Toast the Pecans: In a skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the 2 cups of pecans and toast them for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Set aside to cool.
Melt the Butter: In a large saucepan, melt the remaining 1 cup (2 sticks) of butter over medium-high heat.
Combine the Sugars: Once the butter has melted, add the granulated sugar and brown sugar to the saucepan. Mix well until the sugars are fully dissolved.
Add Cream and Flavoring: Pour in the heavy whipping cream, add the salt, and stir in the vanilla extract. Mix everything together until well combined.
Boil the Mixture: Increase the heat to medium-high to high and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally. Once it starts to boil, set a timer for 4 minutes, continuing to stir occasionally.
Incorporate Powdered Sugar: After the 4 minutes are up, remove the saucepan from heat. Add the powdered sugar and stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Add Pecans: Stir in the toasted pecans, mixing them evenly into the fudge.
Set the Fudge: Pour the fudge into a prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the reserved 2 tablespoons of chopped pecans on top for a decorative finish. Allow the fudge to set for at least 3 hours at room temperature.
Slice and Serve: Once the fudge has set, slice it into small squares and serve. Enjoy your rich, buttery pecan fudge!