Pecan Pralines

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. Whether gifting them or enjoying a batch yourself, these pralines are a delicious addition to any dessert table or holiday cookie tray.

Course cookies, Dessert

Cuisine American

Keyword christmas, holiday, pecans, praline

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 40

Setting Time 1

Servings pieces

Calories 172kcal

Ingredients

2 teaspoons butter divided
1/2 cup cubed butter
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
3 cups pecan halves
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Begin by lining two large baking sheets with foil and lightly grease the foil on each with one teaspoon of butter. Set aside.
In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt the remaining butter over medium heat. Add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, half-and-half cream, sweetened condensed milk, corn syrup, and salt. Stir continuously until the mixture reaches a boil.
Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the temperature reaches 236°F (soft-ball stage) on a candy thermometer, about 20 minutes.
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.
Using a wooden spoon, stir the mixture for about two minutes or until it begins to thicken but is still glossy.
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.
Once set, store the pralines in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Nutrition