The Pioneer Woman Texas Cowboy Candy Recipe is sweet, spicy and very addictive. It uses fresh jalapeños cooked in sugary syrup.
This treat is popular in Texas homes. People love it on burgers, pizza and sandwiches. The mix of heat and sweetness feels perfect.
If you want to learn How to make Pioneer Woman Texas Cowboy Candy, this guide helps you fully. I will also share the exact Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Texas Cowboy Candy and easy tips.
My Experience With This Recipe
I first tried Cowboy Candy at a family barbecue. I was unsure at first. Sweet peppers sounded strange to me.
One bite changed my mind quickly. The flavor was bold and exciting. Sweet syrup balanced the jalapeño heat nicely. Later, I tried making it at home.
The process felt simple and fun. Now I always keep a jar ready. This Pioneer Woman Texas Cowboy Candy Recipe never disappoints guests.
Recipe Card Info
- Recipe Name: Pioneer Woman Texas Cowboy Candy
- Servings: 12
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Course: Condiment
- Cuisine: American, Southern
- Calories: 90 kcal per serving

Equipment List
- Large saucepan
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Sterilized glass jars
- Slotted spoon
Ingredients You Need for Pioneer Woman Texas Cowboy Candy
- Fresh jalapeño peppers, sliced – 500 grams
- Granulated sugar – 2 cups
- Apple cider vinegar – 1 cup
- Turmeric powder – ½ teaspoon
- Red chili flakes – ½ teaspoon
- Garlic powder – ½ teaspoon
- Salt – ½ teaspoon
Instructions
1. Slice the Jalapeños
Wash jalapeños well. Slice them into thin rounds. Wear gloves if sensitive to heat. Remove seeds only if you want less spice.
2. Make the Syrup
Add sugar, vinegar, turmeric, chili flakes, garlic powder and salt to a saucepan. Heat on medium. Stir until sugar fully dissolves.
3. Boil the Mixture
Bring syrup to a gentle boil. Let it boil for five minutes. This helps blend flavors and thicken slightly.
4. Add Jalapeños
Carefully add sliced jalapeños into the boiling syrup. Stir gently. Make sure all slices are coated well.
5. Simmer the Peppers
Lower the heat. Simmer jalapeños for about fifteen minutes. They should soften but keep shape. Syrup thickens during this time.
6. Fill the Jars
Use a slotted spoon to place peppers into jars. Pour hot syrup over them. Leave small space at the top. Seal jars tightly.
7. Cool and Rest
Let jars cool completely. Store in the fridge. Flavors improve after one day of resting.
Recipe Tips
- Use fresh and firm jalapeños only.
- Adjust chili flakes for more heat.
- Do not overcook peppers.
- Use clean jars for longer storage.
- Always cool before sealing jars.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 90 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 22 g |
| Sugar | 20 g |
| Fat | 0 g |
| Protein | 1 g |
| Sodium | 120 mg |
Serving Suggestions
Serve Cowboy Candy on burgers or hot dogs. Add it to grilled cheese sandwiches. It tastes amazing on pizza.
Many people enjoy it with cream cheese and crackers. You can also use it on tacos. This sweet heat improves many dishes easily.
Best Sides To Serve With
Serve with coleslaw for balance. Cornbread works very well too. Baked beans pair nicely. Grilled meats love this topping. Simple potato salad also works great.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store Cowboy Candy in airtight jars. Keep jars in the fridge. It stays fresh for up to three months. Always use a clean spoon. Reheating is not needed. Serve it cold or at room temperature.

Pioneer Woman Texas Cowboy Candy Recipe
Ingredients
- Fresh jalapeño peppers sliced – 500 grams
- Granulated sugar – 2 cups
- Apple cider vinegar – 1 cup
- Turmeric powder – ½ teaspoon
- Red chili flakes – ½ teaspoon
- Garlic powder – ½ teaspoon
- Salt – ½ teaspoon
Instructions
Slice the Jalapeños
- Wash jalapeños well. Slice them into thin rounds. Wear gloves if sensitive to heat. Remove seeds only if you want less spice.
Make the Syrup
- Add sugar, vinegar, turmeric, chili flakes, garlic powder and salt to a saucepan. Heat on medium. Stir until sugar fully dissolves.
Boil the Mixture
- Bring syrup to a gentle boil. Let it boil for five minutes. This helps blend flavors and thicken slightly.
Add Jalapeños
- Carefully add sliced jalapeños into the boiling syrup. Stir gently. Make sure all slices are coated well.
Simmer the Peppers
- Lower the heat. Simmer jalapeños for about fifteen minutes. They should soften but keep shape. Syrup thickens during this time.
Fill the Jars
- Use a slotted spoon to place peppers into jars. Pour hot syrup over them. Leave small space at the top. Seal jars tightly.
Cool and Rest
- Let jars cool completely. Store in the fridge. Flavors improve after one day of resting.
Notes
- Use fresh and firm jalapeños only.
- Adjust chili flakes for more heat.
- Do not overcook peppers.
- Use clean jars for longer storage.
- Always cool before sealing jars.
FAQs about Pioneer Woman Texas Cowboy Candy Recipe
Is Cowboy Candy very spicy for beginners?
It can be spicy, depending on jalapeños. Removing seeds helps reduce heat. The sugar also balances spice, making it easier for beginners.
Can I use other peppers instead of jalapeños?
Yes, you can use banana peppers or serranos. Each pepper changes heat level. Jalapeños are best for classic flavor.
How long should Cowboy Candy rest before eating?
It tastes good after one day. However, resting for three days improves flavor more. Sweet and spicy notes blend better.
Can Cowboy Candy be canned for long storage?
Yes, proper water bath canning works. Follow safe canning rules. This allows storage outside the fridge for several months.
Why did my syrup turn too thick?
Overboiling causes thick syrup. Keep boil gentle. Syrup thickens more as it cools.
Conclusion
This Pioneer Woman Texas Cowboy Candy Recipe is bold, sweet and unforgettable. It uses simple ingredients and easy steps.
Now you know How to make Pioneer Woman Texas Cowboy Candy at home with confidence.
The Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Texas Cowboy Candy are affordable and easy to find. Try this recipe once. It may become your favorite spicy-sweet topping forever.
Sara Collins is a food blogger at TastyDive. She shares simple and family-friendly recipes made with everyday ingredients. Her mission is to help home cooks enjoy tasty meals without stress.


















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