If you’re on the hunt for an irresistible treat that’s as easy to whip up as it is delicious to devour, look no further than these Easy No Bake Pecan Coconut Praline Cookies. A gorgeous blend of toasted pecans, sweet coconut, and buttery caramel, this Southern-inspired confection promises decadence without ever turning on your oven. Whether you’re prepping for a holiday bake sale or craving a sweet fix on a lazy afternoon, these cookies are guaranteed to melt hearts and disappear fast!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is magic in its simplicity—the key is using classic, quality ingredients that shine on their own. Each component brings something wonderful, from the caramel notes of brown sugar to the irresistible crunch of pecans. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Granulated sugar: Helps create the signature praline caramel and adds structure to the cookies.
- Brown sugar (packed): Brings warmth and a hint of molasses, making the pralines extra rich and flavorful.
- Whole milk: Adds creaminess and helps smooth out the sugar mixture for perfect texture.
- Unsalted butter: Delivers classic praline flavor while making the cookies luscious and tender.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses the cookies with fragrant notes that tie all the flavors together.
- Chopped pecans: The star ingredient, giving Southern flair with buttery crunch in every bite. For added depth, try lightly toasting them first!
- Sweetened shredded coconut: Lends sweet chewiness and complements the praline goodness perfectly. Toast it for extra nuttiness if you’re feeling fancy!
How to Make Easy No Bake Pecan Coconut Praline Cookies
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheet
Begin by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step saves you from any sticky mess and makes lifting the cookies a breeze once they’re set. Get your ingredients ready as things move quickly once you start!
Step 2: Make the Caramel Mixture
In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, milk, and unsalted butter. Stir the mixture constantly to help everything melt smoothly together. Keep a close eye as the sugars dissolve, and you’ll see a gorgeous, golden caramel form before your eyes!
Step 3: Bring to a Boil
Once the mixture is fully combined and silky, increase the heat slightly and bring everything to a rolling boil. Continue stirring and let it boil for 2½ to 3 minutes. This is the sweet spot for getting that classic praline texture—thick but still spoonable.
Step 4: Add Flavor and Texture
Remove your saucepan from the heat. Immediately stir in the vanilla extract, chopped pecans, and shredded coconut. Work swiftly! The mixture will start to thicken, and you want every bite of these Easy No Bake Pecan Coconut Praline Cookies to be loaded with nutty, coconutty goodness.
Step 5: Shape the Cookies
Using a spoon, drop generous heaping tablespoons of the mixture onto your prepared baking sheet. If you like perfectly round cookies, you can gently nudge them into shape while they’re still warm. Now, patience is key—let them cool at room temperature for 30 to 45 minutes, or until they’re deliciously firm and ready to eat.
How to Serve Easy No Bake Pecan Coconut Praline Cookies
Garnishes
Want to make your Easy No Bake Pecan Coconut Praline Cookies even more tempting? Try sprinkling a pinch of flaky sea salt or a dusting of extra toasted coconut right after spooning them onto the tray. A little drizzle of melted chocolate over the set cookies gives a beautiful, decadent touch for parties or special occasions.
Side Dishes
These cookies are sweet enough to shine solo, but if you’re serving a dessert spread, pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of rich coffee. They also make a wonderful addition to a Southern-style dessert platter featuring fresh fruit and maybe a wedge of creamy cheesecake.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation makes all the difference! Stack a few cookies in a pretty cellophane bag and tie with a ribbon for a charming homemade gift. For a festive dessert table, pile them high on a vintage cake stand or tuck them in between other holiday sweets on a rustic wooden board. You could even press a pecan half on top of each one for an extra fancy finish!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your Easy No Bake Pecan Coconut Praline Cookies have firmed up, transfer them to an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh and chewy at room temperature for up to a week—if they last that long! Layer them with parchment between to keep them from sticking together.
Freezing
For long-term storage, these cookies freeze beautifully. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to two months—just thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
While you don’t technically need to reheat these cookies (they’re meant to be enjoyed as is), you can pop one in the microwave for just 5 seconds if you’re after a melty, gooey bite. Be careful not to overdo it, or they’ll lose their signature chewiness.
FAQs
Can I use another type Dessert
Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds make a delightful substitute if you’re out of pecans or want a twist. Just be sure to chop them well so everything holds together nicely.
Is it important to use sweetened coconut, or can I use unsweetened?
Sweetened coconut brings extra moisture and flavor, which complements the praline caramel perfectly. Unsweetened will work in a pinch, but your cookies may be less chewy and a little less sweet.
How do I know when the sugar mixture has boiled long enough?
Set a timer for 2½ to 3 minutes once the caramel is at a rolling boil. This ensures the mixture will set up firmly when cool—too short and your cookies might not hold, too long and they could become crumbly.
Can I toast the pecans and coconut before adding them?
Yes, and it’s highly recommended for deeper flavor! Toast them in a dry skillet or in the oven until they’re golden and fragrant, then stir into the caramel mixture as directed.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, these Easy No Bake Pecan Coconut Praline Cookies are naturally gluten-free, making them a perfect treat for anyone avoiding gluten without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried making your own Easy No Bake Pecan Coconut Praline Cookies before, I can promise you’re in for a real treat. They’re perfect for celebrations, gift boxes, or any moment when you crave a little Southern sweetness with zero fuss. Give them a try and watch them become a fast favorite in your kitchen!
Print
Easy No Bake Pecan Coconut Praline Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Southern
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these delectable Easy No Bake Pecan Coconut Praline Cookies for a quick and delicious Southern-inspired treat. With the perfect blend of pecans, coconut, and sweet praline flavor, these cookies are a delightful dessert option.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup whole milk
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups chopped pecans
- 2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
Instructions
- Prepare the Mixture: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, milk, and butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until boiling.
- Add Flavors: Remove from heat and mix in the vanilla extract, pecans, and coconut.
- Form Cookies: Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the baking sheet. Let cool until firm.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Consider toasting pecans and coconut for enhanced flavor.
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