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    Home » Recipes

    Candied Jalapenos (Cowboy Candy)

    Published: Jul 15, 2023 by Alison · This post may contain affiliate links ·

    Jump to Recipe

    These Candied Jalapenos are a delightful combination of sweet and spicy flavors, adding a unique twist to your favorite dishes and snacks.

    sliced jalapenos candied on a fork

    Candied Jalapenos, also known as Cowboy Candy, have become a beloved treat for many. These delectable jalapenos are infused with the flavors of apple cider vinegar and various seasonings.

    While some people enjoy adding these sweet and spicy jalapenos to their tacos, cocktails, or sandwiches, others prefer to savor them straight from the jar. It’s easy to see why they’re called Cowboy Candy—they’re incredibly addictive and as sweet as candy itself.

    What makes this recipe truly remarkable is its versatility. By using different ingredients, you can adjust the taste, sweetness, and spiciness to your liking.

    Whether you pluck fresh jalapenos from your garden or purchase them from the store, this recipe guarantees a mouthwatering result that’s hard to resist. A jar of these candied jalapenos won’t last long, so it’s wise to prepare several to have on hand. Trust me, you’ll be delighted that you did.

    If you love this condiment recipe, try my other each and quick condiment recipes such as refrigerator pickles or pickled red onions.

    sliced jalapenos in a jar with syrup and seasonings

    What is Cowboy Candy?

    Cowboy Candy is also known as Candied Jalapenos and is a sweet and spicy treat made with jalapenos that are candied in a sugar and vinegar syrup. They are great for snacking or as a condiment.

    Why You’ll Love Candied Jalapenos

    • They are easy to make with simple and affordable ingredients!
    • Are a great addition to any dish or drink!
    • No special canning equipment required, just some mason jars!
    • Versatile by adjusting the amount of sweetness and heat to your preference!
    cowboy candy ingredients

    Candied Jalapenos Ingredients

    • Apple cider vinegar
    • Granulated sugar
    • Sea salt
    • Whole mustard seed
    • Whole coriander seed
    • Garlic powder
    • Celery seed
    • Jalapenos

    Cowboy Candy Variations

    While the traditional recipe includes jalapeños, sugar, and vinegar, there are several variations and adaptations you can do to customize the flavor. Here are a few variations of cowboy candy to try:

    • Fruit-infused cowboy candy: Add fruits like pineapple, mango, or peaches to the pickling liquid along with the jalapeños. This variation adds a sweet and tangy twist to the spicy peppers.
    • Smoky cowboy candy: To give your cowboy candy a smoky flavor, you can add a teaspoon or two of liquid smoke to the pickling liquid. This imparts a delicious smokiness that complements the sweetness and heat.
    • Berry cowboy candy: Instead of using just jalapeños, combine them with berries such as raspberries, blackberries, or strawberries. The combination of sweet and spicy flavors creates a unique and tasty treat.
    • Garlic lover’s cowboy candy: If you’re a fan of garlic, you can add a few cloves of minced garlic to the pickling liquid. The garlic enhances the overall flavor profile and adds an extra layer of complexity.

    How to Make Candied Jalapenos

    sliced jalapenos on a cutting board

    Wearing gloves, wash and dry the jalapenos. Cut the stems off and slice into ¼” thick rounds.

    candied syrup and seasonings in a saucepan

    In a medium pot, combine the vinegar, sugar, and all the spices. Heat over medium, stirring until all the sugar is dissolved.

    candied syrup seasonings and sliced jalapenos in a saucepan

    Add the sliced jalapenos and return to the heat, cooking for 12-15 minutes until the jalapenos are soft and have started to absorb the sugar.

    candied syrup in a saucepan and jar of cowboy candy

    Strain the jalapenos into the prepared, clean glass jar using a slotted spoon, leaving the liquid in the pot. With a fine mesh strainer, remove most of seasonings if desired. Return the liquid to medium heat.

    Cook for a further 7-10 minutes at a boil until the liquid has reduced by half and is a very thick syrup.

