No-Bake Coconut Pecan Praline Cookies Recipe
If you have a sweet tooth but want to skip the oven fuss, this No-Bake Coconut Pecan Praline Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need. It combines the rich, buttery goodness of pecans with the tropical sweetness of shredded coconut and a luscious praline flavor that sets these cookies apart. They come together in just 30 minutes and deliver that perfect chewy, crunchy texture you crave. Whether you’re craving a quick treat or planning to impress guests, these cookies are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create an irresistible flavor and texture combination. Each component plays an essential role in making these praline cookies rich, creamy, and perfectly crunchy.
- Unsalted butter (½ cup): Adds a creamy richness and helps bind everything together smoothly.
- Granulated sugar (½ cup): Provides sweetness with a clean flavor, balancing the caramel notes.
- Brown sugar, packed (½ cup): Contributes deep, molasses undertones for that authentic praline taste.
- Heavy cream (½ cup): Gives the mixture a luscious, velvety texture that sets but stays soft.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors while taming the sweetness perfectly.
- Pecans, chopped (1 ½ cups): Offer a buttery crunch, adding heartiness and a nutty aroma.
- Sweetened shredded coconut (1 ½ cups): Provides chewy, tropical sweetness and a lovely texture contrast.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Brings warmth and depth to every bite with its fragrant aroma.
How to Make No-Bake Coconut Pecan Praline Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Melt the Butter and Mix Ingredients
Start by melting the unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, heavy cream, and salt. Stir everything together until it’s beautifully combined into a glossy mixture. This forms the sweet and buttery base for the praline goodness.
Step 2: Boil to Thicken the Mixture
Let the mixture come to a gentle boil, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Keep it at a rolling boil for exactly 3 minutes. This small but crucial step thickens the sugars and cream, turning the base into a rich, caramel-like mixture that will stick everything together perfectly.
Step 3: Stir in Pecans, Coconut, and Vanilla
Remove the pan from heat and immediately fold in the chopped pecans, shredded coconut, and vanilla extract. Mix until every bit is evenly coated in that creamy, sweet praline mixture. This is where texture and flavor truly come alive!
Step 4: Form the Cookies
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep things neat and prevent sticking. Using a spoon, drop generous spoonfuls of the mixture onto the parchment. Gently shape each spoonful into a cookie-sized mound. No need for perfection — these rustic little clusters are part of their charm.
Step 5: Cool and Set
Allow the cookies to cool at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes until they set. If you’re impatient or in a rush, placing them in the refrigerator speeds this step up beautifully, ensuring a firm, chewy texture without waiting forever.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once your cookies are set, they are ready to be enjoyed. Their combination of coconut, pecan, and sweet praline flavor will have you coming back for more, and they’re perfect for any gathering or simple self-indulgence.
How to Serve No-Bake Coconut Pecan Praline Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
You can elevate these cookies by adding a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top just before they set. This little touch balances the sweetness and adds a sophisticated finish. For a festive twist, try dusting a bit of cinnamon or cocoa powder lightly over the top.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. A hot cup of coffee or tea also complements their rich, buttery flavor nicely, making your snack time feel extra cozy and special.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming party display, arrange the cookies on a rustic wooden board or tiered platter with sprigs of fresh mint or edible flowers. Wrapping them individually in parchment paper tied with twine also makes a delightful gift or take-home treat for guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. This preserves their crispness on the outside and chewy goodness on the inside. Make sure to layer them with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
Freezing
If you want to store these treats for longer, they freeze beautifully. Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet first to freeze individually, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They keep well for up to 2 months.
Reheating
These cookies are just as delicious cold, but if you’d like them warmer, let them thaw at room temperature, then pop them in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to bring back their soft, melty charm.
FAQs
Can I substitute the pecans with other nuts?
Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds work wonderfully in this No-Bake Coconut Pecan Praline Cookies Recipe. They each bring their own unique crunch and flavor, so feel free to experiment.
Is it possible to make these cookies dairy-free?
Yes, by swapping the unsalted butter for coconut oil and using full-fat coconut milk instead of heavy cream, you can enjoy a dairy-free version that stays just as decadent.
Why do I need to boil the mixture for 3 minutes?
This boiling step is key because it thickens the sugars and cream, allowing the praline to set correctly once cooled. Skipping or shortening it might cause the cookies to be too soft and sticky.
Can I use unsweetened shredded coconut instead of sweetened?
Of course! Using unsweetened coconut will make the cookies less sweet and give a nuttier flavor, which some people prefer. Just keep in mind you might want to slightly adjust the sugar levels if you want to maintain sweetness.
How long will these cookies stay fresh?
Stored properly in an airtight container, these cookies stay fresh and delicious for up to 5 days at room temperature, and up to 2 months frozen. Perfect for making ahead for any occasion.
Final Thoughts
This No-Bake Coconut Pecan Praline Cookies Recipe is a true delight that captures the essence of homemade comfort without the oven time. It’s perfect for those days when you crave something sweet, nutty, and a little tropical. I hope you enjoy making and sharing these as much as I do—once you’ve tried them, they’ll surely become your go-to treat for any occasion!
Print
No-Bake Coconut Pecan Praline Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
Delicious no-bake coconut pecan praline cookies that combine creamy, sweet praline flavors with crunchy pecans and shredded coconut. These easy-to-make treats require minimal ingredients and no oven, perfect for a quick dessert or snack.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Mix-ins
- 1 ½ cups pecans, chopped
- 1 ½ cups sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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 until well combined.
- Boil the Mixture: Bring the mixture to a boil and let it boil for 3 minutes, stirring constantly. The mixture should thicken slightly.
- Add Pecans, Coconut, and Vanilla: Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the chopped pecans, shredded coconut, and vanilla extract until evenly mixed.
- Shape the Cookies: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the parchment and shape them into cookie-sized portions.
- Cool and Set: Let the cookies cool at room temperature for 20-30 minutes or place them in the refrigerator to speed up the process.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once set, serve and enjoy! Store in an airtight container for up to one week.
Notes
- For a quicker set time, refrigerate the cookies after shaping.
- Use chopped pecans for better texture; you can toast them slightly for enhanced flavor if desired.
- Ensure constant stirring while boiling the mixture to prevent burning.
- These cookies are best eaten within a week for optimal freshness.
- You can substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
