New Orleans Pecan Pralines – Our Family Recipe

This pecan pralines recipe has been a loved family recipe for over 35 years. Whole snappy pecans in a browned sugar coating, these treats are a kind of cookie that is a classic in the south and, especially, New Orleans.

New Orleans Pralines are kind of a big deal. Even though pralines (prounounced praw-leens) are made throughout the south, New Orleans is famous for them and you can find them in candy shops around town fresh from the oven.

If there was one treat I would most associate with my childhood, it would be these pralines. My mother made them every Christmas, every birthday, and probably a few more times a year. She spent years experimenting and perfecting her pralines to taste exactly like the memories of the New Orleans my Dad grew up in. Of course, I have been to New Orleans to compare them, and I have to say these are pretty authentic.

Recently, Mom came up for a visit and I begged requested she make her New Orleans pralines recipe so that I could share with all of you. Luckily, she obliged and shared all of her tips from making them over the last 35+ years.

I highly recommend that if you ever make a trip, the best New Orleans pralines recipe to is at Southern Candymakers  in the French Quarter. It’s near the French Market and the famous Cafe Du Monde.

Tips for Making Pecan Pralines

A pecan praline recipe is fairly simple and straightforward, but like with any candy, there are some tips to making them just right or it can seem tricky.

Read the recipe through before starting and have everything ready. This may seem like common sense, but even I have found myself not reading the recipe entirely through before I start. This recipe moves very quickly and you need to be ready for the next step when it comes up.

Don’t Double the Recipe – The problem with doubling this praline recipe is that the pralines may start to cool too quickly as you are putting them out on the wax paper.

Dropping them Down – You don’t want to start laying them out too early or the candy coating will run out further and away from the pecans. After the baking soda and vanilla are added, don’t stop whisking/beating until you are ready to drop them. Otherwise, the syrup may cool unevenly as you spoon.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use pecan pieces?

Yes, although I wouldn’t recommend anything smaller than halves. It will have a slightly different texture and just as delicious.

How Long Do Pecan Pralines Last?

Nothing is better than fresh New Orleans pralines. Unless you have tasted them just after they have cooled, you haven’t lived. Pralines can be stored in an airtight container in a room temp, dry place without any problems. After a day or two the sugars may begin to crystallize in the pralines. They are still plenty delicious, so don’t be worried if you notice them turning lighter or beginning to show white specks or crystals.

Tools used in this New Orleans Pralines Recipe

Wooden Spoon– A wooden spoon is preferable in this recipe because it doesn’t transfer heat.

Candy Thermometer – Really recommend this one for getting the pralines exactly right. It doesn’t need to be an expensive one, it just needs to be accurate.

What’s the Difference Between Pralines and Brittle?

The main difference between brittle and pralines is the hardness of the candy. Pralines are cooked to the soft crack stage and should be semi-soft but not chewy. Brittle, however, is cooked to a very high temperature, resulting in a much harder and “brittle” candy.

Check Out Our Other Southern Favorites:

• New Orleans Shrimp Etouffee
• Cajun Chicken Alfredo Pasta
• Chicken Cacciatore
• Squash Casserole with Ritz Cracker Topping
• Yellow Squash Muffins
• The Best Carrot Cake Cupcakes
• Key Lime Pie (to die for)

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