If you’re on the hunt for a treat that’s both decadent and incredibly easy to make, these No-Bake Coconut Praline Cookies are a total game-changer. They’re chewy, rich, and loaded with all the flavors you crave from a Southern-inspired praline, but with a tropical coconut spin and zero oven time required. Whether you need a last-minute dessert for a party or just want to spoil yourself with some sweet bites after dinner, this recipe delivers pure joy in every bite. With simple pantry ingredients and a foolproof process, No-Bake Coconut Praline Cookies deserve a permanent spot in your dessert repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every great cookie starts with the right combination of simple, flavorful staples—and these are no exception! Each ingredient plays a special role in giving the No-Bake Coconut Praline Cookies their irresistible texture and signature taste.
- Granulated Sugar: The backbone of the praline flavor, it gives these cookies their signature sweetness and classic candy-like texture.
- Unsalted Butter: Adds creamy richness and helps bring everything together perfectly—opt for unsalted to control the cookie’s saltiness.
- Whole Milk: Lends a velvety smoothness to the mixture and helps dissolve the sugar evenly.
- Salt: Just a pinch balances the sweetness and brightens every other flavor in the cookie.
- Vanilla Extract: Deepens the overall aroma and rounds out the praline taste with a cozy, homey note.
- Sweetened Shredded Coconut: Delivers that unmistakable chewy texture and coconutty punch—use sweetened for a true dessert vibe.
- Chopped Pecans: The praline essential, they add buttery crunch and nutty depth; toast them first for next-level flavor.
How to Make No-Bake Coconut Praline Cookies
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Start by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper, so your cookies will lift off effortlessly once they’ve set. Get your spoon and all your mix-ins (coconut and pecans) ready—you’ll need to work quickly once the base is ready.
Step 2: Make the Sweet Praline Base
In a medium saucepan set over medium heat, combine the granulated sugar, unsalted butter, whole milk, and salt. Stir constantly as the butter melts and the sugar dissolves, then bump up the heat and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Maintaining a steady boil is key for chewy, candy-like cookies, so keep stirring and let it boil for 3 minutes—use a timer for best results.
Step 3: Add Flavor and Texture
After exactly 3 minutes, remove the saucepan from the heat. Immediately stir in the vanilla extract for that warm aroma, followed by the sweetened shredded coconut and chopped pecans. Stir thoroughly so no dry spots remain. The mixture will thicken fast, which is your cue to move along swiftly to the next step!
Step 4: Form the Cookies
Using a spoon, quickly drop mounds of the praline mixture onto your prepared baking sheet. Each spoonful transforms into a delicious, lumpy cookie filled with nutty crunch and chewy coconut. Work somewhat quickly before the mixture stiffens up—perfection isn’t the goal, rustic cookies are extra charming.
Step 5: Let Them Set
Now comes the hardest part: waiting! Leave your cookies at room temperature for 30 to 45 minutes or until they’re completely set. They’ll become firm enough to pick up yet still delightfully chewy inside. All that’s left is to dig in and enjoy the magic of homemade No-Bake Coconut Praline Cookies.
How to Serve No-Bake Coconut Praline Cookies
Garnishes
Dress up your No-Bake Coconut Praline Cookies with a little flourish! A light dusting of powdered sugar, extra coconut, or a finishing touch of flaky sea salt will make each bite extra memorable. If you want a bakery-worthy look, drizzle with a thread of melted dark chocolate.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with classic sides like fresh fruit, a bowl of ice cream, or even a creamy latte. Their richness is perfectly balanced by a scoop of vanilla or coconut ice cream or a refreshing fruit salad. For gatherings, set them out with other no-bake treats for a dessert spread everyone will be talking about.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your No-Bake Coconut Praline Cookies into irresistible gifts by packaging them in glass jars or pretty boxes lined with parchment. For parties, stack them into a tower on a cake stand or arrange them in mini cupcake wrappers for a bite-sized presentation. Kids will love decorating them with a few colorful sprinkles before the cookies set!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
No-Bake Coconut Praline Cookies hold up beautifully at room temperature for up to 5 days. Simply place them in an airtight container with sheets of parchment between layers to prevent sticking—they’ll stay soft, chewy, and delicious.
Freezing
If you want to stash some for later, these cookies freeze like a dream. Arrange the fully set cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe container, using parchment paper to separate layers. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months, making it easy to get your praline fix anytime.
Reheating
These cookies taste great right out of the freezer, but if you prefer them a little softer, just let them come to room temperature for 20–30 minutes. While there’s no need to re-bake, a few seconds in the microwave (on a plate!) will bring back that gooey, just-made texture.
FAQs
Can I use unsweetened coconut instead of sweetened?
Absolutely! Unsweetened coconut will make the cookies a bit less sweet and give a slightly drier texture, which can be perfect if you prefer a milder coconut flavor or want to reduce the sugar content a touch.
Do I have to toast the pecans?
Toasting the pecans is optional, but it really does enhance their nutty flavor and adds extra depth to the cookies. If you have a few extra minutes, it’s worth the step—just spread the pecans on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for about 5–7 minutes, or until fragrant.
Will the cookies set if it’s humid out?
Humidity can make it trickier for praline-style cookies to set. If it’s very humid, extend the setting time and be sure your mixture boiled for the full 3 minutes. Placing the tray in a cool, dry area or even chilling briefly in the fridge can help.
How do I keep them from sticking together?
Layering the cookies between sheets of parchment or wax paper in your storage container is the trick! This prevents them from sticking to each other and keeps them looking perfect, even days later.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes! You can easily double the ingredients for a bigger batch—just use a large saucepan and work quickly when dropping the cookies, as the mixture thickens fast once off the heat.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a sweet treat that comes together in a snap and captures all the best flavors of coconut and praline, No-Bake Coconut Praline Cookies are about to become your new obsession. They’re perfect for sharing (or keeping all to yourself). Whip up a batch soon, and watch everyone fall in love at first bite!
Print
No-Bake Coconut Praline Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes (including setting time)
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These No-Bake Coconut Praline Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the rich flavors of coconut and pecans in a sweet, chewy confection. Perfect for a quick and easy dessert option, these cookies are sure to be a hit with family and friends.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans
Instructions
- Prepare the Mixture: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a saucepan, combine sugar, butter, milk, and salt. Boil, then remove from heat.
- Add Flavors: Stir in vanilla, coconut, and pecans. Mix well.
- Drop Cookies: Spoon mixture onto the baking sheet. Let set at room temperature.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container once set.
Notes
Notes:
- Toasted pecans enhance flavor.
- Unsweetened coconut can be used for a less sweet cookie.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
