Welcome to a world where comfort meets convenience! These No-Bake Coconut Pecan Praline Cookies offer all the rich, buttery, nutty flavor of a classic praline, without ever needing to turn on your oven. They are incredibly easy to make, delivering a delightful texture and an unmistakable taste of home in every bite. Perfect for busy days or impromptu sweet cravings, these simple cookies promise pure joy and connection.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These No-Bake Coconut Pecan Praline Cookies
These easy coconut pecan treats quickly become a family favorite, bringing smiles with every batch.
- No Oven Required: Enjoy a delicious dessert without heating up your kitchen, perfect for any season.
- Irresistible Texture & Flavor: Experience the chewiness of coconut, the crunch of pecans, and the creamy sweetness of praline.
- Quick and Convenient: These cookies come together in minutes on the stovetop, making them ideal for last-minute treats.
- Beginner-Friendly: With straightforward steps, even new bakers can confidently create these beautiful, delicious no-bake praline cookies.
- Versatile Treat: They are wonderful for sharing, gifting, or simply enjoying a moment of sweet indulgence.
Ingredients
Creating these delightful No-Bake Coconut Pecan Praline Cookies requires just a few pantry staples. Gather these simple components to begin your journey to a wonderfully satisfying treat.
- 2 cups of pecans, chopped
- 2 cups of sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar
- 1 cup of light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup of evaporated milk
- 1/2 cup of light corn syrup
- 1/2 cup or one stick of unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
Notes & Substitutions
You have flexibility with a few of these ingredients to suit your preferences.
- Pecans: Use raw pecans; they will toast slightly during the cooking process. If you prefer a deeper nutty flavor, lightly toast them beforehand in a dry pan.
- Coconut: Sweetened shredded coconut is essential here, providing moisture and extra sweetness. Unsweetened coconut would result in a drier, less sweet cookie.
- Evaporated Milk: This concentrated milk gives the cookies their creamy body. Do not substitute with regular milk, as it lacks the necessary fat and thickness.
- Light Corn Syrup: It helps prevent crystallization and gives the cookies a smooth, chewy texture. Golden syrup is a good alternative if corn syrup is unavailable.
- Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted butter allows you to control the salt content precisely. If you only have salted butter, omit the added 1/2 teaspoon of salt from the recipe.
Equipment
Gathering your equipment beforehand makes the cooking process smooth and enjoyable. You likely have most of these items already in your kitchen.
- Large saucepan (3-quart or larger)
- Whisk or sturdy stirring spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheets
- Wax paper or parchment paper
- Tablespoon or small scoop
How To Make No-Bake Coconut Pecan Praline Cookies
Bringing these easy No-Bake Coconut Pecan Praline Cookies to life is a simple, rewarding process. Follow these steps carefully to achieve perfect results every time. Remember to enjoy the rhythm of stirring and creating!
- Prepare the Base: In a sizeable saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, light brown sugar, evaporated milk, light corn syrup, and unsalted butter. Place the saucepan over medium-high heat.
- Melt and Combine: Stir the mixture continuously with a whisk or sturdy spoon. This ensures the sugars dissolve properly and prevents scorching on the bottom of the pan. Continue stirring until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined and the butter has melted completely, forming a uniform consistency.
- Boil and Time: Bring the mixture to a full, rolling boil. Maintain this active boil for a duration of exactly 3 minutes. Do not reduce the heat during this crucial step, as it helps the cookies set properly.
- Remove and Flavor: Immediately remove the saucepan from the heat source after the 3 minutes of boiling. Stir in the vanilla extract and salt. Ensure these are thoroughly integrated into the hot praline mixture. The vanilla adds depth, and the salt balances the sweetness.
- Add Mix-Ins: Gradually introduce the shredded coconut and chopped pecans to the saucepan. Stir continuously and thoroughly for an additional 3-4 minutes. This extended stirring time is vital for two reasons: it evenly distributes the mix-ins, and it allows the mixture to cool and thicken slightly. As it cools, it will become less runny and easier to scoop.
- Portion and Shape: Once the mixture has reached a desired, slightly thickened consistency, use a tablespoon or a small scoop to portion out individual cookies. Drop each portion onto baking sheets that have been previously lined with wax paper or parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes for easy cleanup.
- Set and Enjoy: Allow the cookies to solidify at room temperature. This can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on your kitchen’s temperature. For expedited setting, consider placing the baking sheets in the freezer for about 15-20 minutes. Once fully solidified, your delicious No-Bake Coconut Pecan Praline Cookies are ready to be served and enjoyed!
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Achieving perfect No-Bake Coconut Pecan Praline Cookies is simple with a few helpful hints. Pay attention to these details for consistently delicious results.
