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Pecan Pralines

Pecan Pralines
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4.7 from 17 reviews

Make holiday gifting sweeter with these homemade Pecan Pralines! This recipe creates soft and creamy candies with the perfect balance of sweetness and nutty goodness. Ideal for gifting or enjoying as a festive treat, these pralines bring a rich, buttery flavor combined with crunchy pecans, perfect for any holiday dessert table or cookie tray.

Ingredients

Preparation

  • 2 teaspoons butter, divided
  • 1/2 cup cubed butter

Sugar Mixture

  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 cup half-and-half
  • 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 tablespoon light corn syrup
  • Pinch kosher salt

Additional Ingredients

  • 3 cups pecan halves
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare baking sheets: Begin by lining two large baking sheets with foil and lightly grease the foil on each with one teaspoon of butter. Set aside.
  2. Combine ingredients: In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt the remaining butter over medium heat. Add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, half-and-half, sweetened condensed milk, corn syrup, and salt. Stir continuously until the mixture reaches a boil.
  3. Cook to soft-ball stage: Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the temperature reaches 236°F (soft-ball stage) on a candy thermometer, about 20 minutes.
  4. Add pecans and flavoring: Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the pecan halves and vanilla extract. Allow the mixture to cool, without stirring, until it reaches 170°F, approximately 20 minutes.
  5. Stir to thicken: Using a wooden spoon, stir the mixture for about two minutes or until it begins to thicken but is still glossy.
  6. Form pralines: Quickly drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheets, forming individual pralines. Let them sit until firm and no longer glossy. Refrigerate for about one hour to set fully.
  7. Store: Once set, store the pralines in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Notes

  • Use a candy thermometer to accurately reach the soft-ball stage for perfect texture.
  • Do not stir the mixture while it cools to 170°F to ensure proper crystallization.
  • Drop spoonfuls quickly before mixture hardens to form nicely shaped pralines.
  • Store pralines in the refrigerator to keep them fresh and maintain their creamy texture.
  • For a twist, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or a dash of bourbon during the mixing step.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://recipethrive.com/pecan-pralines/