Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.
Melt the butter:
In a medium skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, stir in the brown sugar, maple syrup (if using), cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Stir the mixture for 1-2 minutes until it’s smooth and combined.
Candy the pecans:
Add the pecans to the skillet, stirring to coat them evenly in the syrupy mixture. Continue to cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly, until the pecans are well-coated and the mixture has thickened.
Cool the pecans:
Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Pour the pecans onto the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Allow them to cool completely, which will help them harden into a crisp coating.
Store and enjoy:
Once cooled, store the candied pecans in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
