thoughtfulness goes a long way. 

For a gift that is less time-consuming than a tin of home-baked holiday cookies or beloved Midwestern buckeyes, I turn to spiced candied pecans and dried cherries. The earthy, rich nutty flavor of pecans mingles perfectly with sweet and tart fruit— and when presented in a festive ribboned jar, it’s an edible gift that makes its recipient’s eyes light up every time.

What Makes My Fruit and Nut Mix Special

You can’t buy time, intention, and love. Homemade edible gifts contain all three of these elements. There’s a chance that the person who receives this nostalgic Mason jar of nuts and cherries wouldn’t have had the time this holiday season to whip up this special snack. You may be helping them treat their kids to a new seasonal favorite. Or add to their holiday charcuterie board (spiced candied pecans are a hit).

This thoughtful and personal gift is a budget-friendly way to thank your team, neighbors, teachers, or family friends. The recipe is simple and only requires a handful of ingredients: pecans, cherries, brown sugar, butter, cayenne, cinnamon, and salt are the staples. I recommend making yourself a stash to keep on hand for salad toppers and on-the-go snacking.

Spiced Candied Pecans and Dried Cherries

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 4 cups raw unsalted pecan halves
• 1 cup dried cherries
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Mason jars, ribbon, gift tags (if gifting)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 275 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large glass bowl, melt butter in the microwave.
3. Whisk brown sugar, salt, cayenne, cinnamon, and vanilla into butter.
4. Toss pecans and cherries in the butter mixture until evenly coated.
5. Spread pecans and cherries onto baking sheet in an even layer.
6. Bake for 35 minutes, stirring every 5 to 10 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
7. Allow nuts and cherries to cool before placing in glass Mason jars. Tie ribbon or rustic twine around the lid with a gift tag and a kind message.