These No Bake Pecan Coconut Praline Cookies are a deliciously sweet and crunchy treat that combines the rich flavors of caramelized pralines, toasted pecans, and shredded coconut. These cookies are incredibly easy to make, requiring no oven time, and are perfect for when you’re craving something sweet but don’t want to bake.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup unsalted butter
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups pecans, roughly chopped
- 1 ½ cups sweetened shredded coconut
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
Step 1: Toast the Pecans
In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the pecans for about 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently until they are fragrant. Set aside to cool.
Step 2: Make the Praline Base
In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, butter, heavy cream, and a pinch of salt. Heat over medium-high heat, stirring frequently until the mixture comes to a gentle boil. Continue to boil for 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly.
Step 3: Add the Coconut and Pecans
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract, toasted pecans, and shredded coconut. Mix until everything is fully coated and combined.
Step 4: Form the Cookies
Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, using a spoon or cookie scoop to create evenly sized cookies. Flatten them slightly if needed to form cookie shapes.
Step 5: Cool the Cookies
Let the cookies cool at room temperature for about 30-45 minutes, or until they are firm and set. If you’re in a hurry, you can place the baking sheet in the refrigerator to speed up the process.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once the cookies have set, serve and enjoy! Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
Cooking Notes
- Pecans: Toasting the pecans adds a deeper flavor and enhances their natural nuttiness. Be sure to watch them closely while toasting to prevent burning.
- Coconut: Sweetened shredded coconut works best in this recipe, but you can use unsweetened coconut if you prefer a less sweet version.
Variations
1. Chocolate Drizzled Pecan Coconut Praline Cookies
Drizzle melted dark chocolate or white chocolate over the cooled cookies for an extra layer of decadence.
2. Salted Caramel Praline Cookies
Sprinkle a bit of flaky sea salt over the cookies before they cool for a sweet-and-salty flavor combination.
3. Nut-Free Coconut Praline Cookies
Omit the pecans and add an extra cup of shredded coconut for a nut-free version of these praline cookies.
4. Keto Pecan Coconut Praline Cookies
For a keto-friendly version, replace the sugar with erythritol or monk fruit sweetener, and use unsweetened shredded coconut.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How do I store these no bake cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Q: Can I substitute other nuts for pecans?
Yes! You can substitute pecans with walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts if you prefer.
Q: Can I use unsweetened coconut?
Yes, you can use unsweetened shredded coconut if you prefer a less sweet cookie, though the flavor and sweetness will differ slightly.
Q: Do these cookies need to be refrigerated?
No, they don’t need to be refrigerated but chilling them can help them set faster. They can be stored at room temperature as well.
These No Bake Pecan Coconut Praline Cookies are the perfect quick and easy dessert or snack. With the rich flavors of caramelized sugar, toasted pecans, and shredded coconut, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Best of all, no oven is required, so you can whip up a batch whenever the craving strikes!