1. Gather all ingredients: granulated sugar, buttermilk, butter, baking soda, salt, vanilla extract, and pecan halves.
2. Place granulated sugar, buttermilk, butter, baking soda, and salt in a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan. Stir over medium heat until the sugar dissolves completely and the butter melts.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to maintain a gentle boil. Clip a candy thermometer to the side of the saucepan and cook until the mixture reaches the soft-ball stage, between 234°F and 236°F.
4. Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Let the mixture cool to lukewarm, around 110°F, without stirring.
5. Once cooled, beat the mixture with a wooden spoon until it thickens and turns matte, losing its glossy appearance.
6. Quickly fold in the pecan halves until they’re evenly coated, ensuring you work fast to prevent the mixture from hardening.
7. Using a spoon, drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto parchment or wax paper, spacing them apart to allow them to set properly.
8. Allow the pralines to cool and harden completely on the parchment paper, which typically takes 1-2 hours.
9. Once fully cooled, store the pralines in an airtight container, layering parchment or wax paper between them to prevent sticking.
10. Enjoy your freshly homemade buttermilk pecan pralines as a treat, gift, or accompaniment to coffee or tea.