No-Bake Coconut Praline Cookies Recipe
Let me introduce you to No-Bake Coconut Praline Cookies—a delightful union of chewy oats, buttery pecans, and sweet coconut, all enveloped in a luscious praline-caramel hug. This recipe captures everything you love about classic Southern candies and wraps it up in an easy, one-pot treat you can whip up in just minutes, without turning on your oven. If you’re pressed for time but still want a dessert that feels special, these cookies are pure magic—guaranteed to charm anyone who gets a bite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of No-Bake Coconut Praline Cookies lies in how a few pantry staples can transform into a decadent treat. Each ingredient plays its own unique role—bringing sweetness, texture, richness, or that all-important cozy flavor.
- Granulated Sugar: Creates the base for the praline syrup, giving the cookies their signature sweetness and caramel-like chew.
- Evaporated Milk: Adds creamy richness and helps bind the cookie mixture, giving it that irresistible melt-in-your-mouth finish.
- Unsalted Butter: Delivers buttery depth and keeps the praline soft and luscious.
- Salt: Just a pinch makes every sweet flavor pop and cuts through the richness.
- Vanilla Extract: Infuses warmth and aroma, tying together all the flavors beautifully.
- Sweetened Shredded Coconut: Adds both chew and signature coconut sweetness, helping the cookies hold their shape.
- Quick-Cooking Oats: Lend texture and heartiness, making each cookie chewy and satisfying.
- Chopped Pecans: Give a nutty crunch and classic praline flavor, elevating these cookies to Southern confection perfection.
How to Make No-Bake Coconut Praline Cookies
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheet
Before you get started, line a baking sheet with parchment or wax paper. This little bit of prep makes cleanup a breeze and lets you easily peel the cookies off once they’re set. Trust me—don’t skip it!
Step 2: Make the Praline Syrup
In a large saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, evaporated milk, unsalted butter, and salt over medium heat. Stir constantly as everything melts together. Once the syrup comes to a steady rolling boil, let it cook for exactly 3 minutes. This timing is crucial for creating that classic chewy praline texture.
Step 3: Bring in the Flavor
Turn off the heat and quickly stir in the vanilla extract—it’ll immediately make the kitchen smell incredible. Follow with the sweetened shredded coconut, quick-cooking oats, and chopped pecans. Mix everything together thoroughly until all the oats and coconut are coated in that glossy praline syrup.
Step 4: Shape the Cookies
Working quickly before the mixture cools and firms up, use a spoon to drop heaping tablespoons onto your prepared baking sheet. Space them a bit apart since they’ll spread slightly as they set. If you like a more rustic look, just let them be. Prefer perfect rounds? Give each mound a gentle nudge into shape.
Step 5: Let Them Set
Allow your No-Bake Coconut Praline Cookies to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or until they’re firm to the touch. This wait is the hardest part, but the result is so worth every minute—soft, chewy, and brimming with flavor!
How to Serve No-Bake Coconut Praline Cookies
Garnishes
For a beautiful finish, you can sprinkle a touch of flaky sea salt on top of the cookies before they set for an extra pop. Toasted coconut flakes or a drizzle of melted dark chocolate also give a gorgeous, bakery-worthy look.
Side Dishes
Pair No-Bake Coconut Praline Cookies with fresh fruit like juicy strawberries or a bowl of pineapple for an easy, festive spread. They also shine alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or with a hot cup of coffee, balancing all those sweet, decadent notes.
Creative Ways to Present
Try packaging these cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with ribbon for a heartfelt homemade gift. Layer them in a glass jar with parchment rounds for a rustic-chic treat, or arrange them on a tiered cake stand for an eye-catching party centerpiece. No-Bake Coconut Praline Cookies love a little extra flair!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These cookies are happiest when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and chewy for up to a week—if you can resist eating them all before then! For a touch of nostalgia, tuck a slice of fresh bread in the container to help keep them even softer.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze No-Bake Coconut Praline Cookies! Arrange them in single layers separated by parchment in a freezer-safe box. They’ll last up to three months. When you’re ready for a treat, thaw at room temperature or pop in the fridge overnight.
Reheating
While you don’t need to reheat these (no-bake magic at its best!), if they’ve chilled a little too much or come straight from the freezer, just let them sit on the counter until they soften to that perfect chewy texture. No microwaving needed!
FAQs
Can I use old-fashioned oats instead of quick-cooking oats?
Quick-cooking oats are best for these cookies because they absorb the syrup fast and give just the right tenderness. If you only have old-fashioned oats, pulse them in the food processor a couple of times to break them up for a similar texture.
What if I’m allergic to pecans?
No worries! You can swap the pecans for walnuts, almonds, or even sunflower seeds if there are nut allergies. The praline flavor will still shine, and you’ll get that satisfying crunch.
Can I make No-Bake Coconut Praline Cookies vegan?
Absolutely—substitute the butter for a plant-based option, use coconut or almond milk in place of evaporated milk, and double-check that your sugar is vegan. The rest of the recipe stays just as easy and delicious!
How do I know when the praline syrup is ready?
Look for a rolling boil where the mixture bubbles steadily across the entire surface. Set a timer for 3 minutes right when this starts—this ensures the syrup thickens enough to set the cookies without making them too hard.
Why did my cookies come out dry or crumbly?
Dry cookies can happen if the syrup is boiled longer than 3 minutes or if there are too many dry ingredients. Make sure to measure everything accurately and stick to the timing. If you like a softer bite, you can even reduce the oats slightly!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dessert that’s quick, crowd-pleasing, and just a little bit nostalgic, you simply have to give No-Bake Coconut Praline Cookies a try. With their chewy, nutty, and coconut-rich goodness, they might just become your new go-to sweet treat!
Print
No-Bake Coconut Praline Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes (including cooling)
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These No-Bake Coconut Praline Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the sweet flavors of coconut, pecans, and oats in a simple and easy-to-make cookie. Perfect for a quick dessert or holiday treat!
Ingredients
Granulated Sugar:
2 1/2 cups
Evaporated Milk:
1/2 cup
Unsalted Butter:
1/2 cup
Salt:
1/4 teaspoon
Vanilla Extract:
1 teaspoon
Sweetened Shredded Coconut:
2 cups
Quick-Cooking Oats:
2 cups
Chopped Pecans:
1 cup
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment or wax paper.
- Cook Sugar Mixture: In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar, evaporated milk, butter, and salt. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly, for 3 minutes.
- Add Ingredients: Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract, shredded coconut, oats, and chopped pecans until well mixed.
- Form Cookies: Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Let cool at room temperature until firm, about 30 minutes.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- For a softer texture, reduce the oats by 1/2 cup.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
