Description
Candied Jalapeños, also known as ‘Cowboy Candy,’ are sweet, spicy, and tangy slices of jalapeños simmered in a sugary vinegar syrup. They are a versatile condiment perfect for topping burgers, tacos, sandwiches, or cream cheese crackers, adding irresistible flavor and heat to any dish. This easy recipe results in glossy peppers with a balanced sweet and spicy profile.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb fresh jalapeños, sliced into thin rounds
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp turmeric
- 1/4 tsp celery seed
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
Instructions
- Slice the jalapeños into thin rounds, removing stems.
- In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, turmeric, celery seed, and cayenne pepper if using.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Reduce the heat and simmer for about 5 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Add the sliced jalapeños to the syrup and simmer for 4–5 minutes, until they become slightly darker and glossy.
- Using a slotted spoon, transfer the candied jalapeños into sterilized jars, packing them tightly.
- Bring the syrup back to a boil and simmer for another 5 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Pour the hot syrup over the candied jalapeños in the jars, ensuring they’re fully covered.
- Seal the jars and let them cool to room temperature before refrigerating.
- For best flavor, let the candied jalapeños rest for 1–2 weeks before serving.
Notes
- For milder candied jalapeños, remove some or all of the seeds before cooking.
- Replace half of the sugar with honey for a deeper sweetness in your candied jalapenos.
- Try adding smoked paprika for a smoky twist to your candied jalapeno recipe.
- Use the leftover syrup as a glaze for meats or in salad dressings.
- For shelf-stable storage, process sealed jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 35
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Candied Jalapenos, candied jalapenos recipe, homemade candied jalapenos, sweet and spicy jalapenos, easy jalapeno candy recipe, cowboy candy recipe, pickled jalapenos candied, candied pepper jelly recipe