    Pour the syrup over the jalapenos and place the lid on. Allow to cool before eating.
    Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

    Recipe Tips

    • To prevent any burning on your hands, wear gloves.
    • To remove the seeds from the peppers, cut them in half lengthwise and then scrape out the seeds with a spoon.
    • If you want a less spicy jalapeno, soak the peppers in 1 part vinegar to 3 parts water for about an hour before cooking.
    • Be careful when cooking with sugar, as it can easily burn. Make sure to stir frequently.
    jar of cowboy candy

    How to Can Candied Jalapenos

    If you’d like to can cowboy candy, follow this canning process to extend the shelf life.

    1. Fill and seal the jars: Fill the jars with cowboy candy and seal them tightly.
    2. Prepare the canner: Place the sealed jars in a canner and make sure they are covered with water by at least 2 inches.
    3. Bring the water to a boil: Heat the water in the canner until it reaches a full rolling boil.
    4. Set the timer: Once the water is boiling, set a timer for 10 minutes if you’re using half-pint jars, or 15 minutes for pint jars.
    5. Transfer the jars: When the timer goes off, carefully use canning tongs to transfer the jars from the canner to a cooling rack.
    6. Allow cooling: Leave the jars undisturbed on the cooling rack to cool for 24 hours.
    7. Clean and label: After the cooling period, wipe the jars with a clean, damp washcloth to remove any residue. Then, label the jars for easy identification.
    8. Store in the pantry: Once fully cooled and labeled, store the canned cowboy candy in a cool, dry pantry. They will remain fresh for up to a year.
    two jars of cowboy candy with a fork

    FAQs

    How long do candied jalapenos last?

    Candied jalapenos will last about 2 weeks in the fridge.

    Can I freeze candied jalapenos?

    Yes, you can freeze candied jalapenos in a freezer bag for up to 6 months.

    What can I do with leftover syrup from candying jalapenos?

    You can use the leftover syrup in cocktails or as a sweetener for other dishes.

    What are the health benefits of jalapenos?

    Jalapeños provide numerous health benefits thanks to their nutritional value and the active compound called capsaicin. Despite being low in calories, they are packed with essential vitamins (such as A, C, and K) and minerals like potassium. Their antioxidant properties combat oxidative stress, while capsaicin contributes to pain relief, assists in weight management, enhances heart health, aids digestion, and boosts the immune system.

    Are jalapenos hot?

    Yes, they are from touching and eating. Use gloves when touching and be prepared when eating.

    More Jalapeno Recipes

    • Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers
    • Jalapeno Ranch Dip
    • Jalapeno Popper Mac and Cheese

    Recipe

    Candied Jalapenos

    Alison McFadden
    These Candied Jalapenos are a delightful combination of sweet and spicy flavors, adding a unique twist to your favorite dishes and snacks.
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    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Cook Time 25 minutes mins
    Course Appetizers & Snacks
    Cuisine American
    Servings 1 cup

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 cup apple cider vinegar
    • 1¼ cup granulated sugar
    • 1½ tsp sea salt
    • ¾ tsp whole mustard seed
    • ¾ tsp whole coriander seed
    • ½ tsp garlic powder
    • ¼ tsp celery seed
    • ¾ lb. jalapenos

    Instructions
     

    • Wearing gloves, wash and dry the jalapenos. Cut the stems off and slice into ¼” thick rounds.
    • In a medium pot, combine the vinegar, sugar, and all the spices. Heat over medium, stirring until all the sugar is dissolved.
    • Add the sliced jalapenos and return to the heat, cooking for 12-15 minutes until the jalapenos are soft and have started to absorb the sugar.
    • Strain the jalapenos into the prepared, clean glass jar using a slotted spoon, leaving the liquid in the pot. With a fine mesh strainer, remove most of seasonings if desired.
    • Return the liquid to medium heat. Cook for a further 7-10 minutes at a boil until the liquid has reduced by half and is a very thick syrup.
    • Pour the syrup over the jalapenos and place the lid on. Allow to cool before eating. Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

    Nutrition Disclosure

    Nutritional facts are estimates and are provided as a courtesy to the reader. Please utilize your own brand nutritional values to double check against our estimates. Nutritional values are calculated via a third party. Changing ingredients, amounts or cooking technique will alter the estimated nutritional calculations.

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    Alison is a wife and mother of three who embraces the simple life, finding joy in easy recipes, DIY projects, life hacks, and her passion for travel. Learn more about me!

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