Pralines are a classic Southern confection that are simple to make, yet make a very impressive and well-loved treat. Little Buddy stood close by today as we made a batch of these delicacies to take as presents for friends for later this weekend. While store bought presents are always nice, there is nothing as special as a homemade gift to share with friends and family to show how much you care.
And these buttery, delicious Southern Pralines definitely make everyone feel special!
Here’s how I make this classic favorite.
Melt one tablespoon of butter in 3-quart saucepan and swirl to coat bottom and sides.
Add in your brown sugar.
Then your granulated sugar.
And your half-and-half.
Next comes the rest of your butter.
Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until all of the sugars dissolve and your butter melts.
Toss in your pecans and stir.
Bring to a boil over medium heat and cook until reaches 238 degrees (soft ball stage) on the candy thermometer. Remember to stir occasionally.
Scoop out and place onto waxed paper to dry.
- 4 tablespoons butter
- ¾ cup firmly packed brown sugar
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup half-and-half
- 2 cups pecans
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- Melt one tablespoon of butter in 3-quart heavy saucepan. Swirl to coat the bottom of the saucepan.
- Cook brown sugar, sugar, half-and-half and remaining butter in the saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly, until the sugars dissolve and the butter melts.
- Stir in pecans and cook over medium. Allow to boil for 3 minutes, stirring often, until a candy thermometer reaches 238 degrees, the softball stage.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Stir for about 3 minutes until thickened.
- Scoop tablespoons of pralines onto a baking sheet lined with waxed or parchment paper. Allow to dry for about 3 more minutes.
- Store in an airtight container.
Enjoy!
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These sound absolutely lovely! Great snack idea
Oh man, those look so good. I grew up on those things but have yet to make a batch myself. That needs to change soon.
Simply the best candy to make for gift giving. Some people I know are going to be happy thanks to your recipe.
One of my favorite candies, next to divinity. Looks like I’ll be getting my candy thermometer out!!!!!! Robyn,these looks fantastic – thanks!
I can already see these in my Holiday treat box…Lovely recipe!
YUM! My mother in law always makes these for me and even though I’ve gotten the recipe from her, I’ve been afraid to try it alone. These look fab!
this is such an easy & yummy recipe ! happy holidays
Pralines are definitely one of my favorite southern treats! Great recipe!
Oh I love these…takes me to Savannah! I use cream and powdered sugar in mine.
Oh my white Christmas do those look heavenly!
I never knew how to make pralines… But, I love them! I’m so glad you shared this recipe… Thanks!
I shared this recipe on my FB page and my niece made them. Here is her comment. “So, I tried this recipe. I had never made candy before, so it was more like an experiment. I did not understand how much temperature mattered. I had a few oops batches with the hardness, but the taste was delicious. These are probably the best pralines I have ever eaten.” This comment from a young mother born, raised and living in the south!
I’m so proud of her!!! Thank you so much for sharing her comment with me. It truly means so much!
These look amazing! I needed another candy to make for the church flea market next month & I know I have now found it. Thank you so much!!!! These remind me of summers in Georgia when I was little. Hoping to give my kids the same memories.
Just made these on a whim, very tasty. Didn’t have half&half on hand so just used whole milk and they still came out great. Thanks for the recipe!