Print

Chocolate Pecan Pralines

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

These chocolate pecan pralines are rich, creamy Southern-style candies filled with buttery caramel flavor, cocoa, and crunchy pecans. Perfect for holidays, homemade gifts, or dessert trays, they offer a nostalgic and decadent treat in every bite.

Ingredients

1½ cups granulated sugar

1½ cups light brown sugar, packed

1 cup evaporated milk or half-and-half

6 tablespoons salted butter

⅓ cup cocoa powder

¼ teaspoon salt

2 cups pecan halves

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Line a baking sheet or large tray with parchment paper and set aside.
  2. In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, evaporated milk, butter, cocoa powder, and salt.
  3. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon until the sugars dissolve completely and the mixture begins to boil.
  4. Continue stirring constantly until the candy reaches 235°F to 240°F on a candy thermometer.
  5. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the mixture cool for about 5 minutes.
  6. Stir in the pecan halves and vanilla extract until evenly combined.
  7. Beat the mixture by hand with a wooden spoon for about 2 minutes until it starts to thicken slightly and lose some gloss. Avoid overmixing.
  8. Working quickly, drop spoonfuls of the praline mixture onto the prepared parchment paper using a tablespoon or cookie scoop.
  9. If the mixture hardens too quickly, stir in a teaspoon of hot water at a time until loosened slightly.
  10. Allow the pralines to cool completely at room temperature until firm and fully set.
  11. Store the cooled pralines in an airtight container or freeze for longer storage.

Notes

Toast the pecans beforehand for deeper flavor and extra crunch.

Use dark cocoa powder for a richer chocolate flavor.

Add a pinch of cinnamon or espresso powder for extra warmth.

Drizzle melted chocolate over cooled pralines for a more decadent finish.

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.

Freeze in layers separated by parchment paper for up to 3 months.

If pralines become too firm after storage, let them sit at room temperature before serving.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://chocolatecoveredamy.com/chocolate-pecan-pralines/