Cowboy Candy (Candied Jalapeños)

Name: Cowboy Candy (Candied Jalapeños)
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 2 c.
Ingredients: 1 lb. jalapeño peppers; 1 c. apple cider vinegar; 1 1/2 c. granulated sugar; 1 tsp. salt; 1 tsp. pickling spice (optional)

Make your own jar at home.

By Georgia Goode, Carrie Marie SawyerUpdated: Aug 16, 2024

4.7

6 Ratings

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the pioneer woman's candied jalapenos recipe

Caitlin Bensel

Yields:

2 c.

Prep Time:

10 mins

Total Time:

30 mins

Candied jalapeños, also known as Cowboy Candy, add a spicy-sweet kick to tons of your favorite recipes! Made like a quick pickle, with a good bit of sugar added to the brine, this condiment is sweet, surprisingly versatile, and a great way to use up all of jalapeños from a summer garden. They make the perfect garnish for party dips or use a splash of the syrup from the jar to spice up a glass of homemade lemonade (if you're feeling daring!) or your favorite cocktail. You can even chop up some to stir into baked beans or tuna salad. Of course, it'll be hard to resist eating them straight from the jar, too. They're called candy for a reason!

Why is it called cowboy candy?

Surprisingly, these spicy-sweet peppers go back more than a century! It's been said that they originated on a ranch in St. Augustine, Texas, in 1922. The creator? A seven-year-old girl named Mindie Heironimus. No one is quite sure how the catchy name came to be, but it's stuck around, just like everyone's love of 'em.

Can I use frozen jalapeños for cowboy candy?

Save your frozen jalapeños for another recipe—fresh is best here! If you use frozen peppers, they'll turn out far too mushy. Canned jalapeños won't work well either.

Do you need to wear gloves when slicing jalapeños?

We highly recommend it! Hot peppers like jalapeños contain a compound called capsaicin which gives the peppers their heat. When capsaicin oils come in contact with skin, they can cause an uncomfortable burning sensation that can last for hours or even days. Wearing gloves will protect your hands from the discomfort.

What are candied jalapeños used for?

Candied jalapeños complement rich, savory dishes. Their acidity cuts through creamy spreads like goat cheese and cream cheese. They're also scrumptious atop a classic cheeseburger or tucked into a bacon-wrapped hot dog. Feel free to add a few to any dish you think can handle a spicy-sweet punch!

Can I add candied jalapeños to my cocktails?

Yes! Use the candied jalapeño syrup in place of simple syrup to infuse your drinks with spicy-sweet flavor or simply garnish a bloody Mary or spicy margarita with a few pepper slices.

How long do candied jalapeños last?

Stored in the fridge in a jar or airtight container, these candied peppers will last for up to one month. Canning and sealing the candied jalapeños will yield a longer shelf life.

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Ingredients

Directions

1. Step 1Remove and discard the jalapeño stems before cutting the peppers into 1/4-inch thick coins.
2. Step 2In a medium saucepan, combine the vinegar, sugar, salt, and pickling spices, if using. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves, about 3 minutes.
3. Step 3Add the jalapeños and return to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer until the peppers look slightly shrunken and glossy, about 5 to 6 minutes.
4. Step 4Using a slotted spoon, transfer the jalapeños to a pint-sized mason jar or heat-proof container. Bring the liquid back to a boil and cook until it is syrupy and has reduced to about 1 1/2 cups, 8 to 10 minutes.
5. Step 5Pour the syrup over the jalapeños, pressing the peppers down so that they remain submerged. Cool to room temperature before sealing and refrigerating.