1-Prepare baking sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to make cooling easy and mess-free. This step ensures your pecans don’t stick and helps maintain that perfect crunch we’re all after.

2-Mix and heat ingredients: In a medium skillet, combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, vanilla extract, water, orange zest, and cayenne pepper if you’re using them. Heat this mixture over medium heat, stirring frequently until the brown sugar melts into a bubbling sauce, which takes about one minute.

3-Add and coat pecans: Once it’s ready, stir in the pecans to coat them evenly, then cook for 2 to 3 minutes while stirring constantly until they become candied and fragrant.

4-If the glaze starts to thicken and get grainy before the nuts are fully coated, add 1 to 2 teaspoons more water to keep it smooth.

5-Cool and serve: After cooking, transfer the coated pecans to the prepared baking sheet, spreading them in a single layer to cool completely. Finally, break apart any clusters before serving to enjoy those individual, perfectly candied pieces.