Looking for a decadent dessert that doesn’t require heating up your kitchen? These No-Bake Coconut Pecan Pralines deliver all the rich, caramelized goodness of classic Southern pralines—without ever touching the oven. Toasted pecans, sweet shredded coconut, and a buttery caramel base come together to form chewy, nutty cookies that set at room temperature. Whether you’re preparing for a cookie exchange, summer potluck, or holiday dessert tray, this recipe has you covered.
Why You’ll Love These No-Bake Coconut Pecan Pralines
- ⏱ Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes.
- 🔥 No Oven Required: Ideal for warm-weather baking.
- 🥥 Incredible Texture: Chewy coconut + crunchy pecans + creamy praline = perfection.
- 🍬 Classic Southern Flavor: Get praline richness without a candy thermometer.
- 🎁 Great for Gifting: Stays fresh for days and travels well.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what makes this no-bake cookie recipe shine:
Base Ingredients:
- 2 cups pecans, roughly chopped (toast for extra flavor)
- 2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
Caramel Mixture:
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup evaporated milk
- ½ cup light corn syrup
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
Flavor Boosters:
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt (sea salt preferred for balance)
💡 Pro Tip: Toast your pecans in a dry skillet for 3–5 minutes until fragrant. This brings out their natural oils and boosts the nutty flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
🔧 Prep First
- Line two baking sheets with parchment or wax paper.
- Pre-measure all your ingredients. Once the caramel mixture reaches temperature, speed is key.
🍯 Make the Caramel Base
- In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine sugars, evaporated milk, corn syrup, and butter.
- Stir over medium-high heat until melted and smooth (about 3–4 minutes).
🔥 Bring to a Rolling Boil
- Increase heat slightly and stir constantly.
- When a full rolling boil is reached (one that can’t be stirred down), set a timer for 3 minutes.
- Continue stirring until thickened and golden brown.
🌿 Add Flavorings
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and salt—careful, it may bubble up!
🥥 Fold in Mix-ins
- Immediately stir in shredded coconut and toasted pecans.
- Mix vigorously for 3–4 minutes as the mixture thickens and cools.
🍪 Form the Cookies
- Use a tablespoon or small cookie scoop to drop portions onto your prepared baking sheets.
- If mixture stiffens, gently reheat over low heat to loosen.
❄️ Let Them Set
- Let cookies sit at room temperature for 2 hours, or refrigerate for 1 hour.
- Once firm, they’ll lift cleanly off the parchment and hold their shape.
Storage Tips
- Room Temp: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Refrigerator: Keeps for 2–3 weeks.
- Freezer-Friendly: Freeze in layers with parchment between; thaw at room temperature.
Variations to Try
Want to get creative? Try these delicious twists:
- Bourbon Pralines: Add 1 teaspoon of bourbon after removing from heat.
- Tropical Blend: Swap pecans for macadamia nuts and toss in dried pineapple or cherries.
- Chocolate Chip Pralines: Stir in ½ cup of mini chocolate chips once the mixture cools slightly.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Cookies too soft?
You likely didn’t boil long enough. Be sure to time a full 3-minute rolling boil.
Mixture hard to scoop?
It may have cooked too long. Add 1 tbsp of hot water and reheat gently.
Sticky cookies?
Humidity may be the culprit. Chill them or store with wax paper between layers.
FAQs About No-Bake Coconut Pecan Pralines
→ Do I need a candy thermometer?
No! Just time your rolling boil accurately for 3 minutes.
→ Can I swap ingredients?
You can use unsweetened coconut or substitute walnuts, but avoid skipping corn syrup—it prevents crystallization and keeps the texture just right.
→ How many cookies does this make?
Approximately 36 medium cookies, depending on scoop size.
Make Ahead & Gifting Tips
These no-bake coconut pecan pralines taste even better the next day. Let them rest overnight in an airtight container for the flavors to meld beautifully. They’re also perfect for gifting—just layer with wax paper in a tin or treat box.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a fast, crowd-pleasing dessert with minimal effort and maximum flavor, these No-Bake Coconut Pecan Pralines are your new go-to recipe. They’re rich, chewy, nutty, and infused with deep caramel flavor—without turning on your oven. Make a batch today and watch them disappear faster than you can say “y’all!”