No Bake Pecan Coconut Praline Cookies

These No Bake Pecan Coconut Praline Cookies are a delightful, easy-to-make treat that combines the rich flavors of caramelized sugar, crunchy pecans, and chewy coconut. Perfect for when you want a sweet indulgence without the need for an oven, these cookies are quick to prepare and offer a satisfying texture and flavor in every bite. Whether you're making them for a holiday treat, a gift, or just because, these cookies are sure to please. Customize them with your favorite nuts or add-ins for a personalized touch, and enjoy a taste of the South with every bite!

No Bake Pecan Coconut Praline Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the rich flavors of pecans, coconut, and caramelized sugar. These cookies are quick and easy to make, requiring no baking, which makes them perfect for when you want a sweet indulgence without turning on the oven. Let’s dive into the ingredients you’ll need to create these deliciously chewy cookies.

INGREDIENTS

• Sugar: 2½ cups, which forms the sweet, caramel-like base of the praline cookies.
• Evaporated Milk: ½ cup, adding creaminess and richness to the mixture.
• Corn Syrup: ½ cup, helping to create the chewy texture and prevent the sugar from crystallizing.
• Butter: ½ cup, adding flavor and helping to bind the ingredients together.
• Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon, enhancing the flavor of the cookies.
• Chopped Pecans: 2-2½ cups, providing a nutty crunch and richness to the cookies.
• Grated Coconut: 2½ cups, adding a chewy texture and tropical flavor that complements the pecans.

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1: Prepare Ingredients

1. Start by setting aside the chopped pecans, grated coconut, and vanilla extract, so they are ready to add when needed.

Step 2: Combine the Base Ingredients

1. In a large saucepan, combine 2½ cups of sugar, ½ cup of evaporated milk, ½ cup of corn syrup, and ½ cup of butter.
2. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir continuously until the butter is melted and the sugar is fully dissolved.

Step 3: Boil the Mixture

1. Increase the heat slightly and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Allow it to boil for exactly 3 minutes without stirring. This will help the mixture reach the right consistency for the praline cookies.

Step 4: Add the Flavors

1. Remove the saucepan from the heat immediately after the 3-minute boil. Stir in 2-2½ cups of chopped pecans, 2½ cups of grated coconut, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
2. Mix the ingredients thoroughly for about 4 minutes, ensuring that the pecans and coconut are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

Step 5: Form the Cookies

1. Using a spoon, drop spoonfuls of the batter onto a sheet of wax paper. Shape them into cookies by gently pressing down on them, if needed.

Step 6: Let the Cookies Harden

1. Allow the cookies to sit at room temperature until they have hardened. This should take about 15-20 minutes.
2. Once the cookies have set, carefully remove them from the wax paper and transfer them to a serving plate.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Enjoy your No Bake Pecan Coconut Praline Cookies as a sweet treat any time of the day. These cookies are perfect for sharing or as a delightful homemade gift!

Serving and Storage Tips

No Bake Pecan Coconut Praline Cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature after they’ve had time to fully set. Serve them as a snack, dessert, or a sweet treat to accompany your afternoon coffee or tea. These cookies are also great for holiday platters or as homemade gifts.

To store, place the cookies in an airtight container and keep them at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you live in a particularly warm climate, you can store them in the refrigerator to prevent them from becoming too soft. When stored in the fridge, let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Helpful Notes

This recipe can be easily customized to suit your taste. If you prefer a different nut, feel free to substitute the pecans with walnuts, almonds, or even a mix of your favorite nuts. For a chocolate twist, you can add a handful of mini chocolate chips to the mixture just before dropping the batter onto the wax paper.

For a deeper flavor, consider toasting the pecans and coconut before adding them to the mixture. This extra step enhances the nutty flavors and adds a bit of crunch to the cookies.

Tips from well-known chefs

Chef Paula Deen recommends using high-quality butter and vanilla extract for the best flavor in praline recipes. The richness of the butter and the aromatic vanilla really shine in no-bake cookies like these.

Chef Emeril Lagasse suggests adding a pinch of sea salt to the mixture just before forming the cookies to balance the sweetness and enhance the overall flavor profile.

Chef Alton Brown advises letting the mixture cool slightly before stirring in the nuts and coconut to ensure they stay crunchy and don’t become too soft in the warm caramel mixture.