Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Ingredients
- Instructions
- Cooking Notes
- Variations
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Conclusion
No-Bake Coconut Pecan Praline Cookies are a delectable treat made with shredded coconut, toasted pecans, and a rich caramel-like sauce made from butter and brown sugar. These no-bake cookies are easy to make and come together quickly—perfect for when you’re craving something sweet but don’t want to bake.
With the perfect balance of sweet, chewy, and crunchy textures, these cookies are great for parties, family gatherings, or just for keeping on hand for when you need a quick treat.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans, toasted
Instructions
1. Prepare the Ingredients
Start by measuring and preparing all of your ingredients. Toast the chopped pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently until they become fragrant. Set aside to cool.
2. Cook the Caramel Mixture
In a medium-sized saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the brown sugar, heavy cream, and salt, and stir until the mixture comes to a boil. Once boiling, continue to cook for 3 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent it from burning. The mixture should be smooth and slightly thickened.
3. Add the Vanilla, Coconut, and Pecans
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Add the shredded coconut and toasted pecans, stirring until everything is evenly coated in the caramel mixture.
4. Form the Cookies
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or wax paper. Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, shaping them into cookie-sized mounds. You can use a tablespoon or small cookie scoop for uniform sizing.
5. Let the Cookies Set
Allow the cookies to cool at room temperature for about 30-40 minutes, or until they are firm. You can also place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for faster setting.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Once set, the cookies are ready to be enjoyed! Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Cooking Notes
- Toasting Pecans: Toasting the pecans adds a deeper, richer flavor to the cookies. Be sure not to skip this step, as it makes a big difference in taste!
- Shaping the Cookies: If the mixture starts to harden before you’re done dropping all the cookies, just place the saucepan back over low heat for a minute to soften it.
- Heavy Cream: Heavy cream is essential for achieving the caramel-like texture. Do not substitute with milk, as it won’t thicken the same way.
Variations
- Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted dark or white chocolate over the tops of the cookies once they have set for an extra indulgent touch.
- Salted Caramel Version: Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of each cookie before they set for a salted caramel twist.
- Almonds Instead of Pecans: Substitute the pecans with chopped almonds for a slightly different nutty flavor.
- No Coconut: If you’re not a fan of coconut, you can replace the shredded coconut with quick oats for a different texture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make these cookies without heavy cream?
Heavy cream is crucial for the texture of these cookies. If you use regular milk or half-and-half, the mixture won’t thicken as well, resulting in a runny consistency.
How do I store these cookies?
Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also refrigerate them if you prefer a firmer texture.
Can I freeze these no-bake cookies?
Yes! You can freeze these cookies by placing them in an airtight container or a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. To serve, let them thaw at room temperature for about 20 minutes.
How do I keep the cookies from sticking to the parchment paper?
Make sure the cookies are fully set before trying to remove them from the parchment paper. If you’re still having trouble, you can use a thin spatula to gently lift them off.
Can I make these cookies dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the butter with a plant-based butter and use a dairy-free heavy cream substitute like coconut cream. This will alter the flavor slightly, but they will still be delicious.
No-Bake Coconut Pecan Praline Cookies are a simple, satisfying treat that combines the rich flavors of caramel, toasted pecans, and coconut—all in an easy, no-bake format. These cookies are perfect for any occasion, from holiday gatherings to weekday indulgences, and require minimal effort for maximum flavor.
Give this recipe a try and enjoy the rich, chewy, and nutty goodness of these no-bake cookies. They’re guaranteed to become a favorite in your household!
Let me know if you need more variations or additional tips for this recipe!
