Vanilla Pecan Pralines

Here’s a delicious recipe for Vanilla Pecan Pralines—a Southern-style sweet that’s buttery, nutty, and melts in your mouth:

🍬 Vanilla Pecan Pralines Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 cups granulated sugar

• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed

• 1 cup heavy cream (or evaporated milk)

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter

• 2 tsp vanilla extract

• 2 cups pecan halves (lightly toasted for extra flavor)

• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Prepare baking surface

   • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly butter it.

   • Keep a spoon or small cookie scoop ready for portioning the pralines quickly.

2. Cook the praline mixture

   • In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, cream, butter, and salt.

   • Heat over medium, stirring until sugars dissolve and mixture begins to bubble.

3. Bring to soft-ball stage

   • Attach a candy thermometer to the pot.

   • Continue cooking without stirring until the mixture reaches 238°F (soft-ball stage).

4. Add vanilla & pecans

   • Remove from heat immediately.

   • Stir in vanilla extract and pecans.

   • Mix vigorously until the mixture thickens slightly and becomes creamy (about 2–3 minutes).

5. Scoop and set

   • Quickly drop spoonfuls onto the prepared baking sheet.

   • Let pralines cool completely until firm.

Tips for Success

• Work fast: Once it starts thickening, pralines set quickly.

• Texture: If they stay shiny and don’t set, you may not have cooked them hot enough. If they get grainy, they may have been stirred too long.

• Flavor twist: Try adding a splash of bourbon with the vanilla, or sprinkle sea salt flakes on top.