Southern Pecan Chews {Eggless}

Pecan chews (or praline chews) are the perfect fall and holiday candy.  These soft, sweet and nutty treats are sure to be a crowd pleaser.

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Pecan pralines are interesting because they aren’t really a cookie.  They have an interesting texture because they aren’t chewy or crunchy like a cookie.  They’re soft and have such a wonder melt-in-your-mouth feel.

You don’t have to get out a large mixing bowl or turn on the oven for this recipe and it doesn’t take long to make. This is a great recipe to make during the holidays when you’re busy.

I had a crunchy maple cookie under this website address for a long time. I actually changed the web address for that cookie to a more accurate description. If you are looking for that, click here.

Eggless Pecan Chews

I have been making these for a long, but I was apprehensive to add it to my site because it uses a candy thermometer. I had been intimidated to use a candy thermometer and didn’t want people to come to my recipe and feel the same way.

However, these pecan praline chews are so good I finally decided to put them on.

I was nervous to cook with a candy thermometer at first because it just seemed more complicated than other recipes. When I would see a recipe that required one, I would just pass it over.  I wish I hadn’t because they are so easy to use.  I missed out on so many good recipes.

You won’t want to skip over this recipe though.  I love my chocolate chip cookie recipe, but this may be my favorite eggless treat.

Kitchen tools to make Pecan Chews

You don’t need a lot of tools to make this recipe.

Candy Thermometer– This is the thermometer I have. It’s easy to read and sturdy.

Measuring Cups– If you are needing to replace your measuring cups, then these are perfect. I love stainless steel ones. They hold up well and last forever. They are easy to clean too!

Ingredients for pecan praline chews

Granulated sugar and Light Brown Sugar– A mixture of sugars is required in this recipe to get the texture just right.

Butter– I used salted butter but you can use unsalted butter if that’s what you have in your refrigerator.

Milk– I used 1% milk because that’s what I had in my refrigerator. Any milk you have should work.

Vanilla Extract– I love vanilla! It gives baked goods such a great flavor. I make homemade vanilla extract and it’s super easy because it only takes two ingredients. You can hop over there to see the instructions on that if you’re interested in making your own too.

Pecans– You can’t make this recipe without these. Use pecan halves, the bigger the better. Chopped pecans won’t work in this recipe.

How to make praline chews

Step 1

Lay out a sheet of parchment paper.

Step 2

Add granulated sugar, packed light brown sugar, milk and cubed butter to a pot set on medium-high heat.

Step 3

Once the mixture comes to 236 (or soft ball on your candy thermometer) take off the heat and add pecans and vanilla.

Step 4

Stir continuously for about 2 ½ minutes.

Step 5

Drop by spoonful onto parchment paper and let set, about 1 hour.

Tip #1

The temperature of your mixture will lose heat quickly when you take it off the stove and as you are stirring.  Drop by spoonful quickly onto the parchment paper.

Tip #2

If your batter becomes too thick (because of cooling), add it back to the heat on low. It won’t take long (just a few seconds) for the sugar to begin melting again.

Tip #3

If the batter is too runny, it will spread too much on your parchment paper.  Continue stirring a little longer for it to thicken up.

More Cookie Recipes

Here are some more of my eggless cookies that you need to save.

• Chocolate Chip Cookies (My most popular recipe!)
• Maple Cookies– These are similar to the pecan chews, however, it’s a crunchy cookie and perfect for fall.
• Oatmeal Cookies
• Chocolate Cookie Bites
• EASY Cheerio Bars
• Iced Pumpkin Cookies– These are cake like and my kids’ favorite.
• Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies

Where to find more eggless dessert recipes

If you are coming to this recipe because it’s egg free, then you’re in luck!  I have an egg-free dessert Pinterest board.  If you like searching for things on Pinterest, make sure to follow that board to get all my favorite recipes.  I have over 1000 items pinned now.

I also started an Egg Free Dessert Facebook page.  If you are more of a Facebook person, make sure to like and follow it.  I started it about a year ago and there are already over 1000 followers.

Reminder: It would be GREAT if you could leave any feedback in the comment section and give me a 5 star rating. I love it when people rate my recipes for other readers to help when they are looking for something new to make.