- Praline Consistency: The 3-minute boil is critical. Boiling for less time can result in cookies that don’t set, while boiling too long can make them crumbly. Set a timer!
- Texture Control: If your cookies are too soft, next time boil for an extra 30 seconds. If they are too hard, reduce the boil time by 30 seconds.
- Quick Setting: If you are short on time, place the dropped cookies in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes, or in the freezer for 10-15 minutes, to speed up setting.
- Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh, good-quality pecans and coconut for the best flavor and texture. Stale nuts can impart an off-taste.
- Avoid Scorching: Stir constantly when the sugar mixture is over heat. Sugar burns quickly, and a burnt taste will ruin the entire batch of these praline-inspired no-bake cookies.
Serving, Storage & Variations
These delightful cookies are versatile enough for any occasion. From serving suggestions to creative variations, discover how to make the most of your No-Bake Coconut Pecan Praline Cookies.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these classic treats alongside a warm cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk for a comforting snack. For an extra special touch, garnish them with a delicate chocolate drizzle or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. They also make a fantastic topping for a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream.
Storage Instructions
Store your finished cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness. They will keep well at room temperature for up to 5 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. For longer preservation, these cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.
Variations
Get creative and customize your batch!
- Dried Fruit: Stir in 1/2 cup of chopped dried cranberries, pineapple, or apricots along with the coconut and pecans for a fruity twist.
- Different Nuts: Experiment with other nuts like chopped walnuts, almonds, or even cashews to change the flavor profile.
- Spices: Add 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the mixture with the vanilla extract for a warm, spiced note.
- Chocolate Boost: Fold in 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips at the very end, once the mixture has cooled slightly, to prevent them from melting completely. You could also add a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the sugar mixture for chocolatey no-bake praline cookies.
Nutrition Information
These No-Bake Coconut Pecan Praline Cookies are a rich and satisfying treat. While specific values can vary based on exact ingredient brands and portion sizes, here’s a general overview. Enjoy them as an occasional indulgence.
| Nutrient | Per Cookie (Estimated) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 210-250 kcal |
| Total Fat | 12-15g |
| Saturated Fat | 6-8g |
| Cholesterol | 15-20mg |
| Sodium | 60-80mg |
| Total Carbs | 25-30g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1-2g |
| Total Sugars | 20-25g |
| Protein | 2-3g |
Note: These are estimated values and can vary.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are answers to common questions about making these delicious No-Bake Coconut Pecan Praline Cookies.
Why are my no-bake cookies not setting?
The most common reason is not boiling the mixture long enough. Ensure you bring it to a full, rolling boil for a precise 3 minutes to reach the correct temperature.
Can I use regular milk instead of evaporated milk?
No, evaporated milk is crucial for the correct consistency and richness. Regular milk has too much water and will prevent the cookies from setting properly.
How long do these cookies last?
When stored in an airtight container, they typically last 5 days at room temperature or up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator. They also freeze wonderfully for up to 3 months.
Can I reduce the sugar in the recipe?
Reducing the sugar significantly can affect the texture and setting of the cookies, as sugar is a structural component in this no-bake recipe. For best results, stick to the recommended amount.
Is corn syrup necessary?
Yes, light corn syrup helps prevent sugar crystallization, which keeps the cookies smooth and chewy. You can substitute with golden syrup if needed.
Final Thoughts
These No-Bake Coconut Pecan Praline Cookies truly embody the joy of simple, heartfelt baking. They offer a delightful taste of home with minimal effort, creating sweet memories without the fuss of an oven. I hope this recipe inspires you to gather your loved ones and share in the simple pleasure of these charming, delicious treats. Embrace the connection that comes from cooking together, one sweet cookie at a time.
No-Bake Coconut Pecan Praline Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, evaporated milk, corn syrup, and unsalted butter in a sizeable saucepan. Heat over medium-high, stirring continuously until the mixture is uniform.
- Bring the mixture to a boil and maintain for 3 minutes, then remove the saucepan from the heat.
- Immediately stir in the vanilla extract and salt until thoroughly integrated.
- Gradually add the shredded coconut and pecans, stirring continuously for 3-4 minutes until evenly distributed and slightly thickened.
- Using a tablespoon or small scoop, portion the mixture onto baking sheets lined with wax paper.
- Allow the cookies to solidify at room temperature, or place them in the freezer for quicker setting, then serve.
Notes
Hi there, I’m chef living in New York City. Every morning, I wake up to the sounds of my little one’s laughter and the comforting routine of preparing breakfast for my family my husband, our child, and my beloved mother, who’s become both my rock and my inspiration since my father passed away. As the only daughter left in our family, I feel a deep responsibility to carry on his memory whenever I step into the kitchen.
- Dominique
- Dominique
- Dominique
- Dominique
