Meet your new treat obsession: Easy No Bake Pecan Coconut Praline Cookies. These irresistible little gems pair the buttery, caramel-like notes of classic pralines with a chewy texture, sweet coconut, and crunchy pecans, all without ever having to turn on the oven. Whether you’re craving a quick dessert for yourself or want an impressive plate of cookies for your next gathering, this recipe is a celebration of Southern comfort done in the easiest way possible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes these Easy No Bake Pecan Coconut Praline Cookies so special is how a handful of straightforward ingredients come together for serious flavor and texture. Each one adds its own magic, so don’t skip a thing!
- Unsalted butter: Brings rich, creamy flavor and helps create that dreamy praline base.
- Brown sugar (light or dark): Adds a warm, molasses-like sweetness that deepens the caramel notes.
- Granulated sugar: Balances sweetness and assists with that signature praline set.
- Whole milk: Keeps the cookies luscious and helps everything meld together smoothly.
- Salt: A pinch enhances all the flavors and keeps the sweetness in perfect check.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a cozy aroma and rounds out the flavor.
- Chopped pecans: The star crunch factor, bringing a buttery nutty taste to every bite.
- Sweetened shredded coconut: Delivers chewiness and an extra layer of tropical sweetness.
How to Make Easy No Bake Pecan Coconut Praline Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Sheet
Start by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper and setting it aside. This quick step saves you from sticky cleanup later and ensures your praline cookies lift off effortlessly once they’re set.
Step 2: Create the Caramel Base
In a medium saucepan, combine the unsalted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, whole milk, and salt. Stir constantly over medium heat until the butter melts and the sugars dissolve, creating a gorgeously rich, golden-brown mixture that’s already fragrant.
Step 3: Boil for Perfection
Once everything is combined, bring the mixture to a rolling boil and keep stirring—don’t walk away! Let it bubble for 2 to 3 minutes. This ensures the sugars reach just the right temperature for perfect setting later, and it deepens those classic praline flavors.
Step 4: Add Flavors and Texture
Remove the pan from heat and immediately stir in the vanilla extract, chopped pecans, and shredded coconut. Mix thoroughly so the nuts and coconut are evenly coated in that gooey, praline goodness.
Step 5: Shape Your Cookies
Using a spoon or a small cookie scoop, drop heaping tablespoons of the warm mixture onto your prepared baking sheet. Don’t stress about perfect shapes—these cookies are all about rustic charm!
Step 6: Set and Serve
Let the cookies sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to 1 hour, or until firm and set. If you’re pressed for time (or just really excited to dig in), pop them in the fridge for a speedier setup.
How to Serve Easy No Bake Pecan Coconut Praline Cookies
Garnishes
For a bit of extra flair, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of each cookie before they set. Another eye-catching option is an extra dusting of toasted coconut or finely chopped pecans for added crunch and color.
Side Dishes
Pair these Easy No Bake Pecan Coconut Praline Cookies with fresh fruit like sliced strawberries or juicy orange segments. They also team up beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a creamy cup of coffee for a truly indulgent Southern dessert plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For celebrations, tuck cookies into mini cupcake liners and arrange them on a tiered tray. Or, stack them in a clear glass jar as a heartfelt homemade gift. You can even sandwich a little whipped cream or chocolate spread between two cookies for a decadent twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your Easy No Bake Pecan Coconut Praline Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. They’ll stay delectably chewy and flavorful, making them perfect for snacking or tucking into lunchboxes.
Freezing
If you’d like to make them well ahead, freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. They keep beautifully for up to two months—just thaw at room temperature when you’re ready for a sweet bite.
Reheating
While these cookies are intended to be enjoyed at room temp, if you like a meltier texture, pop one in the microwave for just 8 to 10 seconds before serving. This brings out a fresh, gooey quality.
FAQs
Can I use a non-dairy milk for this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute almond, oat, or coconut milk for the whole milk. The results will be just as creamy and delicious, making the cookies a snap to adapt for dairy-free diets.
What’s the best way to toast pecans or coconut?
Simply spread the chopped pecans or shredded coconut in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring often, until golden and fragrant (about three to five minutes). Toasting gives extra depth to your Easy No Bake Pecan Coconut Praline Cookies.
Can I use unsweetened coconut instead?
Yes, if you prefer a less sweet cookie, substitute unsweetened shredded coconut. The texture won’t be quite as chewy, but it works especially well if you like your treats a little less sugary.
Do I really need to stir the caramel mixture constantly?
Yes! Stirring prevents the sugars from burning or crystallizing on the bottom of the pan, ensuring a smooth, delicious base for your Easy No Bake Pecan Coconut Praline Cookies.
How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
You’re in luck: this recipe is naturally gluten-free, provided your ingredients are certified gluten-free (some shredded coconuts or pecans may be processed with wheat, so check labels if there’s a concern).
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dessert that’s as fuss-free as it is crowd-pleasing, you simply can’t beat Easy No Bake Pecan Coconut Praline Cookies. They promise maximum flavor with minimum effort, making them a must-try for any cookie lover. Happy snacking, and don’t be surprised if these sweet Southern bites become your new favorite chewy fix!
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Easy No Bake Pecan Coconut Praline Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes (including setting)
- Yield: 20 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
These Easy No Bake Pecan Coconut Praline Cookies are a delightful treat that requires minimal effort. With a perfect balance of sweetness and crunch, these cookies are sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients
Cookie Mixture:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans
- 1 1/2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
Instructions
- Prepare the Cookie Mixture: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a saucepan, combine butter, sugars, milk, and salt. Boil, stirring constantly for 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat, add vanilla, pecans, and coconut.
- Form the Cookies: Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the baking sheet. Let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to 1 hour until set and firm.
Notes
- For enhanced flavor, toast the pecans and coconut before adding.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Refrigeration can expedite setting.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 13 g
- Sodium: 40 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
