Ingredients
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- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
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- 1 ½ cups light brown sugar, packed
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- 1 cup heavy cream
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- 6 tbsp unsalted butter
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- 1 tsp vanilla extract
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- ¼ tsp salt
- 2 cups toasted pecans, roughly chopped
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Workstation
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- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
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- Have a spoon or cookie scoop ready—once the praline mixture thickens, you’ll need to work quickly!
Step 2: Toast the Pecans (Optional but highly recommended!)
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- In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the pecans for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant.
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- Set aside to cool.
Step 3: Cook the Praline Mixture
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- In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, heavy cream, butter, and salt.
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- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture reaches soft-ball stage (235°F – 240°F on a candy thermometer).
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- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and toasted pecans.
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- Continue stirring for 2-3 minutes, until the mixture thickens slightly and starts to look creamy.
Step 4: Drop & Set the Pralines
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- Quickly drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the prepared parchment paper.
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- Let the pralines cool at room temperature for 20-30 minutes until firm.
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- Once set, they should have a firm but slightly soft texture with a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth consistency.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!
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- Store pralines in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
- Serve with coffee, tea, or enjoy as a sweet treat anytime!
Notes
Recipe Variations & Add-Ins
🔹 Chocolate Pecan Pralines – Drizzle or dip in melted chocolate for a richer flavor.
🔹 Bourbon Pralines – Add 1 tbsp bourbon to the mixture for a Southern twist.
🔹 Salted Caramel Pralines – Sprinkle with sea salt flakes for an extra sweet-salty contrast.
🔹 Cinnamon-Spiced Pralines – Add ½ tsp cinnamon for a warm, cozy flavor.