Gather 1 cup granulated sugar, 1 cup brown sugar, 1 cup heavy cream, 4 tablespoons butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 2 cups pecans, and a pinch of salt
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper
Combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, heavy cream, butter, and salt in a heavy saucepan
Cook over medium heat, stirring until the sugars dissolve
Bring the mixture to a boil
Continue cooking, stirring often, until the mixture reaches the soft-ball stage or thickens enough to hold shape
Remove the saucepan from the heat
Stir in vanilla extract and pecans
Beat the mixture with a spoon until it starts to thicken and lose some gloss
Drop spoonfuls onto the prepared parchment paper
Let the pralines cool completely until firm
Store in an airtight container