As the leaves begin to fall and the air turns crisp, there’s nothing quite like gathering with family and friends to enjoy comforting treats. One of my all-time favorites, especially during these cozy months, is my No-Bake Coconut Pecan Praline Cookies. These little delights are a staple in my home, reminiscent of afternoons spent in my grandmother’s kitchen, where the sweet aroma of praline always seemed to linger. Today, I’m excited to share this treasured recipe with you, hoping it brings as much warmth and joy to your home as it has to mine.
Why You’ll Love This Dessert
- Quick and Easy: With just 20 minutes from start to finish, these cookies are perfect for those spontaneous sweet cravings or last-minute guests.
- No Oven Needed: As the name suggests, these are no-bake cookies, making them a fantastic option for warm days or when your oven is busy with other dishes.
- Flavorful and Nutty: The combination of toasted pecans and sweetened coconut provides a delightful nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the rich praline base.
- Customizable Delight: Add chocolate chips or a drizzle to elevate these cookies and cater to your family’s preferences.
- Perfect for Sharing: With 12 servings, there’s plenty to go around, making these cookies ideal for gatherings or gifting.
The Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut
- 1 cup chopped pecans, toasted
- Optional: Chocolate chips or drizzle
Directions:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, unsalted butter, and milk. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture comes to a boil.
- Continue boiling for 2-3 minutes without stirring to reach the soft-ball stage (235°F to 240°F on a candy thermometer).
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract, shredded coconut, and toasted pecans until well combined.
- If desired, fold in chocolate chips or set aside for drizzling later.
- Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto waxed paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Allow the cookies to cool and set at room temperature for about 30 minutes until firm.
- If using chocolate drizzle, melt chocolate chips and drizzle over the cooled cookies before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes
Calories: 180 kcal | Servings: 12 cookies
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Medium Saucepan: For cooking the sugar mixture.
- Candy Thermometer: To ensure the mixture reaches the correct soft-ball stage.
- Wooden Spoon: Ideal for stirring without scratching your pan.
- Waxed Paper or Silicone Baking Mat: For dropping the cookies onto.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: To ensure you have the right proportions.
The Benefits of Each Ingredient
- Granulated Sugar: The backbone of our praline, providing sweetness and structure.
- Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps achieve that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Milk: Brings creaminess, ensuring the cookies aren’t dry.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor, adding a subtle warmth.
- Shredded Sweetened Coconut: Adds texture and a tropical sweetness that pairs well with pecans.
- Chopped Pecans: Toasted for a deeper flavor, these nuts add a satisfying crunch.
What to Serve With This Dessert
These No-Bake Coconut Pecan Praline Cookies are delightful on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with:
- Coffee or Hot Chocolate: The sweetness of the cookies complements the bitterness of coffee or the creaminess of hot chocolate.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: For an indulgent dessert, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Fruit Salad: A light and refreshing contrast to the rich praline flavors.
Storage & Leftover Tips
- Room Temperature: Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: If you wish to keep them longer, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
- Thawing: To thaw, simply leave them at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
As you embark on making these No-Bake Coconut Pecan Praline Cookies, remember that the heart of cooking lies in sharing and enjoying each moment. Whether it’s a quiet afternoon or a bustling family gathering, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your home, just as they are in mine. Happy cooking and even happier eating!
No-Bake Coconut Pecan Praline Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, unsalted butter, and milk. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture comes to a boil.
- Continue boiling for 2-3 minutes without stirring to reach the soft-ball stage (235°F to 240°F on a candy thermometer).
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract, shredded coconut, and toasted pecans until well combined.
- If desired, fold in chocolate chips or set aside for drizzling later.
- Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto waxed paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Allow the cookies to cool and set at room temperature for about 30 minutes until firm.
- If using chocolate drizzle, melt chocolate chips and drizzle over the cooled cookies before serving.