Ready for a bite of sweet Southern comfort without ever turning on your oven? These No-Bake Coconut Pecan Praline Cookies are utterly irresistible: they’re chewy, nutty, and kissed with rich caramel flavor. If pralines and coconut macaroons had a cookie baby, this would be it. With each bite, you get buttery toasted pecans, a burst of coconut, and the classic praline sweetness—finished with a melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s dangerously moreish. Whether you’re a novice or seasoned baker, this recipe guarantees homemade Southern magic in just minutes.

No-Bake Coconut Pecan Praline Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed at how a handful of simple staples come together so beautifully in this recipe. Each ingredient builds distinctive flavor, texture, or luscious color to these No-Bake Coconut Pecan Praline Cookies. Don’t skip or substitute—every item has a delicious job to do!

Pecans: Toasted, buttery, and packed with flavor, they give the cookies their signature crunch and nuttiness.
Sweetened shredded coconut: Adds irresistibly chewy texture and natural sweetness with every bite.
Granulated sugar: The core of that classic praline taste, providing sweetness and a satisfying snap.
Brown sugar: Deepens the caramel notes, making each cookie taste rich and complex.
Evaporated milk: Adds creamy smoothness without watering down the mix, helping bind all the ingredients together.
Light corn syrup: Keeps everything glossy and helps the cookies set perfectly—no grainy sugar here!
Unsalted butter: Classic richness and that melt-away mouthfeel, tying all the flavors together beautifully.
Vanilla extract: Invigorates the aroma and highlights the praline base with a warm, inviting note.
Salt: Just a pinch unlocks and balances all that sweetness, bringing everything into harmonious bliss.

How to Make No-Bake Coconut Pecan Praline Cookies

Step 1: Start Your Candy Base

In a large, heavy saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, evaporated milk, light corn syrup, and unsalted butter. Place the pot over medium-high heat, and stir constantly with a wooden spoon or heat-safe spatula. As the ingredients melt together, you’ll notice the mixture turning glossy and thick—a sure sign that rich praline magic is happening!

Step 2: Boil to Perfection

Once everything’s melted and smooth, let the mixture come to a gentle boil. Continue boiling for precisely 3 minutes, stirring every few seconds. Watch for bubbles all over the surface, which means the sugars are caramelizing and your praline base is on track. Don’t overcook—set a timer to keep it just right!

Step 3: Add Flavor Power

Remove the saucepan from the heat. Immediately stir in the vanilla extract and salt, ensuring they’re thoroughly mixed in. This little splash of vanilla and pinch of salt wakes up all the sweet, nutty flavors about to join the party.

Step 4: Mix in Coconut and Pecans

With your praline base still hot, add the sweetened shredded coconut and pecans. Stir continuously for 3-4 minutes. You’ll notice the mixture thickening and cooling just enough to coat every piece of coconut and nut. This step gives the cookies their fabulously chewy, chunky texture.

Step 5: Shape Your Cookies

Using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, portion the warm mixture onto baking sheets lined with wax paper. Don’t worry about perfect shapes—rustic and lumpy just means more homemade charm! Work quickly, as the mixture will stiffen as it cools.

Step 6: Let Them Set

Let the cookies cool on the counter at room temperature until they’re firm, about 30 minutes. If you’re feeling impatient (who can blame you?), pop the tray into the freezer for a faster set. Once solid, your No-Bake Coconut Pecan Praline Cookies are officially ready to steal the show.

How to Serve No-Bake Coconut Pecan Praline Cookies

Garnishes

Dress up your No-Bake Coconut Pecan Praline Cookies with a light dusting of powdered sugar, a sprinkle of toasted coconut, or an extra chop of pecans on top for a pro finish. For a chocolatey twist, drizzle them with a bit of melted dark chocolate—decadent and delightful!

Side Dishes

These cookies play perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a creamy bowl of pudding. For a Southern-inspired dessert platter, serve alongside classic lemon bars or fruity sorbet. And honestly, nothing beats relaxing with one of these cookies and a hot cup of coffee or tea.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking your No-Bake Coconut Pecan Praline Cookies on a rustic wooden tray lined with parchment paper for cozy gatherings, or pile them high in a glass jar for a homemade gift. Want to impress? Sandwich a scoop of coconut ice cream between two cookies for a no-bake dessert to remember.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your No-Bake Coconut Pecan Praline Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll keep their chewy, flavorful best for up to a week. For ultimate freshness, layer wax paper between each row of cookies to prevent sticking.

Freezing

These cookies freeze beautifully. Arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag or airtight container. They’ll stay delicious for up to 2 months—just thaw at room temperature before serving to experience their original chewy magic.

Reheating

Because these are no-bake cookies, there’s really no need to reheat—but if you’d love a gooier texture, microwave one for about 8–10 seconds. It softens just enough to feel like a fresh batch!

FAQs

Can I make No-Bake Coconut Pecan Praline Cookies without corn syrup?

You can substitute honey or maple syrup if needed, but the texture will change slightly. Corn syrup is key for that glossy, chewy praline finish, so use it if possible for best results.

What’s the best way to toast pecans for this recipe?

Spread pecans on a baking sheet and roast at 350°F for 7–10 minutes, stirring halfway through. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re golden and fragrant—let them cool before adding to the cookies.

Can I use unsweetened coconut instead of sweetened?

Absolutely, but the cookies will be a little less sweet and not as chewy. You may want to add an extra tablespoon of sugar or a drizzle of honey to balance things out.

How do I know when to stop boiling the sugar mixture?

As soon as the mixture has been boiling for a full 3 minutes with steady bubbles and smooth texture, pull it off the heat. Overcooking can make the cookies crumbly—timing is everything here!

Are No-Bake Coconut Pecan Praline Cookies gluten-free?

Yes! As long as your ingredients (especially extracts) are gluten-free, these cookies contain no wheat products and are safe for gluten-free diets. Always check labels to be sure.

Final Thoughts

Once you try these No-Bake Coconut Pecan Praline Cookies, there’s a good chance they’ll become a go-to treat for every occasion—holidays, potlucks, or your next midnight snack craving. Grab your saucepan and whip up a batch; you’ll fall in love with how easy and outrageously tasty they are!