Kentucky Christmas Pecans Recipe

These addictive Kentucky Christmas Pecans are the perfect holiday gift or festive treat! Inspired by Kentucky pralines, they boast a rich, buttery sweetness with a delightful hint of bourbon. These melt-in-your-mouth pecans won't last long – be prepared for a holiday flavor explosion! Perfect for Kentuckians, former residents, or anyone who appreciates a truly unique and delicious holiday confection.

Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 20 mins
Calories 1025.7 kcal
Protein 23g
Rating Be the first
Kentucky Christmas Pecans 44

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Forktionary editorial kitchen team

The Forktionary Kitchen Team

Adapted from Food.com, then tested & standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Kentucky Christmas Pecans

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How to Make Kentucky Christmas Pecans

  1. In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine 1 cup granulated sugar and 1/2 cup evaporated milk. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring constantly to prevent scorching.
  2. Continue stirring and cook until the mixture reaches 240°F (116°C) on a candy thermometer. This will take about 8-10 minutes and the mixture will thicken significantly.
  3. Carefully remove the pan from the heat. Be cautious as the mixture will be very hot.
  4. Stir in 1/4 teaspoon salt, 2 tablespoons bourbon (or to taste), and 3 cups pecan halves. Mix until the pecans are evenly coated with the hot syrup.
  5. Line a baking sheet with wax paper. Immediately pour the pecan mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and spread into a single layer to prevent sticking.
  6. Allow the pecans to cool completely before breaking them apart. Once cool, store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

9 g

Sugar

282g

Fat

40g

Carbs

28g

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to make Kentucky Christmas Pecans?

Kentucky Christmas Pecans takes about 30 minutes from start to finish — roughly 10 minutes to prepare and 20 minutes to cook.

How many calories are in Kentucky Christmas Pecans?

Kentucky Christmas Pecans has approximately 1025.7 calories per serving, with about 23 g protein, 28 g carbohydrates and 114 g fat.

What ingredients do I need for Kentucky Christmas Pecans?

The key ingredients for Kentucky Christmas Pecans are Granulated Sugar, Evaporated Milk, Salt, Bourbon, Pecan Halves. See the full list with measurements above.

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