Pecan Praline Candy Recipe
Overview:
Pecan Praline Candy is the epitome of Southern sweetness, boasting a buttery texture and nutty flavor that make it a beloved treat for any occasion. This recipe, passed down through generations, yields approximately 24 delectable cookies that are sure to disappear as soon as they’re set out. With a prep time of just 25 minutes and no baking required, these pralines are a quick and irresistible delight.
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1 cup | Sugar |
| 1 cup | Brown sugar |
| 1 cup | Half-and-half cream |
| 8 oz | Marshmallows |
| 2 cups | Pecans |
| 2 tbsp | Butter |
| 1 tsp | Vanilla extract |
| 1/8 tsp | Ground cinnamon |
Instructions:
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Prepare Cookie Sheets: Begin by buttering two cookie sheets or lining them with wax paper to prevent sticking. This ensures your pralines come out perfectly.
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Combine Ingredients: In a saucepan, combine the sugar, brown sugar, half-and-half cream, and marshmallows. Stir the mixture over low heat until the marshmallows are completely melted, creating a smooth, creamy base.
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Cook to Soft Ball Stage: Increase the heat to medium and cook the mixture, stirring occasionally, until a candy thermometer reaches between 234 and 240 degrees Fahrenheit, known as the soft ball stage. This temperature ensures the pralines achieve the ideal consistency.
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Transfer Mixture: Carefully pour the hot liquid into another saucepan without stirring or scraping the sides. This helps prevent crystallization and ensures a smooth texture.
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Add Flavorings: To the hot mixture, add the pecans, butter, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon. These ingredients infuse the pralines with rich flavor and irresistible aroma.
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Thicken and Cream: Stir the mixture rapidly until it thickens and becomes creamy, which should take approximately 3 minutes. This step ensures the pralines hold their shape when dropped onto the cookie sheets.
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Drop onto Sheets: Working quickly, drop rounded tablespoonfuls of the praline mixture onto the prepared cookie sheets. Flatten them slightly to achieve the desired shape and thickness.
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Let Set: Allow the pralines to stand until they are set, typically within a few minutes. This ensures they hold together and maintain their delicious texture.
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Storage: Once set, store the pecan praline candies in an airtight container to maintain their freshness and flavor. They can be enjoyed immediately or saved for later indulgence.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 159.4
- Fat Content: 8.7g
- Saturated Fat Content: 1.9g
- Cholesterol Content: 6.3mg
- Sodium Content: 17.1mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 20.9g
- Fiber Content: 0.9g
- Sugar Content: 18.9g
- Protein Content: 1.2g
Serving Suggestions:
Pecan Praline Candy is perfect for serving as a delightful dessert after a hearty meal or as a sweet treat for special occasions. Pair them with a cup of hot coffee or tea for a comforting indulgence, or package them up as homemade gifts for friends and family. However you choose to enjoy them, these pralines are sure to become a cherished favorite in your recipe collection. 🍬🥜
