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freshly canned cowboy candy (candied jalapeños)

Cowboy Candy (Candied Jalapeños)

Sweet, spicy, and full of bold flavor, cowboy candy is made with sliced jalapeños simmered in a sweet vinegar syrup. It’s perfect for burgers, nachos, or straight out of the jar.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 half-pint jars
Course: Condiments, Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine: American, Southern
Calories: 50

Ingredients
  

  • lbs fresh jalapeño peppers sliced into ¼-inch rounds
  • 2 cups white sugar
  • 1 cup apple cider vinegar
  • ½ tsp turmeric
  • ½ tsp celery seed
  • tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp mustard seed

Method
 

Prepare the Jalapeños
  1. Rinse jalapeños under cool water. Slice into ¼-inch rounds. Wear gloves if you're sensitive to heat.
Make the Syrup
  1. In a large pot, combine sugar, apple cider vinegar, turmeric, celery seed, garlic powder, and mustard seed. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring to dissolve the sugar.
Cook the Peppers
  1. Add the jalapeño slices to the syrup. Simmer for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly softened but still bright.
Fill the Jars
  1. Use a slotted spoon to pack the jalapeños into sterilized canning jars. Leave ½ inch of headspace. Pour hot syrup over the peppers until covered. Use a butter knife to remove air bubbles.
Wipe and Seal
  1. Wipe the rims with a damp paper towel. Apply lids and rings, tightening just to fingertip tightness.
Water Bath Process
  1. Place jars in a boiling water bath canner. Process for 15 minutes (adjusting for altitude if needed).
Cool and Store
  1. Remove jars and set on a towel or cooling rack. Leave undisturbed for 12–24 hours. Check seals. Label and store in a cool, dark place.

Notes

  • Always use gloves when slicing jalapeños to avoid skin or eye irritation.
  • Let jars sit for at least 2 weeks before opening for the best flavor.
  • The leftover syrup is excellent for glazing chicken or mixing into dressings.