Preheat oven to 350°
Add 1/4 cup sugar and warm water together in a bowl until dissolved. Add pecans and soak for 10 minutes
Drain and discard syrup
Combine 2 Tbsp. sugar, chili powder, and red pepper. Add pecans and toss to coat
Place pecans on greased cookie sheet and bake for 10 minutes (until lightly browned). Stir at the half-way point at 5 minutes.