These No Bake Pecan Coconut Praline Cookies are a delicious treat that’s perfect when you’re in the mood for something sweet but don’t want to turn on the oven. Made with a combination of buttery pecans, sweet coconut, and a rich caramel base, these praline cookies are irresistibly chewy and full of flavor. They come together quickly and are perfect for sharing or enjoying as a treat at home. Plus, they’re naturally gluten-free, making them an excellent dessert for those with dietary restrictions.
The beauty of no-bake cookies is the simplicity of preparation. There’s no need to worry about preheating the oven or carefully watching baking times—everything comes together in a single pot, with minimal effort. These cookies are the ultimate fuss-free dessert, but don’t be fooled—they are as impressive and indulgent as any baked treat. The flavors of pecans and coconut create a wonderfully balanced profile, with the nuts adding a rich, buttery flavor and a pleasant crunch, while the coconut provides a subtle sweetness and chewy texture.
These praline cookies are ideal for holidays, gatherings, or even gifting. Their beautiful caramel color and rustic appearance make them look as good as they taste, and the combination of pecans and coconut is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. If you’re ready to make a treat that’s simple, delicious, and guaranteed to impress, then let’s dive into the recipe!
Table of Contents
- Ingredients
- Instructions
- Cook Notes & Tips
- Recipe Variations
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Conclusion
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups chopped pecans
- 1 1/2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
Instructions
- Prepare a Baking Sheet
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Set aside. This will be used to drop the cookies once they are ready to set.
- Cook the Caramel Base
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, heavy cream, and salt. Stir to combine. The combination of brown sugar and granulated sugar gives these cookies their classic caramel-like flavor, while heavy cream adds richness.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring frequently to dissolve the sugars and prevent burning. Once it reaches a boil, continue to cook for 3 minutes, stirring constantly. This step is crucial to develop the perfect consistency for the cookies and ensure that they hold together when cooled.
- Add Pecans and Coconut
- Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. The addition of vanilla enhances the flavor of the caramel, giving it a warm and aromatic quality.
- Add the chopped pecans and shredded coconut, mixing until everything is well coated in the caramel mixture. The pecans add a wonderful crunch, while the coconut provides texture and sweetness that balances the richness of the caramel.
- Scoop the Cookies
- Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, forming mounds. Flatten them slightly with the back of the spoon if desired. You can make the cookies as large or as small as you like, depending on your preference.
- Cool and Set
- Allow the cookies to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or until they are set and firm. For faster setting, you can place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes. Once cooled, the cookies will be firm but chewy, with a delightful praline-like consistency.
Cook Notes & Tips
- Caramel Consistency: Make sure to boil the caramel mixture for the full 3 minutes to ensure the cookies set properly. Undercooking the caramel can result in cookies that are too soft and don’t hold their shape.
- Cooling Time: If you’re in a hurry, placing the baking sheet in the fridge will help the cookies set faster. However, letting them cool at room temperature allows the flavors to develop more fully.
- Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week or in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. These cookies can also be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months, making them an excellent make-ahead treat for busy times.
Recipe Variations
- Chocolate Drizzle: For an extra layer of indulgence, drizzle melted dark or milk chocolate over the cooled cookies. The combination of chocolate, caramel, pecans, and coconut is simply divine.
- Nut-Free Version: Substitute the pecans with rolled oats for a nut-free version that still has a great texture. The oats will provide a chewy consistency similar to the classic no-bake cookies.
- Salted Caramel: Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of each cookie before they set for a salted caramel twist. The salt enhances the sweetness of the caramel and balances the richness.
- Spiced Cookies: Add 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the caramel mixture for a warm, spiced version. The spices pair beautifully with the pecans and coconut, giving these cookies a cozy, fall-inspired flavor.
- Almond Joy Twist: Substitute half of the pecans with sliced almonds and add a handful of mini chocolate chips to the mixture for a flavor combination reminiscent of Almond Joy candy bars.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use unsweetened coconut instead of sweetened? A: Yes, you can use unsweetened shredded coconut, but the cookies will be slightly less sweet. You may want to add an extra tablespoon of sugar to compensate for the reduced sweetness.
Q: Can I freeze these cookies? A: Absolutely! These cookies freeze very well. Place the cooled cookies in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Q: Can I use a dairy-free substitute for the heavy cream? A: Yes, you can use coconut cream or a non-dairy heavy cream substitute for a dairy-free version of these cookies. The flavor will be slightly different, but the consistency will still be delicious and creamy.
Q: How do I prevent the cookies from sticking to the parchment paper? A: Make sure to use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking. If you find the cookies are still sticking, you can lightly grease the parchment paper with non-stick cooking spray before dropping the cookie mixture.
Q: Can I make these cookies in advance for an event? A: Yes, these cookies are perfect for making ahead. Since they keep well at room temperature or in the refrigerator, you can prepare them up to a week in advance. This makes them a great option for parties or holiday gatherings.
These No Bake Pecan Coconut Praline Cookies are a quick and easy way to satisfy your sweet tooth without needing to use the oven. With their chewy texture, rich caramel flavor, and crunchy pecans, they’re perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing a holiday spread, looking for a treat to share with friends, or just want something simple and sweet for yourself, these cookies are a fantastic choice. They combine all the best aspects of classic pralines and no-bake cookies into one irresistible bite.
Give these praline cookies a try and experience the magic of pecans, coconut, and caramel. Not only are they incredibly delicious, but they also come together in no time, making them a convenient option for even the busiest schedules. Once you taste the buttery, nutty, and coconutty goodness, you’ll be coming back for more—and so will everyone else!