If you’re craving something sweet, nutty, and rich but don’t want to turn on the oven, these No Bake Pecan Coconut Praline Cookies are the answer. With their buttery caramel flavor, toasted pecans, and sweet coconut flakes, these cookies deliver Southern praline charm in bite-sized form — without the fuss of baking.
Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or anytime you need a quick dessert fix, this recipe comes together in minutes and tastes like something straight out of a bakery. Let’s dive into how to make these chewy, melt-in-your-mouth praline cookies that will disappear fast from any dessert tray.
🍬 What Are No Bake Pecan Coconut Praline Cookies?
These cookies are a delightful fusion of traditional Southern pralines and chewy no-bake treats. They’re made by cooking a rich brown sugar and butter mixture until it forms a caramel base, then stirring in pecans, coconut flakes, and oats for texture.
The result? Soft, chewy cookies with a nutty crunch, deep caramel notes, and just the right amount of sweetness — all without ever touching the oven.
Think of them as praline candies meets oatmeal cookies, but far easier to make.
🥥 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No Oven Required: Great for warm days or when you need a fast dessert.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in about 15 minutes — perfect for last-minute treats.
- Incredible Flavor: A mix of brown sugar, butter, pecans, and coconut creates rich, buttery goodness.
- Great Texture: Soft, chewy, and slightly crunchy from the nuts.
- Perfect for Sharing: Great for cookie swaps, holiday platters, or gifting.
🧈 Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, pantry-friendly ingredients make these cookies a go-to favorite:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- ½ cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
- 1½ cups chopped pecans (toasted for extra flavor)
- 3 cups quick oats
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Optional additions:
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon for warmth
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt on top for a salted praline twist
🍯 How to Make No Bake Pecan Coconut Praline Cookies
These cookies come together quickly — the key is to have all your ingredients ready before starting since the caramel mixture sets fast.
Step 1: Prepare Baking Sheets
Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. Set aside.
Step 2: Toast the Pecans (Optional but Recommended)
In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the chopped pecans for 3–5 minutes, stirring often until fragrant. Set aside to cool.
Step 3: Make the Caramel Base
In a medium saucepan, combine butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, milk, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly.
Once it starts boiling, boil for exactly 3 minutes, without stirring, until the mixture thickens slightly and turns glossy.
Step 4: Add Flavor
Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
Step 5: Mix It All Together
Quickly add in oats, shredded coconut, and toasted pecans. Stir until everything is fully coated and combined.
Step 6: Form the Cookies
Working quickly (before the mixture sets), drop spoonfuls of the praline mixture onto the prepared baking sheets. Use about 2 tablespoons per cookie.
Step 7: Cool and Set
Let the cookies sit at room temperature for about 30–40 minutes until firm and set.
💡 Tips for Perfect No Bake Cookies
- Work Fast: Once the caramel base is mixed, it sets quickly. Drop the cookies onto the tray while still warm.
- Texture Check: If the cookies seem too soft, you may not have boiled the mixture long enough. Too hard? It was boiled a bit too long. Aim for 3 minutes at a gentle boil.
- Toasted Pecans Make a Difference: Toasting enhances their nutty flavor and adds depth.
- Add a Sprinkle of Salt: A pinch of flaky sea salt on top turns them into gourmet praline bites.
- Use Quick Oats: Old-fashioned oats make the cookies crumbly; quick oats hold them together better.
🍫 Variations & Add-Ins
Want to make these cookies your own? Try one of these tasty variations:
1. Chocolate Drizzle
Melt ½ cup of chocolate chips and drizzle over cooled cookies for a chocolate-praline combo.
2. Maple Twist
Replace ¼ cup of the sugar with pure maple syrup for a deeper, more natural sweetness.
3. Coconut Lover’s Dream
Use toasted coconut flakes instead of plain for an extra crunch and nutty flavor.
4. Nut-Free Option
Swap pecans for sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a nut-free version that still offers texture.
5. Caramel Rum Flavor
Add ½ teaspoon of rum extract along with vanilla for a Southern praline flair.
🎃 Perfect for Every Occasion
These No Bake Pecan Coconut Praline Cookies are perfect for:
- Holiday cookie trays
- Bake sales or potlucks
- Gifting in cookie tins
- Quick weekday desserts
- Sweet snacks for coffee or tea time
They store beautifully, travel well, and always earn compliments.
🧊 Storage Instructions
These cookies can be made ahead and stored easily — no refrigeration needed.
- At room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- In the refrigerator: Keeps for up to 2 weeks (if you like them firmer).
- In the freezer: Store for up to 3 months in freezer-safe bags. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
❤️ Why You’ll Fall in Love with These Cookies
There’s something undeniably comforting about praline flavor — that buttery brown sugar sweetness and nutty crunch is pure nostalgia.
These no bake cookies capture all that praline magic in a soft, chewy, easy-to-make form that requires no oven, no mixer, and no complicated steps.
With every bite, you’ll taste:
- The creamy sweetness of caramelized sugar
- The toasted nuttiness of pecans
- The tropical chew of coconut
They’re the perfect balance of indulgent and homey — a cookie that feels like a hug.
✨ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use old-fashioned oats instead of quick oats?
A: Yes, but the texture will be chunkier and a bit less cohesive. Quick oats give a smoother cookie.
Q: Can I make them vegan?
A: Absolutely! Use vegan butter and plant-based milk (like coconut or almond milk).
Q: Why didn’t my cookies set?
A: The most common reason is under-boiling the mixture. Make sure it boils for a full 3 minutes.
Q: Can I add chocolate chips?
A: Yes! Stir in mini chocolate chips after removing the mixture from heat — just let it cool slightly first so they don’t melt completely.
🍪 Final Thoughts
These No Bake Pecan Coconut Praline Cookies prove that delicious desserts don’t have to be complicated. With just a few pantry ingredients and 15 minutes of your time, you can create a batch of buttery, nutty, melt-in-your-mouth cookies that taste like pure homemade goodness.
Whether you’re preparing a holiday dessert spread or just need a quick sweet treat, these cookies will hit the spot — every single time.
Print
No Bake Pecan Coconut Praline Cookies: Sweet, Chewy, and Irresistibly Easy
Ingredients
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• ¼ cup light corn syrup (or honey)
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 ½ cups quick-cooking oats (gluten-free if needed)
• 1 cup shredded coconut (sweetened or unsweetened)
• 1 cup chopped pecans (toasted for extra flavor)
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar, milk, butter, and corn syrup. Bring to a rolling boil and cook exactly 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Remove from heat. Stir in vanilla and salt.
- Quickly mix in oats, coconut, and chopped pecans until fully combined.
- Drop by tablespoonfuls onto the prepared sheet (work fast before mixture sets).
- Let cool 15–20 minutes until firm and set.
✨ These are soft, chewy, and full of rich praline flavor—perfect for holiday trays, school snacks, or sweet gifts!
💡 Make ahead: Store in an airtight container at room temp for up to 2 weeks.
PREP TIME & NUTRITION :
Prep Time : 10 mins , Cook Time : 5 mins , Total Time : 35 mins , Servings : 18 cookies , Calories : 140 , Net Carbs: 17g , Fats: 8g , Protein: 2g