Description
These No-Bake Pecan Coconut Praline Cookies combine the rich flavors of buttery pecans, sweetened coconut, and caramel-like praline in an easy, no-bake treat. Perfect for those who want a quick and delicious dessert without turning on the oven. Ready in just 15 minutes plus chilling time, these cookies offer a chewy texture with a nutty crunch and a delightful praline sweetness.
Ingredients
Scale
Wet Ingredients
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sweetened coconut
- 2 1/2 cups quick-cooking oats
- 3/4 cup chopped pecans
Optional Topping
- Whole pecan halves (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside to keep your cookies from sticking and to allow easy removal once set.
- Cook Base Mixture: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the sweetened condensed milk, brown sugar, and butter. Stir continuously until all ingredients are melted together and the mixture starts bubbling gently.
- Boil and Thicken: Let the mixture boil gently for 3 to 5 minutes while stirring continuously to prevent burning. Wait until the mixture thickens slightly into a praline-like consistency. Then remove the pan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and salt to enhance the flavor.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Quickly stir in the shredded coconut, quick-cooking oats, and chopped pecans into the thickened praline mixture, ensuring everything is well combined to distribute nuts and oats evenly.
- Form Cookies: Using a spoon, drop rounded spoonfuls of the cookie mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Flatten each slightly with the back of the spoon or your fingers to shape them into cookies.
- Add Toppings: If desired, press a whole pecan half on top of each cookie as a decorative and tasty garnish.
- Set Cookies: Let the cookies sit at room temperature for 30 to 60 minutes to firm up. For faster setting, place them in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes until they are fully set and easy to handle.
Notes
- Use quick-cooking oats for the best texture; old-fashioned oats may make the cookies too chewy.
- The mixture thickens quickly once taken off the heat, so stir in dry ingredients immediately.
- For a more pronounced praline flavor, do not skip the boil step.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate to keep longer.
- Chilling the cookies helps them hold their shape better, especially in warmer climates.
