No-Bake Pecan Coconut Praline Cookies Recipe

The Perfect No-Bake Pecan Coconut Praline Cookies Recipe

Sweet moments often surprise us, and these no-bake pecan coconut praline cookies dance between indulgence and simplicity.

Clusters of toasted pecans mingle with shredded coconut, creating a texture that whispers tropical comfort.

Rich caramel notes weave through each bite, promising a dessert that requires zero oven time.

Crafting something decadent without breaking a sweat in the kitchen.

Pantry staples transform into a treat that feels like a delicate Southern secret.

Cool, creamy, and wonderfully nutty, these cookies connect you to generations of home baking magic.

One taste, and you’ll understand why simple ingredients can create extraordinary memories.

Catchy Reasons To Enjoy No-Bake Pecan Coconut Praline Cookies

  • Savor Effortless Sweetness: These no-bake cookies eliminate the need for complicated baking, making them perfect for quick dessert cravings with minimal kitchen effort.
  • Indulge in Rich Textural Harmony: The combination of crunchy pecans, chewy coconut, and smooth caramel-like praline creates a delightful sensory experience in every bite.
  • Celebrate Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: These cookies work wonderfully for casual gatherings, potlucks, or as a simple treat that appeals to both kids and adults with their sweet, nutty flavor profile.
  • Embrace Quick Preparation Magic: With just 15-30 minutes of total time and no oven required, these cookies offer a stress-free dessert solution for busy home cooks seeking delicious results.

What You Need For No-Bake Pecan Coconut Praline Cookies

Sweeteners and Base:
  • Brown Sugar: Caramel-like sweetness that helps bind the cookie mixture and provides rich flavor depth.
  • Butter: Creamy foundation that adds richness and helps ingredients meld together smoothly.
Nuts and Texture:
  • Pecans, Shredded Coconut: Crunchy nuts and soft coconut create delightful textural contrast with sweet base.
Liquid and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Heavy Cream: Adds smooth consistency and helps create silky praline texture.
  • Vanilla Extract: Provides warm, classic bakery-style flavor complexity.
  • Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall taste profile.

How To Make No-Bake Pecan Coconut Praline Cookies

How To Make No-Bake Pecan Coconut Praline Cookies

Step 1: Create Creamy Caramel Base

Grab a medium saucepan and melt butter over medium heat. Add:
  • Brown sugar
  • Heavy cream
  • Vanilla extract
  • Salt

Stir everything together until perfectly blended. Let the mixture bubble gently and simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning. The caramel will become smooth and glossy.

Step 2: Fold In Crunchy Goodness

Remove the saucepan from heat and introduce your delightful mix-ins:
  • Shredded coconut
  • Chopped pecans

Gently fold the ingredients until every bit gets coated with the luscious caramel sauce. The mixture should look rich and inviting.

Step 3: Shape Delectable Treats

Grab a spoon and dollop small mounds of the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Use the back of the spoon to create beautiful round shapes if needed. Each cookie should look rustic and tempting.

Step 4: Let Cookies Set

Allow your cookies to relax and firm up at room temperature for about 30 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, pop them in the refrigerator for 15 minutes. They’ll transform from gooey to perfectly set.

Step 5: Indulge and Enjoy

Your no-bake pecan coconut praline cookies are ready to delight! Serve them to friends, family, or enjoy them as a special treat just for yourself. Each bite promises a symphony of sweet, crunchy, and creamy flavors.

Helpful Tips For No-Bake Pecan Coconut Praline Cookies

  • Prevent Burning: Stir the sugar mixture constantly to avoid scorching and ensure a smooth, even caramel base for your praline cookies.
  • Texture Trick: Use freshly chopped pecans for maximum crunch and toast them lightly beforehand to enhance their nutty flavor profile.
  • Quick Cooling Hack: Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator to speed up setting time, especially when you're craving these sweet treats quickly.
  • Dietary Swap: Substitute dairy-free butter and coconut cream for a vegan-friendly version that maintains the same rich, indulgent taste.
  • Storage Strategy: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

How To Store And Reheat No-Bake Pecan Coconut Praline Cookies

  • Refrigeration: Store cookies in an airtight container layered between parchment paper to prevent sticking. Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days, maintaining their delightful texture and flavor.
  • Room Temperature: If serving within 2 days, place cookies in a sealed container at room temperature away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
  • Freezing: Wrap individual cookies tightly in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 weeks, preserving their rich pecan and coconut goodness.
  • Reheating: Thaw frozen cookies at room temperature for 15-20 minutes. For a slightly warm treat, microwave briefly (5-7 seconds) or let them sit at room temperature before enjoying their creamy praline texture.

What Pairs Well With No-Bake Pecan Coconut Praline Cookies

  • Brew Rich Coffee Companions: Pair these sweet praline cookies with a bold espresso or dark roast coffee to complement their rich, caramel-like flavor. The intense coffee cuts through the sweetness, creating a perfectly balanced dessert experience.
  • Sip Smooth Dessert Wines: Match these cookies with a sweet dessert wine like Moscato or a late-harvest Riesling. The wine's fruity notes will dance beautifully with the nutty pecan and coconut undertones, enhancing the cookie's delicate sweetness.
  • Scoop Creamy Vanilla Delight: Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a decadent treat. The cool, creamy texture of the ice cream provides a refreshing contrast to the praline's rich, chewy consistency.
  • Blend Caramel Milkshake Magic: Create a caramel milkshake that echoes the cookie's buttery, brown sugar notes. The smooth, cold drink will elevate the praline's warm, toasty flavors and provide a luxurious pairing.

