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Sweet & Spicy Cowboy Candy
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Sweet & Spicy Cowboy Candy

Sweet, tangy, and perfectly spicy, this homemade Cowboy Candy recipe transforms fresh jalapeños into irresistible candied peppers simmered in a flavorful sweet vinegar syrup. They're delicious on burgers, sandwiches, tacos, nachos, pizza, or served over cream cheese with crackers.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Chill Time1 day
Total Time1 day 35 minutes
Course: Condiment
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Candied Jalapeños, Cowboy Candy, Homemade Cowboy Candy, Jalapeño Recipe, Pickled Jalapeños, Refrigerator Cowboy Candy, Sweet and Spicy Jalapeños
Servings: 24
Calories: 65kcal

Ingredients

  • Jalapeños
  • 1½ pounds fresh jalapeños sliced into ¼-inch rings
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • Sweet Pickling Syrup
  • 2 cups apple cider vinegar
  • 4 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
  • 1 teaspoon celery seeds
  • ½ teaspoon turmeric
  • ½ teaspoon ground ginger
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt

Instructions

  • Wash the jalapeños and slice them into ¼-inch rings. Mince the garlic.
  • In a large saucepan, combine the apple cider vinegar, sugar, mustard seeds, celery seeds, turmeric, ginger, cayenne pepper (if using), kosher salt, and garlic. Bring to a gentle boil, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
  • Add the sliced jalapeños to the syrup and simmer for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally until slightly softened.
  • Using a slotted spoon, transfer the jalapeños to clean mason jars. Carefully pour the hot syrup over the peppers, leaving about ½ inch of headspace.
  • Let the jars cool completely, then seal with lids and refrigerate for at least 24 hours (48–72 hours is even better for flavor).
  • Serve on burgers, sandwiches, tacos, pizza, nachos, hot dogs, or over cream cheese with crackers.

Notes

  • Wear gloves while slicing jalapeños to avoid skin irritation.
  • Slice the peppers evenly, so they cook uniformly.
  • Do not overcook the jalapeños or they'll lose their crunch.
  • Refrigerate for 48–72 hours for the best flavor.
  • Save the leftover syrup for marinades, salad dressings, or glazing grilled meats.
  • Store refrigerated for up to 3 months.

Nutrition (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 65 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 16g
  • Protein: 0g
  • Fat: 0g
  • Saturated Fat: 0g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg
  • Sodium: 55mg
  • Potassium: 45mg
  • Fiber: 0.5g
  • Sugar: 15g
  • Vitamin A: 2% DV
  • Vitamin C: 18% DV
  • Calcium: 1% DV
  • Iron: 1% DV