If you’ve been searching for a sweet treat that’s quick, indulgent, and irresistibly crunchy, you are going to adore this No-Bake Coconut Praline Cookies Recipe. These cookies bring together the perfect harmony of rich caramelized sugar, toasty pecans, and chewy coconut, all without ever heating up your oven. Whether you’re craving a simple dessert or need a festive treat to share with friends, this recipe is as delightful to make as it is to eat. Each bite offers a satisfying crunch with a buttery, praline sweetness that feels homemade and comforting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting your ingredients together for this No-Bake Coconut Praline Cookies Recipe couldn’t be easier. Each component plays a key role in creating the ideal texture, sweetness, and flavor, making sure your cookies come out perfectly every time.
- Granulated sugar: The essential base for that classic praline caramel flavor and beautiful golden color.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and smoothness to balance the sugar’s sweetness.
- Evaporated milk: Provides a creamy depth that helps create the perfect chewy texture.
- Salt: Just a touch to enhance all the flavors and cut the sweetness slightly.
- Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and a subtle aromatic note that elevates the praline taste.
- Sweetened shredded coconut: Gives chewy texture and tropical flair in every bite.
- Chopped pecans: Adds crunch and a nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the coconut and caramel.
How to Make No-Bake Coconut Praline Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace
Start by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper and setting it aside. This will be where your cookies chill and set, so having it ready beforehand is key for smooth cookie-making later on.
Step 2: Cook the Sugar Mixture
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the granulated sugar, unsalted butter, evaporated milk, and salt. Stir constantly to prevent burning. As soon as the mixture reaches a boil, keep stirring and maintain that boil for 3 to 4 minutes until it thickens slightly and turns a gorgeous golden hue. This step is crucial because it transforms your sugar into a luscious, caramel-like base for the cookies.
Step 3: Add Flavor and Mix-ins
Remove the pan from heat and immediately stir in the vanilla extract for that warm, inviting aroma. Quickly fold in the shredded coconut and chopped pecans, ensuring every bit gets coated in the sticky praline goodness before it starts to harden.
Step 4: Form the Cookies
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto your prepared baking sheet. Space them out just a little so they don’t stick together. These cookies will firm up as they cool, so resist the urge to munch on them when they’re still warm!
Step 5: Let Them Set
Let the cookies cool at room temperature for about 30 to 45 minutes until they’re fully set. The praline will firm up to a perfect crispness while the coconut remains delightfully chewy.
How to Serve No-Bake Coconut Praline Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Add an extra touch simply by sprinkling a few toasted pecans or a dusting of powdered sugar over the cookies just before serving. The nuts bring an inviting crunch and the powdered sugar adds a delicate sweetness and a pretty finish that will make everyone’s eyes sparkle.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or even a glass of cold milk. Their rich sweetness complements warm beverages and balances creamy drinks, making them a perfect snack or dessert accompaniment.
No-Bake Coconut Praline Cookies Recipe Presentation Ideas
For a fun twist, serve these cookies on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of toasted pecans and shredded coconut for guests to garnish themselves. Or place them in pretty mini cupcake liners to make them feel extra special for parties or holiday gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and crunchy for up to a week, making them an easy favorite to enjoy throughout the week.
Freezing
You can freeze these cookies if you want to keep them longer. Lay them flat in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring them to a freezer bag. When well-sealed, they maintain their flavor and texture for up to a month.
Reheating
Since these are no-bake cookies, reheating isn’t really necessary. However, if you prefer a softer texture, warming them gently in a microwave for 5 to 10 seconds can soften the caramel slightly without melting the cookies completely.
FAQs
Can I use unsweetened coconut instead of sweetened coconut?
Yes, unsweetened shredded coconut works fine if you prefer less sweetness. Just note that it might change the overall sweetness balance slightly, so you might want to adjust the sugar accordingly or enjoy the cookies with a bit more sweetness from your beverage pairing.
Is it necessary to use evaporated milk?
Evaporated milk helps achieve the right creamy consistency and caramel texture, but you can substitute with regular milk or cream. Just be aware this might slightly affect how the mixture thickens during cooking.
Can I toast the pecans before adding them?
Absolutely! Toasting pecans before mixing them in will deepen their flavor and add an irresistible roasted nuttiness that complements the praline perfectly.
How do I know when the mixture is ready to be taken off the heat?
The mixture should boil for about 3 to 4 minutes until it thickens slightly and turns golden. It won’t be very thick but should coat the back of a spoon and feel a bit syrupy. This timing ensures your cookies set correctly.
Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?
To make it vegan or dairy-free, use plant-based butter and a non-dairy milk replacement like coconut milk in place of evaporated milk. Keep in mind the texture and flavor may differ, but it will still be delicious!
Final Thoughts
This No-Bake Coconut Praline Cookies Recipe is one of those magical treats that feels both nostalgic and fresh at the same time. It’s wonderfully simple, packed with texture and flavor, and perfect for when you want something homemade without heating up your kitchen. I truly hope you give this recipe a try and enjoy sharing these sweet, coconutty, crunchy delights with your friends and family as much as I do!
Print
No-Bake Coconut Praline Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes (plus 30–45 minutes setting time)
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free, Vegetarian
Description
Delicious no-bake coconut praline cookies that combine sweet shredded coconut and crunchy pecans coated in a rich caramel-like mixture. These easy-to-make treats set quickly without the need for an oven, making them perfect for a quick dessert or holiday snack.
Ingredients
Cookie Mixture
- 2 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup evaporated milk
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
- 2 cups chopped pecans
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside to use for dropping the cookies later.
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the granulated sugar, unsalted butter, evaporated milk, and salt. Stir constantly to prevent burning.
- Cook Mixture: Bring the mixture to a boil, then continue boiling for 3–4 minutes, stirring frequently until the mixture thickens slightly and turns golden in color.
- Add Flavoring: Remove the pan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract thoroughly to evenly distribute the flavor.
- Mix in Solids: Quickly add the shredded coconut and chopped pecans to the hot mixture, stirring until everything is evenly coated and combined.
- Form Cookies: Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet in cookie-sized mounds.
- Set Cookies: Allow the cookies to sit at room temperature until completely set, approximately 30 to 45 minutes, before serving.
- Store Cookies: Once set, store the cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to a week.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, toast the pecans lightly before adding them to the mixture.
- These cookies can be made ahead of time and stored at room temperature for up to one week.
- For a chewier texture, reduce the boiling time slightly during cooking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
