For an even richer flavor, use salted butter. Toasting the pecans before adding them enhances their nutty aroma and adds a pleasant crunch. Be patient during the cooling process. Rushing it will result in soft, sticky pralines.
Transport yourself to a sun-drenched Mexican plaza with these delectable chocolate pralines. Unlike their chewy New Orleans counterparts, these pralines boast a luxuriously creamy texture, thanks to a clever secret ingredient. Prepare to be amazed by how effortlessly these melt-in-your-mouth treats come together – and how quickly they disappear!
Prepare your workstation: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the pralines from sticking and make for easy removal. (5 minutes)
Combine and cook: In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, evaporated milk, corn syrup, and cocoa powder. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a full, rolling boil, stirring constantly to prevent scorching. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and continue cooking, stirring diligently, until the syrup reaches 220°F (104°C) when measured with a candy thermometer. The syrup should form a soft ball when dropped into cold water, flattening slightly when removed. (20-25 minutes)
Incorporate and set: Remove the saucepan from the heat. Immediately stir in the marshmallows, vanilla extract, butter, and toasted pecans. Beat the candy vigorously by hand until it becomes creamy and starts to slightly set up around the edges of the pan, approximately 10 minutes. This is crucial for achieving the right texture. (10 minutes)
Form and cool: Drop spoonfuls (about 1 tablespoon each) of the warm candy onto the prepared parchment paper, leaving some space between each praline to allow for slight spreading. Let the pralines cool completely and firm up before serving. This may take 30-45 minutes. (45 minutes)
For an even richer flavor, use salted butter. Toasting the pecans before adding them enhances their nutty aroma and adds a pleasant crunch. Be patient during the cooling process. Rushing it will result in soft, sticky pralines.
Jeanette Rippin
Jun 23, 2025Next time, I'll try adding a sprinkle of chili powder for a truly authentic Mexican twist!
Emmet Shields
Jun 18, 2025I had trouble getting the temperature right, but the soft ball test worked perfectly!
Halle Bosco
May 3, 2025These were surprisingly easy to make! My family devoured them in minutes.
Zackary Mitchell
Apr 22, 2025I added a pinch of sea salt to the mixture, and it really elevated the flavor!
Antonietta Zemlak
Apr 20, 2025The marshmallows are genius! They create the perfect creamy texture.