Tasty Twists On No-Bake Pecan Coconut Praline Cookies

  • Chocolate Drizzle Pralines: Melt dark chocolate and drizzle over cooled cookies for a rich, decadent finish. Sprinkle additional chopped pecans on top for extra crunch and visual appeal.
  • Salted Caramel Variation: Sprinkle sea salt flakes over the cookies before they set completely. The salt enhances the sweet caramel notes and adds a sophisticated flavor profile.
  • Tropical Fruit Fusion: Mix in finely chopped dried pineapple or mango pieces with the coconut and pecans. This adds a bright, tangy element to the classic praline recipe.
  • Spiced Pecan Crunch: Incorporate ground cinnamon or a pinch of cayenne pepper into the mixture for a warming, slightly spicy undertone that complements the sweet caramel base.

No-Bake Pecan Coconut Praline Cookies Questions Answered

  • Are these cookies actually no-bake?

Yes! These praline cookies are completely no-bake, meaning you won’t need an oven. They’re made entirely on the stovetop and set at room temperature.

  • How firm do the cookies get?

The cookies will have a soft, slightly chewy texture with a slight crunch from the pecans. They’ll hold their shape but remain deliciously soft when you bite into them.

  • Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! These praline cookies are perfect for making in advance. You can prepare them a day or two before serving, and they’ll stay fresh at room temperature in an airtight container.

  • What if I don't like pecans?

You can easily substitute pecans with other nuts like walnuts or almonds. The recipe is flexible and will work well with different nut choices to suit your taste preferences.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
No-Bake Pecan Coconut Praline Cookies Recipe

No-Bake Pecan Coconut Praline Cookies Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 29 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Sweet pecan coconut praline cookies promise a delightful no-bake escape from traditional desserts. Creamy caramel and toasted nuts blend seamlessly, offering a quick indulgence you’ll savor with each irresistible bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Sweet Ingredients:

  • ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter
  • ½ cup (100 g) brown sugar, packed
  • 1 ½ cups (150 g) sweetened shredded coconut

Nuts and Texture Enhancers:

  • 1 cup (100 g) chopped pecans

Liquid and Seasoning Ingredients:

  • ¼ cup (60 ml) heavy cream
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Craft a rich, velvety caramel base by gently melting butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat, creating a smooth foundation for the praline cookies.
  2. Introduce brown sugar, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt to the melted butter, whisking the ingredients into a harmonious blend that will develop a deep, luxurious flavor profile.
  3. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring continuously to prevent scorching and allow the ingredients to meld together, creating a glossy and fragrant caramel sauce.
  4. Remove the saucepan from heat and carefully fold in shredded coconut and finely chopped pecans, ensuring each morsel is thoroughly coated with the luscious caramel mixture.
  5. Using a spoon, carefully deposit small, rounded mounds of the praline mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, creating uniform cookies with a rustic, homemade appearance.
  6. Allow the cookies to cool and solidify at room temperature, giving them approximately 30 minutes to set naturally, or expedite the process by placing them in the refrigerator for 15 minutes.
  7. Once the praline cookies have completely set and reached a firm, yet slightly chewy consistency, they are ready to be served and savored.

Notes

  • Adjust heat carefully when cooking the caramel-like mixture to prevent burning or scorching the sugars.
  • Use a candy thermometer for precise temperature control if you want consistently perfect praline texture.
  • Toast pecans briefly before chopping to enhance their nutty flavor and add extra depth to the cookies.
  • Swap shredded coconut with toasted coconut flakes for a more intense, caramelized coconut profile.
  • For gluten-free variation, ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, especially vanilla extract.
  • Create a dairy-free version by substituting heavy cream with coconut cream and using plant-based butter.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, separating layers with parchment paper.
  • Chill cookies faster by placing them in the freezer for 10 minutes instead of refrigerating.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Mixing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 8 g
  • Sodium: 50 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Isabella Rossi

Isabella Rossi

Founder & Culinary Content Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development​, Traditional Irish and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education​

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) – School of Culinary Arts and Food Technology

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development.​

Ballymaloe Cookery School

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Intensive, hands-on experience emphasizing farm-to-table cooking and sustainable practices.​

Liam is the voice behind many of Craft Meats’ most flavorful features. With roots in Dublin’s smoky barbecue scene and a culinary degree from the Dublin Institute of Technology, he brings time-tested cooking techniques to life. 

His training at Ballymaloe Cookery School sharpened his farm-to-table approach, giving him a deep respect for every ingredient he writes about.

He’s not about overcomplicating the process, just helping you cook meat that’s worth talking about. When he’s not writing or grilling, he’s out foraging or nerding out on regional spice blends to add to his next recipe.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star