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If you’re on the hunt for a sweet treat that combines nutty crunch, tropical sweetness, and rich caramel flavor, you’ve got to try this No-Bake Coconut Pecan Praline Cookies Recipe. They’re incredibly easy to whip up, require no oven time, and deliver wonderfully chewy, buttery bites loaded with toasted pecans and coconut. Whether you’re craving a quick dessert or something special to share with friends, these praline cookies offer a perfect balance of textures and flavors that feel indulgent without the fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This No-Bake Coconut Pecan Praline Cookies Recipe relies on simple but carefully chosen ingredients that bring out the best in every bite. Each component plays a unique role— from the buttery base to the toasty nuts and sweet coconut, creating layers of flavor and irresistible texture.
- Unsalted butter: Provides a rich, creamy foundation and helps bind the mixture together.
- Granulated sugar: Brings sweetness and helps achieve the perfect caramel consistency.
- Brown sugar: Adds depth and a subtle molasses flavor that enhances the praline experience.
- Heavy cream: Creates luscious creaminess and softens the sugar mixture for chewy cookies.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies the overall flavor.
- Pecans, chopped: Deliver crunch and a buttery nuttiness that’s essential in praline treats.
- Sweetened shredded coconut: Adds chewy texture and tropical sweetness, making each bite interesting.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors with a warm, aromatic note.
How to Make No-Bake Coconut Pecan Praline Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Melt the Butter and Combine Sugars
Start by melting the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, heavy cream, and salt. Stir constantly to blend everything smoothly—this step builds the caramel base that will hold your cookies together.
Step 2: Bring the Mixture to a Boil
Allow the mixture to come to a gentle boil and continue boiling for 3 minutes while stirring nonstop. This brief boil thickens the blend just enough to give the cookies that classic chewy praline texture without the sugar crystallizing.
Step 3: Stir in Pecans, Coconut, and Vanilla
Remove the saucepan from heat and immediately fold in the chopped pecans, shredded coconut, and vanilla extract. Mixing at this stage ensures all those wonderful ingredients get evenly coated with the rich caramel, enhancing flavor and texture.
Step 4: Shape Your Cookies
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup, then spoon generous dollops of the sticky mixture onto it. Shape each spoonful gently into cookie-sized portions. Don’t worry about making them perfect—these rustic clusters have charm in their varied shapes.
Step 5: Cool and Set
Let the cookies sit at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes to firm up naturally. If you’re in a hurry, pop the tray into the refrigerator—cooling helps the pralines set faster and keeps their chewy texture intact.
Step 6: Enjoy Your Creation
Once the cookies are fully set, they’re ready to enjoy! These No-Bake Coconut Pecan Praline Cookies Recipe results are deliciously satisfying, sweet, and nutty treats perfect for any occasion.
How to Serve No-Bake Coconut Pecan Praline Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your presentation by sprinkling a few extra chopped pecans or a light dusting of powdered sugar over the cookies. A drizzle of melted chocolate also adds a lovely touch that complements the pecans and coconut beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair these praline cookies with a cup of hot coffee, rich black tea, or even a cool glass of milk. Their sweet, nutty richness balances perfectly with creamy or bitter beverages, making snack time feel like a cozy mini celebration.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving the cookies on a decorative platter lined with banana leaves or colorful napkins for a tropical vibe. You can also stack them in cellophane bags tied with ribbon to give as delightful homemade gifts that show you care.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover No-Bake Coconut Pecan Praline Cookies Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature. They maintain their chewy texture and freshness for up to a week, making them perfect for prepping ahead or enjoying over several days.
Freezing
If you want to keep these cookies longer, they freeze very well. Place them in a sealed freezer bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper. When frozen, they can last for up to 3 months without losing their delightful flavor or texture.
Reheating
No reheating is necessary since these cookies are ideally enjoyed at room temperature. If you prefer them slightly softer, leave them out for about 15 minutes after taking them from the fridge or freezer so they can warm gently.
FAQs
Can I use different nuts instead of pecans?
Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds make great substitutes if you’re not a pecan fan. Each nut adds its own unique crunch and flavor, so feel free to experiment to find your favorite mix.
Is it possible to make these cookies vegan?
You can swap the butter and heavy cream with plant-based alternatives like coconut oil and coconut cream to keep the recipe vegan-friendly. This will add extra coconut flavor and still provide that creamy rich texture you’re after.
Why don’t I need to bake these cookies?
The key is the caramel-like mixture cooked on the stove. Once it thickens and coats the nuts and coconut, it sets into a firm yet chewy cookie when cooled—no oven required.
How do I know when the sugar mixture is ready?
After boiling for 3 minutes while stirring constantly, the mixture should thicken slightly and look glossy. This ensures that your cookies will set properly and have the perfect chewy consistency.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Definitely! Since this recipe naturally contains no wheat or gluten ingredients, it’s safe for a gluten-free diet. Just double-check your shredded coconut and any other packaged ingredients to be sure they’re labeled gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this No-Bake Coconut Pecan Praline Cookies Recipe enough for anyone who loves flavorful, fuss-free desserts. It’s a wonderful treat you can make quickly, share easily, and savor throughout the week. So, grab your ingredients, get stirring, and enjoy these irresistible cookies that feel like a warm hug in every bite!
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Print
No-Bake Coconut Pecan Praline Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These No-Bake Coconut Pecan Praline Cookies are a deliciously rich and creamy treat combining the sweetness of brown and granulated sugar with crunchy pecans and shredded coconut. Ready in just 30 minutes without the need for baking, they are perfect for a quick, indulgent dessert or snack.
Ingredients
Butter and Sugars
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
Dairy and Flavorings
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Nuts and Coconut
- 1 ½ cups pecans, chopped
- 1 ½ cups sweetened shredded coconut
Instructions
- Melt the Butter: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, heavy cream, and salt. Stir constantly until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
- Boil the Mixture: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil and let it cook for 3 minutes, continuously stirring to prevent burning. The mixture will thicken slightly.
- Add Pecans, Coconut, and Vanilla: Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the chopped pecans, shredded coconut, and vanilla extract until everything is evenly incorporated.
- Shape the Cookies: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using a spoon, drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the parchment paper, shaping them into cookie-sized portions.
- Cool and Set: Allow the cookies to cool at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes to firm up. To speed up setting, place the cookies in the refrigerator.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once the cookies are firm, serve them immediately or store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature.
Notes
- To quickly cool the cookies, place them in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes.
- For a nuttier flavor, lightly toast the pecans before adding to the mixture.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- If you prefer a less sweet cookie, reduce the amount of brown sugar by 2 tablespoons.
- These cookies are naturally gluten free but ensure your shredded coconut is processed in a gluten-free facility if required.
