No-Bake Coconut Pecan Praline Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the crunchiness of pecans with the sweetness of coconut and pralines in a no-bake form, perfect for when you want a delicious cookie without turning on the oven.

This recipe is simple and quick, requiring just a few pantry staples and about 20 minutes of your time from start to finish. The cookies set as they cool, resulting in a chewy, caramel-like texture with bursts of nutty flavor. It’s an ideal recipe for last-minute guests or when you’re craving something sweet and satisfying without the hassle of baking.

Ingredients Needed for This Recipe

2 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup evaporated milk
1/2 cup corn syrup

1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups chopped pecans

2 cups shredded coconut
Pinch of salt

Instructions for Making No-Bake Coconut Pecan Praline Cookies

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine granulated sugar, evaporated milk, corn syrup, and unsalted butter. Stir continuously until the mixture comes to a rolling boil. Allow it to boil for 1 minute without stirring.

Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the vanilla extract, chopped pecans, shredded coconut, and a pinch of salt until everything is well coated and mixed.
Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Use the back of the spoon to slightly flatten each cookie.
Allow the cookies to cool and set at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. For quicker setting, you can place them in the refrigerator.

Once set, the cookies are ready to enjoy. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.

Tips for Perfecting the Recipe

Use a Candy Thermometer: For no-bake recipes involving a syrup base, achieving the correct temperature is crucial for the texture. Using a candy thermometer ensures the mixture reaches the soft-ball stage (234-240°F), which is perfect for these cookies. This stage allows the cookies to set without becoming too hard or staying too runny.

Stir Constantly Until Boiling: When combining the sugar, milk, corn syrup, and butter, stir the mixture constantly until it begins to boil. This prevents the sugar from crystallizing on the sides of the pan and ensures an even, smooth texture in your cookies.

Roast the Pecans for Extra Flavor: Roasting the pecans before adding them to your mixture can enhance their nutty flavor and add an extra layer of crunch to the cookies. Spread them on a baking sheet and roast in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes, or until fragrant.

Let the Mixture Cool Slightly Before Shaping: After removing the mixture from heat and adding the final ingredients, let it cool slightly in the pan for about 1-2 minutes. This slight cooling makes the cookies easier to shape and prevents them from spreading too thinly on the parchment paper.

Adjust the Sweetness: If you find the recipe too sweet, you can slightly reduce the amount of sugar or corn syrup. However, be mindful that significant adjustments can affect the texture and setting of the cookies.

Use Quality Ingredients: The simplicity of this recipe means the flavor of each ingredient shines through. Using high-quality vanilla extract, fresh pecans, and unsweetened, fresh coconut can make a big difference in the overall taste of your cookies.

Experiment with Textures: For a different texture, you can experiment with the size of the shredded coconut or the chop of the pecans. Finer pieces will give a more uniform texture, while larger chunks will add more bite and visual appeal.

Serving Suggestions

As a Standalone Snack: These no-bake coconut pecan praline cookies are perfect as a sweet treat on their own. Pair them with your favorite coffee or tea for a relaxing afternoon break.

With Ice Cream: Serve these cookies alongside or crumbled over a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream for a delightful dessert.

As Part of a Dessert Platter: These cookies make a great addition to any dessert platter, offering a sweet and chewy option that pairs well with other baked goods, chocolates, and fruits.

Gift Them: Packaged in a cute tin or box, these cookies make a thoughtful and delicious homemade gift for friends, teachers, or neighbors.

For Special Occasions: Whether it’s a holiday gathering, a birthday party, or just a casual get-together, these cookies add a touch of homemade charm to any occasion.

Storage Tips

Cool Completely Before Storing: Ensure the cookies are completely cooled and set before transferring them to a storage container. This prevents them from sticking together or becoming soggy.

Use Airtight Containers: Store the cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh. Layer them between sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Room Temperature Storage: These cookies are best stored at room temperature in a cool, dry place. They will keep for up to 1 week.

Refrigerating for Longer Freshness: If you prefer, you can refrigerate the cookies to extend their freshness. This is especially helpful in warmer climates or seasons. In the fridge, they can last up to 2 weeks.

Freezing for Long-Term Storage: For long-term storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use almond milk instead of evaporated milk? Yes, you can use almond milk, but the texture and flavor might slightly differ. Evaporated milk offers a creaminess and depth of flavor that plant-based milks might not fully replicate.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegan? To make this recipe vegan, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use a plant-based milk. Ensure your corn syrup is vegan-friendly as well.

Can I substitute the pecans with another type of nut? Absolutely. Walnuts, almonds, or even a mix of nuts can be used in place of pecans, depending on your preference.

Can I make these cookies without corn syrup? Yes, you can substitute corn syrup with honey, maple syrup, or a homemade simple syrup (a mixture of sugar and water boiled until thickened). However, each alternative will impart a slightly different flavor and texture to the cookies.

How do I prevent the cookies from becoming too hard? To prevent the cookies from becoming too hard, avoid boiling the mixture for too long. Once it reaches the soft-ball stage (234-240°F), remove it from the heat immediately. Overcooking can cause the sugar to reach a higher stage, resulting in harder cookies.

Can I add chocolate to this recipe? Yes, adding chocolate can create a delicious variation. Melt semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks and either drizzle it over the cooled cookies or mix it into the batter just before dropping them onto parchment paper. Ensure the chocolate is well incorporated if mixing it in.

My cookies spread too much. What did I do wrong? If your cookies spread too much, it could be due to a few reasons. Letting the mixture cool slightly before shaping can help. Also, ensure that your butter was not too warm and that you measured the ingredients accurately. Too much butter or liquid can cause the cookies to spread more than desired.

No-Bake Coconut Pecan Praline Cookies

5 from 1 vote

Ingredients

2 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup evaporated milk
1/2 cup corn syrup

1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups chopped pecans

2 cups shredded coconut
Pinch of salt

Instructions

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine granulated sugar, evaporated milk, corn syrup, and unsalted butter. Stir continuously until the mixture comes to a rolling boil. Allow it to boil for 1 minute without stirring.

Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the vanilla extract, chopped pecans, shredded coconut, and a pinch of salt until everything is well coated and mixed.
Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Use the back of the spoon to slightly flatten each cookie.
Allow the cookies to cool and set at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. For quicker setting, you can place them in the refrigerator.