Name: No Bake Pecan Coconut Praline Cookies
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter; 1 cup brown sugar (packed); 1/2 cup milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups quick oats; 1 cup shredded coconut; 1/2 cup chopped pecans; 1/2 teaspoon salt

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No Bake Pecan Coconut Praline Cookies are a deliciously easy and indulgent treat that comes together in just a few minutes. Packed with the rich flavors of toasted pecans, sweet coconut, and a buttery praline syrup, these cookies are the perfect combination of crunchy, chewy, and sweet. Best of all, there’s no baking required, making them the ideal dessert when you want something quick but impressive.

These cookies are a great way to satisfy your sweet tooth without turning on the oven. The flavors are reminiscent of a classic praline candy, with the pecans and coconut adding texture and depth to each bite. They are also wonderfully versatile and can be customized to your taste by adjusting the types of nuts or adding a hint of chocolate or vanilla. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply need a quick treat, these No Bake Pecan Coconut Praline Cookies are sure to be a hit!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. No Baking Required

Who doesn’t love a dessert that doesn’t require the oven? These cookies come together quickly on the stovetop, making them perfect for when you’re in a time crunch or simply don’t want to turn on the oven.

2. Rich and Nutty Flavor

The combination of toasted pecans and shredded coconut adds a rich, nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the praline syrup.

3. Perfectly Sweet

These cookies are sweet without being overly sugary, thanks to the balance of brown sugar and the natural sweetness of coconut.

4. Quick and Easy

With just a few ingredients and a few simple steps, you can whip up these cookies in less than 30 minutes—perfect for when you want a homemade treat in a hurry.

5. Customizable

Feel free to tweak the recipe to your liking. Add in a little chocolate, swap the pecans for almonds, or even experiment with different types of sweeteners to make these cookies uniquely yours.

Ingredients

Unsalted butter
Brown sugar
Sweetened condensed milk
Vanilla extract
Shredded coconut
Toasted pecans, chopped
Pinch of salt

Variations

Add Chocolate: Stir in some chocolate chips or drizzle melted chocolate over the cookies once they’ve set for an extra touch of decadence.
Different Nuts: If you’re not a fan of pecans, substitute with other nuts like almonds, walnuts, or cashews.
Spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice to the mixture for a warm, spiced flavor that complements the coconut and pecans.
Dried Fruit: You can even add some dried cranberries, raisins, or cherries for a chewy contrast.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Melt the Butter and Sugar

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the brown sugar and sweetened condensed milk. Stir constantly until the sugar has dissolved, and the mixture begins to bubble. Let it simmer for about 1-2 minutes while continuing to stir.

Step 2: Add the Coconut and Pecans

Once the syrup has thickened slightly, remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the shredded coconut, chopped pecans, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until everything is well combined.

Step 3: Scoop the Cookies

Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Be sure to space them out as they will spread slightly. Allow the cookies to sit at room temperature and set for about 30 minutes or until they’ve firmed up.

Step 4: Let the Cookies Set

Once the cookies have set, they’re ready to serve! If you want them to set faster, you can place them in the fridge for about 15 minutes to speed up the process.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overheat the Syrup: Keep an eye on the temperature while making the syrup. You want it to bubble and thicken slightly, but not become too thick or caramelized.
Use Parchment Paper: Lining the baking sheet with parchment paper will make it easier to remove the cookies once they’ve set.
Add a Dash of Salt: A small pinch of salt enhances the sweetness and balances the rich flavor of the cookies.
Shape the Cookies: If you prefer a neater look, you can shape the cookies using a cookie scoop or spoon to ensure they’re evenly sized.

How to Serve

These cookies can be served as a simple snack or dessert at any gathering, whether it’s a family dinner, party, or holiday celebration. Pair them with a cold glass of milk or a cup of coffee for the perfect treat. They also make a great gift when packaged in a cute tin or jar!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover No Bake Pecan Coconut Praline Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you live in a humid area, it’s best to store them in the fridge to help keep their shape.

Freezing

You can freeze these cookies for up to 3 months. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. Allow them to thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

Since these cookies are already set and don’t require baking, there’s no need to reheat them. If you prefer a warm cookie, you can microwave them for 10-15 seconds, but they’re best enjoyed at room temperature.

FAQs

1. Can I use unsweetened coconut instead of sweetened?

Sweetened shredded coconut provides the right level of sweetness for this recipe. If you use unsweetened coconut, you may want to add a bit more sugar to balance the flavors.

2. Can I make these cookies with a different type of sugar?

You can substitute the brown sugar with white sugar or coconut sugar, but this may slightly alter the flavor and texture of the cookies.

3. Do I need to toast the pecans?

Toasting the pecans adds extra flavor and crunch, but it’s not mandatory. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step and use raw pecans instead.

4. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free, as it does not contain any flour. Just be sure to double-check that your other ingredients, such as the sweetened condensed milk, are also gluten-free.

5. Can I add chocolate to the cookies?

Yes, you can either mix chocolate chips into the cookie mixture or drizzle melted chocolate over the cookies once they’ve set for a rich chocolatey finish.

6. Can I use other types of nuts?

Absolutely! Feel free to substitute pecans with other nuts like walnuts, almonds, or cashews for a different flavor profile.

7. How do I prevent the cookies from sticking to the parchment paper?

Make sure to let the cookies set fully before attempting to remove them from the parchment paper. If they are still soft, allow them to cool for a bit longer before handling.

8. Can I make these cookies in advance?

Yes, these cookies store well for several days, making them perfect for prepping ahead of time for a party or gathering.

9. Can I substitute the sweetened condensed milk?

If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can try substituting the sweetened condensed milk with coconut milk or a non-dairy condensed milk alternative, though the texture may change slightly.

10. How long do the cookies need to set?

The cookies typically take about 30 minutes to set at room temperature. If you’re in a hurry, you can place them in the fridge to speed up the process.

Conclusion

No Bake Pecan Coconut Praline Cookies are the perfect combination of rich, nutty flavors and chewy, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Easy to make and packed with delightful ingredients, these cookies are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will quickly become a favorite in your dessert rotation. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, looking for a quick treat, or simply craving something sweet, these no-bake cookies are a delicious and fuss-free option that everyone will love!