Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper, then set a wire rack on top for optimal air circulation. This setup will allow the bacon to crisp up nicely while the fat drips away.

Prepare the Smokies: Remove the little smokies from their package and pat them dry with paper towels to help the bacon stick better.

Wrap the Smokies: Take one piece of the cut bacon and wrap it around each little smoky, securing it with a toothpick. Place each bacon-wrapped smoky seam-side down on the prepared baking rack.

Make the Brown Sugar Mixture: In a small bowl, mix the light brown sugar with the cayenne pepper and a pinch of black pepper (if using). Adjust the cayenne pepper according to your desired level of spiciness.

Coat the Smokies: Generously sprinkle the brown sugar mixture over the bacon-wrapped smokies, ensuring each piece is well-coated. You can use your fingers to press the sugar onto the bacon to help it adhere.

Bake the Smokies: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the sugar has caramelized. Keep an eye on them in the last few minutes to prevent the sugar from burning.

Serve: Remove the smokies from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before transferring them to a serving platter.