Pecan Pralines Recipe

Classic pecan pralines recipe is made with just 7 ingredients. It's an easy, 20-minute Christmas candy that’s perfect for gifting.

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Total Time 20

Servings pralines

Calories 292kcal

Line two sheet pans with parchment paper.
Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat.
½ cup salted butter
Stir in the brown sugar, granulated sugar, heavy cream, and baking soda.
1 cup light brown sugar, 1 cup granulated sugar, 6 ounces heavy cream, ½ teaspoon baking soda
While continuously stirring, allow the mixture to come to a simmer until it has reached the softball stage at 235°F.
Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the pecans and vanilla extract. Continue to stir until the mixed mixture starts to thicken and lightens in color.
2 cups unsalted pecan halves, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Quickly drop tablespoons worth of the pecan mixture onto the sheet pan. Allow the pecan pralines to cool completely and firm up before serving.

Salted butter: The salt in the butter helps to balance out a bit of the sweetness. If using unsalted butter, add 1/8-1/4 teaspoon of salt.
Light brown sugar: Dark brown sugar will also work.
Pecans: Whole pecans or pecan pieces will work as long as they're unsalted.
Nutrition values are estimates.