This cowboy candy from Pioneer Woman has some serious kick and it only takes one batch to see why everyone goes wild for it!
My top tip?
Use apple cider vinegar for the brine—it plays really well with the heat and gives it a mellow tang.
When I make this, I always stir the jalapeños into the syrup in two batches so they don’t clump or cook unevenly.
Once cooled, these jalapeños stay crunchy but not raw, and they’re a go-to in my kitchen for topping just about anything.
It’s the balance of sweet and spicy that makes this recipe worth repeating—it grabs your attention without overpowering everything else around it!
How to Make Pioneer Woman’s Texas Cowboy Candy
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs Jalapeños
- 3 cups Granulated Sugar
- 1 cup Apple Cider Vinegar
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1/4 tsp Turmeric (ground)
- 1/4 tsp Celery Seed
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1:
Remove the stems from the jalapeños and slice them into 1/4-inch thick coins.
Keep the seeds for extra heat if you like things spicy!
Step 2:
Combine the apple cider vinegar, granulated sugar, garlic powder, ground turmeric, and celery seed in a medium saucepan.
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.
Step 3:
Once the mixture is boiling, reduce heat and simmer for about 5 minutes.
Stir occasionally to dissolve the sugar fully.
Step 4:
Add the sliced jalapeños to the pot.
Simmer them for 4 minutes, ensuring they are all coated with the syrup.
Step 5:
Transfer the jalapeños to sterilized jars using tongs.
Then pour the remaining syrup over the jalapeños, making sure they are fully covered.
Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe
Choose the Right Jalapeños
Picking the freshest jalapeños will make all the difference in the world for this recipe.
If your peppers have firm skin and a bright green color, you are good to go!
Adjusting the Heat
If you love fiery flavors, leave in some jalapeño seeds during preparation.
This adds an extra punch to your cowboy candy!
Perfecting the Syrup
When making the syrup, ensure that it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon before adding jalapeños in it.
This will help the jalapeños absorb the flavors much better.
Storing Tips
Once you have filled your jars, allow them to cool down to room temperature before sealing tightly.
You can refrigerate them for up to three months or process them for longer storage.
Integrating into Dishes
These candied jalapeños can go on burgers, nachos, or sandwiches for a sweet and spicy kick!
Let your imagination run wild and experiment with different dishes.
What to Serve with Pioneer Woman Texas Cowboy Candy Recipe
Chili Dogs
You can’t go wrong with pairing cowboy candy with chili dogs.
The combination of spicy-sweet jalapeños and hearty chili is a surefire hit.
Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread Muffins
If you want something with a comforting, cornbread muffin is a great option.
Make these with cheddar and jalapeños to have a nice cheesy and spicy touch.
Fried Chicken Sandwich
A fried chicken sandwich topped with cowboy candy makes a great meal.
The crispy chicken complements the sweetness and spice of the jalapeños beautifully.
Beans and Rice
Cowboy candy adds an unexpected twist to a simple bowl of beans and rice.
The pop of flavor from the candied jalapeños makes the dish stand out.
Stir-Fried Vegetables
Try tossing cowboy candy on top of stir-fried vegetables for a unique dish.
The contrast of textures and flavors creates an exciting bite.
Variations and Substitutions
Use this recipe as a base and customize it to suit your taste!
Changing up the spices can give your cowboy candy a whole new flavor profile.
You might consider adding chili powder, turmeric, or paprika for that extra kick.
Sweetness Adjustments
For those of you with a bit of a sweet tooth, upping the sugar amount by half a cup might be the way to go.
On the flip side, reduce the sugar if you want it less sticky.
Vinegar Alternatives
Apple cider vinegar adds a fruity undertone, but white vinegar or rice vinegar work if you prefer something different.
They can provide a sharper or softer tang, depending on what you’re aiming for.
Spice Level
Remove seeds from some peppers if you want less heat.
If you enjoy spicy, keep those seeds in or even add a few habanero peppers!
Other Veggies
Lastly, try mixing in red bell peppers for a splash of color and mild flavor difference!
Experimentation is part of the fun! Enjoy!
How to Store Leftover Texas Cowboy Candy
Refrigeration Is Key
Storing leftover Texas Cowboy Candy is quite easy if you follow some essential steps.
First, make sure your leftover cowboy candy is completely cooled down before storing it.
Once cooled, transfer the candy to an airtight container.
Time Frame
The refrigerated candied jalapeños can last up to a month.
If you’re planning to consume them later, ensure they stay fresh by checking for any signs of spoilage.
Proper sealing will help extend their storage life efficiently!
Use the Liquid
Don’t forget about the leftover syrup, which can be used creatively in various dishes.
Pour the syrup into a clean jar and tightly seal it before storing it in the refrigerator.
You can use it to pickle other veggies or add flavor to meats or sauces later.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using Pre-Cooked Peppers
Using cooked or frozen peppers can ruin the texture of your cowboy candy.
Fresh jalapeños make all the difference!
Be sure to grab fresh ones for that perfect crunch and authentic taste.
Your final product will thank you.
Ignoring Balance of Sweet and Heat
It’s tempting to go wild with heat, but balance is key.
Overloading on hot peppers like ghosts can overpower the sweetness.
Consider mixing in some mini sweet peppers to achieve the perfect blend of sweet and spicy.
Skipping the Canning Process
Don’t skip canning if you plan to store your cowboy candy for a long time.
This process ensures safety and long-term preservation.
Proper canning prevents spoilage and keeps your candied jalapeños fresh.
Pioneer Woman Texas Cowboy Candy Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs Jalapeños
- 3 cups Granulated Sugar
- 1 cup Apple Cider Vinegar
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1/4 tsp Turmeric ground
- 1/4 tsp Celery Seed
Instructions
- Remove the stems from the jalapeños and slice them into 1/4-inch thick coins.
- Keep the seeds for extra heat if you like things spicy!
- Combine the apple cider vinegar, granulated sugar, garlic powder, ground turmeric, and celery seed in a medium saucepan.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.
- Once the mixture is boiling, reduce heat and simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Stir occasionally to dissolve the sugar fully.
- Add the sliced jalapeños to the pot.
- Simmer them for 4 minutes, ensuring they are all coated with the syrup.
- Transfer the jalapeños to sterilized jars using tongs.
- Then pour the remaining syrup over the jalapeños, making sure they are fully covered.