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Soft, buttery, and packed with fresh orange zest and crunchy pecans, this old-fashioned cream candy is the kind that always disappears first from holiday trays.

Orange Pecan Holiday Drops

Orange Pecan Holiday Drops are soft, buttery homemade candy with fresh orange zest and pecans — perfect for Christmas gifting and dessert trays.
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Cook Time 30 minutes
Course Dessert, snacks
Cuisine American, holiday desserts, no-bake, tradtional
Servings 20

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups granulated sugar
  • 1½ cups whole milk
  • zest of two medium oranges
  • 1 cup pecan pieces
  • Butter
  • 1 tablespoon water

Instructions
 

  • Add 1 cup sugar and 1 tablespoon water to a saucepan over medium heat. Stir often until melted and just turns an amber in color, making sure it doesn't burn and stick to the bottom of the pan. Remove from heat.
  • In another saucepan, heat milk over low-medium heat until steaming with bubbles around the edges.
  • Slowly whisk the milk into the caramelized sugar.
  • Add remaining sugar and stir.
  • Cook on medium-low heat until a soft thick ball begins to form - and a candy thermometer reads 240°F.
  • Remove from heat. Stir in butter, orange zest, and pecans.
  • Beat until creamy and slightly cooled.
  • Drop by tablespoons onto wax paper and allow to cool for 30 minutes.
Keyword orange pecan holiday drops, orange pecan candy, cream candy recipe, homemade candy, holiday candy, no bake candy, old fashioned candy, orange zest candy, pecan candy,
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