New Orleans Butter Pralines
Creamy, buttery New Orleans-style pralines featuring toasted pecans and rich caramel notes, perfect for satisfying sweet tooths and ideal for holiday gatherings or gift giving.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place 2 large parchment paper sheets on baking sheets and butter them.
- Set aside.
- Combine all ingredients except vanilla in a heavy, 2-quart saucepan over medium heat.
- Bring to a boil, stirring often.
- Cook until the mixture reaches soft ball stage (234°F).
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
- Stir briskly until the mixture loses its glossy sheen.
- Working quickly, drop teaspoon-sized portions onto the buttered parchment paper.
- Let the pralines cool completely.
- Remove from parchment and store in an airtight container.
Tips & Substitutions
To ensure your pralines have a smooth texture, make sure to stir the mixture constantly as it cooks to prevent it from scorching. If you don't have pecan halves, walnuts or almonds can be used as a substitute, but the flavor will differ slightly. For a fun twist, add a pinch of sea salt to enhance the sweetness, similar to how it's done in Haystack Butterscotch Candy.
Serving Suggestions
These New Orleans Butter Pralines make a delightful treat on their own or can be served alongside coffee for a sweet afternoon pick-me-up. They also pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert. For a festive touch, consider serving them on a platter with other treats like Grandmother Ruby's Brownies during holiday gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store the cooled pralines in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. If they become too hard, you can soften them by placing a slice of bread in the container for a day. Do not refrigerate, as this can cause them to become sticky.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of New Orleans Butter Pralines contains roughly 245 calories, with 2g protein, 50g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is a good source of iron (11% of the Daily Value) and calcium (10% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I do if my pralines aren't setting properly?
If your pralines are too soft and not setting, it may be that the mixture didn’t reach the soft ball stage. You can return the mixture to the heat and cook it a bit longer, checking the temperature with a candy thermometer. If they are too hard, they may have been cooked too long, making them crunchy instead of chewy.
Can I make these pralines ahead of time?
Yes, you can make New Orleans Butter Pralines ahead of time! They store well for up to two weeks in an airtight container. Just ensure they are completely cooled before storing to maintain their texture and freshness. They also make excellent gifts when packaged nicely.
Is there a way to make these pralines without dairy?
While this recipe traditionally uses butter and milk, you can substitute unsalted vegan butter and a non-dairy milk, such as almond or oat milk, to make a dairy-free version. Keep in mind that the taste may vary slightly, but they will still be delicious!
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).