How to Make Cowboy Candy (Candied Jalapeños) from a Fresh Jalapeño Harvest

If you're looking for a delicious and unique way to preserve your garden's jalapeño harvest, cowboy candy is the perfect recipe! Also known as candied jalapeños, this spicy-sweet treat makes an incredible topping for cream cheese crackers, sandwiches, and even grilled meats. In today’s guide, we’ll walk through the process of harvesting, preparing, and canning cowboy candy right from your backyard garden.

What Is Cowboy Candy?
Cowboy candy is a delicious blend of sweet and spicy. It’s made by slicing fresh jalapeños and simmering them in a rich syrup made from sugar, vinegar, garlic, and spices. The result is a flavorful condiment that adds a punch to anything you put it on—from charcuterie boards to burgers.

Step 1: Harvesting Jalapeños from the Garden
This recipe starts in the garden. Even if your pepper plants are a bit weedy (we’ve all been there after August!), the last harvest can yield a surprising amount of fruit. Some peppers may have even turned red—don’t worry, these add beautiful color and flavor to the final product.

After picking, inspect each jalapeño to ensure there are no bug holes or damaged spots. Then, give them a good rinse to remove dirt and garden debris.

Tip: Even a small garden with just five jalapeño plants can produce enough peppers for 20 jars of cowboy candy!

Step 2: Prepping the Peppers (Without the Sneezing!)
Once washed, slice your jalapeños carefully. Because the capsaicin can irritate your skin and lungs, wear gloves and, if possible, work in a well-ventilated area like a garage or outdoors.

If you want a milder cowboy candy, you can remove some of the seeds by rinsing the sliced peppers in a strainer—this helps reduce the heat level significantly.

Step 3: Making the Sweet and Spicy Brine
Here’s a simple brine recipe to get you started:

Ingredients:

2 cups apple cider vinegar

6 cups sugar (feel free to reduce if you like it less sweet)

1/2 tsp turmeric

1/2 tsp celery seed

3 tablespoons minced garlic

1 tablespoon cayenne pepper

Mix these ingredients in a large pot and bring to a simmer until the sugar is fully dissolved. You’ll end up with a thick, golden syrup that smells amazing and packs a punch!

Optional: Double the brine if you have a large harvest.

Step 4: Simmering the Jalapeños
Add the sliced jalapeños to the syrup and simmer them down. They’ll shrink as they cook, so don’t worry if it looks like you have too many at first—you can keep adding as the batch cooks down. Once they’ve softened and absorbed the syrup, it’s time to can.

Pro Tip: Bees love sugar! If you’re cooking outdoors, be prepared for some buzzing visitors.

Step 5: Canning Cowboy Candy
Ladle the jalapeños into sterilized jars, leaving about 1/2 to 1 inch of headspace. Push them down gently to fit more in each jar, then pour the syrup over the top to fill in the gaps.

This recipe is perfect for gifting—especially in beautiful or unique jars. Whether it’s for a birthday or a holiday, cowboy candy is a practical, homemade gift that everyone will love.

Safety Reminder: Always follow safe water bath canning practices. Process the jars in a boiling water canner for 15 minutes.

Final Step: Let the Flavors Develop
After removing the jars from the canner, let them cool overnight. You'll be amazed by how beautiful they look—with vibrant greens and reds suspended in golden syrup. This batch yielded about 20 jars, all from just five jalapeño plants!

How to Use Cowboy Candy
Here are a few tasty ideas:

Spread on crackers with cream cheese

Add to sandwiches or wraps for a kick

Use the syrup as a marinade for chicken or pork

Stir into stir-fries or tacos for sweet heat

Ready to Try Cowboy Candy?

Whether you're an experienced canner or a homesteading beginner, cowboy candy is a fun and flavorful way to preserve your garden’s bounty. With just a handful of ingredients and some basic equipment, you can enjoy the taste of summer all year long.