Before starting to cook, it's important to make sure you have all your ingredients measured out and ready to go. You will also need a large, heavy-bottomed pot, a candy thermometer, a wooden spoon, and a non-stick surface or wax paper to drop the pralines onto.

In the large pot, combine the sugar, cream, and butter over medium heat. Stir until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is smooth.

Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil. Do not stir the mixture while it's boiling, but keep a close eye on it to make sure it doesn't burn.

Once the mixture has reached a rolling boil, attach the candy thermometer to the side of the pot and continue to boil until the mixture reaches 238°F (114°C). This will take approximately 8-10 minutes.

Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the pecans and vanilla extract. Continue to stir vigorously for approximately 2-3 minutes, until the mixture thickens and becomes creamy.

Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto a non-stick surface or wax paper. Let the pralines cool and harden for at least 30 minutes before enjoying.