Imagine the warm, buttery aroma of freshly baked cookies mingling with the sweet scent of caramelized praline. These Southern Praline Cookies aren’t just another cookie recipe – they’re a delightful fusion of two beloved desserts that create an unforgettable treat.
Contents
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Praline Cookies
- No fancy equipment needed – just basic kitchen tools you already have
- Zero chilling time required – from mixing bowl to table in under 30 minutes
- Simple, everyday ingredients found in most pantries
- Perfect texture: crispy edges with soft, chewy centers
- Versatile recipe that works great for holidays, gatherings, or everyday treats
Ingredients:
For the Cookies:
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1½ cups pecans, toasted and chopped
For the Praline Topping:
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- Extra chopped pecans for garnish
- Flaky sea salt (optional)
The Science Behind Key Ingredients:
- Unsalted Butter: Creates tender, flavorful cookies while allowing precise control over salt content
- Cornstarch: The secret to ultra-soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture
- Toasted Pecans: Enhance flavor through toasting at 350°F for 5-7 minutes
- Dual Sugars: Brown sugar for moisture and flavor, granulated for proper spread
- Sea Salt: Optional but recommended to balance sweetness and enhance flavors
Quick Tip: For room-temperature eggs in minutes, place them in warm (not hot) water for 5-10 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prepare the Cookie Dough:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C)
- Line baking sheets with parchment paper
- Whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt
- Set dry ingredients aside
- Mix Wet Ingredients:
- Beat butter and both sugars until light and fluffy (3-4 minutes)
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each
- Mix in vanilla extract until just combined
- Complete the Dough:
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture
- Mix until just combined
- Fold in chopped toasted pecans gently
- Shape and Bake:
- Roll dough into 1½-inch balls
- Place 2 inches apart on prepared sheets
- Bake 9-11 minutes until edges are lightly golden
- Centers should look slightly underdone
- Cool on baking sheet 5 minutes before transferring
- Make Praline Topping:
- Combine butter, brown sugar, and cream in saucepan
- Heat over medium, stirring constantly
- Boil for exactly 3 minutes
- Remove from heat
- Add vanilla and powdered sugar immediately
- Whisk until smooth
- Finish Cookies:
- Drizzle warm topping over cooled cookies
- Sprinkle with extra pecans and sea salt
- Let topping set completely
Troubleshooting Tips:
- Grainy Topping Solution: Ensure sugar dissolves completely before boiling
- No-Topping Option: Try a simple glaze or dust with powdered sugar
- Storage: Keep in airtight container up to 5 days
- Freezing: Dough balls freeze well for up to 3 months
Nutritional Information (per cookie):
- Calories: 285
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Protein: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 24g
These Southern Praline Cookies perfectly combine the comfort of homemade cookies with the decadence of traditional pralines. Whether served at a special gathering or enjoyed with afternoon tea, they’re sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
