If you’re searching for a sweet treat that combines Southern charm with effortless preparation, look no further than these No-Bake Pecan Coconut Praline Cookies. These little gems are a magical blend of chewy coconut, toasty pecans, and a buttery praline base, all coming together in a cookie that requires zero oven time. Whether you’re whipping up a quick dessert for surprise guests or treating yourself on a cozy evening, this recipe brings together classic flavors in the easiest way possible. You’ll love how each bite is loaded with texture and decadent caramel notes, making them an instant favorite for any cookie lover.

No-Bake Pecan Coconut Praline Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of No-Bake Pecan Coconut Praline Cookies lies in their short list of easy-to-find ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in delivering that signature chewy, nutty, and sweet bite that keeps you coming back for more.

Granulated Sugar: Provides the classic praline sweetness and helps create the candy-like texture.
Brown Sugar (packed): Adds a rich, deep caramel flavor that pairs perfectly with pecans.
Whole Milk: Brings creaminess and keeps the mixture smooth as it cooks.
Unsalted Butter: Gives these cookies their luscious, melt-in-your-mouth quality.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the other flavors and adds a warm, aromatic note.
Chopped Pecans: The star nut, providing classic praline crunch and toasty flavor.
Sweetened Shredded Coconut: Delivers delightful chewiness and a tropical twist to each cookie.

How to Make No-Bake Pecan Coconut Praline Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheet

Before you begin, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This not only prevents sticking but also makes cleanup a breeze. Having your sheet ready ensures you can drop the hot cookie mixture as soon as it’s ready to set, so don’t skip this quick prep!

Step 2: Cook the Praline Base

In a medium saucepan set over medium heat, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, whole milk, and unsalted butter. Stir constantly as the mixture heats up, ensuring all the sugar dissolves and the butter is fully melted. Once the mixture reaches a full rolling boil, keep stirring and let it boil for exactly 3 minutes—this is the secret to achieving that signature praline candy texture.

Step 3: Flavor and Finish the Dough

Remove the saucepan from the heat and immediately stir in the vanilla extract, chopped pecans, and shredded coconut. Mix everything together thoroughly so the pecans and coconut are evenly distributed and well coated in the praline mixture. The aroma at this stage is absolutely irresistible!

Step 4: Shape the Cookies

Working quickly, use a spoon or a cookie scoop to drop heaping spoonfuls of the mixture onto your prepared baking sheet. Don’t worry if the cookies aren’t perfectly round—these rustic shapes are part of their homemade charm. Give each cookie a little space to set and cool.

Step 5: Let Them Set

Allow the cookies to sit at room temperature for at least 30 to 45 minutes, or until they are completely set and firm to the touch. Waiting can be the hardest part, but it’s worth it! Once set, they’re ready to enjoy or store for later snacking.

How to Serve No-Bake Pecan Coconut Praline Cookies

Garnishes

For a finishing touch, you can sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt or a dusting of powdered sugar over the cookies. A drizzle of melted chocolate or a few extra toasted pecans on top add a gorgeous, gourmet vibe that makes them look as good as they taste.

Side Dishes

No-Bake Pecan Coconut Praline Cookies pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee, a glass of cold milk, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They’re wonderful on a dessert tray alongside fresh fruit, or served with other classic Southern treats like lemon bars or chess pie.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack these cookies in a pretty jar with a ribbon for a homemade gift, or arrange them on a tiered cake stand for a festive dessert table. For parties, you can nestle each cookie in a mini cupcake liner for an elegant touch that also keeps hands clean.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your No-Bake Pecan Coconut Praline Cookies are set, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and chewy for up to five days, making them perfect for make-ahead treats or lunchbox surprises.

Freezing

These cookies freeze wonderfully! Simply layer them between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They’ll keep for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes.

Reheating

While these cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature, you can soften them slightly by placing one or two in the microwave for just 5-10 seconds. This brings out the gooey praline flavor and makes them taste freshly made!

FAQs

Can I use unsweetened coconut instead of sweetened?

Absolutely! If you prefer a less sweet or chewier texture in your No-Bake Pecan Coconut Praline Cookies, unsweetened coconut is a great choice. Just keep in mind that it will slightly change the overall sweetness.

How do I keep the cookies from sticking to the pan?

Always line your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat before dropping your cookies. This simple step guarantees easy removal and perfect cookies every time.

Can I toast the pecans first?

Definitely! Toasting the pecans before adding them to the mixture deepens their flavor and adds extra crunch to your No-Bake Pecan Coconut Praline Cookies. Just bake them at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, then let cool before using.

What if my cookies don’t set properly?

If your cookies are too soft or sticky, it’s likely the praline mixture didn’t boil for a full 3 minutes. Next time, make sure to time this step exactly to ensure perfect results. For now, you can pop them in the fridge to help them firm up.

Are these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! As written, No-Bake Pecan Coconut Praline Cookies contain no wheat or gluten, making them a wonderful gluten-free dessert option. Just double-check your ingredient labels to be sure.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a quick, sweet fix that feels a little bit special, you can’t go wrong with No-Bake Pecan Coconut Praline Cookies. They’re easy enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for company, and every bite is packed with flavor and nostalgia. Give them a try and see why this little recipe is one you’ll want to make again and again!

No-Bake Pecan Coconut Praline Cookies Recipe

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4.5 from 18 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 20 minutes (plus 30-45 minutes setting time)
Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These No-Bake Pecan Coconut Praline Cookies are a quick and delicious treat combining the rich flavors of pecans and coconut in a sweet, chewy praline exterior. Perfect for an easy dessert or Southern-inspired snack, these cookies set without baking and deliver a satisfying crunch and sweetness in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients

1 ½ cups granulated sugar
¾ cup brown sugar (packed)
½ cup whole milk
½ cup unsalted butter

Flavorings & Mix-ins

1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups chopped pecans
2 cups sweetened shredded coconut

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Instructions

Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, milk, and butter. Stir constantly to ensure the mixture heats evenly and sugars dissolve completely.
Boil Mixture: Bring the mixture to a full rolling boil. Once boiling, continue stirring and maintain the boil for 3 full minutes to allow the sugars to caramelize slightly and thicken the syrup, which will help the cookies set properly.
Remove from Heat & Add Mix-ins: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract, chopped pecans, and shredded coconut thoroughly until everything is well combined and evenly coated with the sugary mixture.
Form Cookies: Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop heaping spoonfuls of the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Space them enough so they don’t stick together as they set.
Let Set: Allow the cookies to sit at room temperature for at least 30 to 45 minutes until they are fully set and firm enough to handle. Once set, they can be served or stored.

Notes

For a chewier texture, substitute sweetened coconut with unsweetened shredded coconut.
Lightly toasting the chopped pecans before mixing will enhance the flavor and add a subtle crunch.
These cookies store well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, making them great for prepare-ahead treats.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Bake
Cuisine: American