Easy Pecan Pralines
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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.
Pecan Pralines are a Southern-inspired candy that has a history of bringing people together. Their simple ingredients and nostalgic taste make them a timeless favorite. I love adding these pralines to my holiday cookie trays because they offer something a little different—a sweet and buttery bite that balances perfectly with the crunch of toasted pecans. Plus, making them at home is much easier than you’d think.
I’ve been working on expanding my holiday candy library on Inspired by Charm so I have a handful of new treats coming your way over the next few weeks. I made several candy treats within a week with the help of my mom and these were her favorites. While I had a hard time selecting a favorite, these were definitely at the top of the list for me too. This is surprising because as a kid I never understood or appreciated nut-based desserts, now I can’t get enough!
I hope you enjoy this recipe and the others coming your way soon.
Why You’ll Enjoy This Recipe
- It’s a classic treat that brings a touch of Southern charm to your holiday baking. These pralines have a rich, buttery sweetness that tastes like a cross between a candy and a dessert.
- They have a perfectly soft texture and almost melt in your mouth with the distinct nuttiness of pecans in every bite. The combination of the creamy base and crunchy pecans makes for a delightful contrast that’s irresistibly good.
- If you can stir and read a candy thermometer, you can make this recipe. It’s straightforward and yields delicious results.
- It makes a generous batch so there’s plenty to go around. Whether gifting them to neighbors or just stocking holiday treats, you’ll love having these homemade candies on hand whenever a craving strikes.
Looking for more festive holiday candy ideas? You’ve come to the right place. I put together a collection of all my favorite Christmas candies. These recipes make me so nostalgic. There are plenty of them so you’ll have enough to share!
Ingredients
Let’s gather all the ingredients for these decadent Pecan Pralines. You only need a few! Here’s what to gather:
- Butter: Adds a rich, creamy texture and depth of flavor to the pralines, giving them a classic buttery sweetness.
- Granulated Sugar: Provides the main sweetness, creating the base of the candy as it cooks down and caramelizes.
- Brown Sugar: Enhances the pralines with a deeper, molasses-like flavor that pairs perfectly with the pecans.
- Half-and-Half Cream: Adds creaminess and helps achieve the soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: Contributes to the candy’s smooth consistency and adds a touch of extra sweetness.
- Light Corn Syrup: Prevents the sugar from crystallizing, keeping the pralines smooth and creamy.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the natural flavor of the pecans.
- Pecan Halves: The star of the show, providing a wonderful crunch and nutty flavor in every bite.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds a subtle hint of warmth and enhances the overall flavor profile of the pralines.
How To Make
Okay, we’re ready to whip up these Pecan Pralines. Let’s get to it! I’ll walk you through the steps below. I’ve also provided a full ingredient list and instructions in the printable recipe card below.
- 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 on a candy thermometer 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.
And that’s it! Your delicious homemade holiday candy is ready to enjoy, share, and/or gift!
Give it a try! I know this recipe will bring a little extra joy to your kitchen this season!
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of nut instead of pecans?
Yes, you can! While pecans give these pralines their classic flavor, you can experiment with other nuts like walnuts or almonds. However, keep in mind that the texture and taste will be slightly different. Pecans are buttery and tender, which complements the candy base beautifully.
Do I need a candy thermometer for this recipe?
A candy thermometer is highly recommended to ensure the pralines reach the right temperature for the ideal texture. If you don’t have one, you can try the soft-ball test by dropping a small amount of the hot mixture into cold water—it should form a soft, pliable ball. However, a thermometer will give you the most accurate results.
Why do my pralines turn out grainy?
Graininess usually happens when the sugar crystallizes. To prevent this, make sure all the sugar is dissolved before the mixture starts boiling, and avoid stirring the mixture once it starts to cool. Using corn syrup also helps inhibit crystallization for a smoother texture.
Can I double the recipe to make a larger batch?
It’s possible, but be cautious. Cooking a double batch can affect the cooking time and make it more challenging to reach the perfect temperature evenly. It’s often better to make two separate batches for consistent results.
How do I store the pralines, and how long will they last?
Store the pralines in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh. They’ll stay delicious for up to two weeks. You can also freeze them for longer storage, and then thaw them at room temperature before serving.
More Easy Snack Recipes You’ll Enjoy
- Pistachio Cranberry Bark
- White Chocolate Puff Corn
- Bourbon Balls
- Aunt Maggie’s Hard Tack
- Crock Pot Candy
- Peanut Butter Truffles
I hope this recipe for Pecan Pralines becomes a holiday staple in your kitchen. Let me know how they turn out, and feel free to share your experience in the comments below—I’d love to hear from you! A comment and a 5-star rating below are always appreciated.
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Pecan Pralines
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.
OMG! These are so good! Thank you!!
Just made these. So good! Taste just like the old time candy store in Nashville. Great recipe! Thank you
Yes!! Totally!
xo Michael
These look amazing!!! I can’t wait to make them as gifts and a batch for myself. Thanks for sharing this recipe 🙂
Thank you so much!!
xo Michael