Irresistible No-Bake Coconut Pecan Praline Cookies (Ready in 20 Minutes!)

If you’re craving something sweet but don’t want to deal with preheating the oven, these No-Bake Coconut Pecan Praline Cookies are a lifesaver. Imagine buttery pralines meeting chewy no-bake cookies—pure magic in a bite. They’re ready in just 20 minutes, require only pantry staples, and taste like you spent hours in the kitchen (spoiler: you didn’t).

I remember making these cookies during a family gathering when the oven was already hogged by a turkey. My mother-in-law asked what smelled so good, and when I told her, “Oh, just a no-bake praline cookie experiment,” her eyebrows shot up. Let’s just say the platter disappeared faster than my kids’ patience at bedtime.

These cookies are simple enough for weeknights yet impressive enough for gifting. So, grab your saucepan, because we’re about to turn sugar, butter, coconut, and pecans into chewy bites of heaven.

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Why You’ll Love These No-Bake Coconut Pecan Praline Cookies

• ✅ Ready in 20 minutes (yes, really)
• ✅ No oven required—perfect for hot days
• ✅ A chewy-meets-crunchy texture you’ll dream about
• ✅ Freezer-friendly for future cravings
• ✅ Easy for kids to help with (and eat, of course!)

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Ingredients

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup milk (whole or 2%)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut
• 1 cup chopped pecans, toasted
• Optional: Chocolate chips or drizzle

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Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, butter, and milk. Cook over medium heat, stirring until the mixture comes to a boil.
2. Allow it to boil without stirring for 2–3 minutes (soft-ball stage: 235°F–240°F).
3. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla, coconut, and toasted pecans.
4. Fold in chocolate chips (optional) or reserve them for drizzling later.
5. Drop spoonfuls onto wax paper or a silicone mat.
6. Let cool for 30 minutes until set.
7. If drizzling, melt chocolate chips and drizzle over cookies once cooled.

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Melania’s Tips for Perfect No-Bake Coconut Pecan Praline Cookies

• Use a candy thermometer if you’re nervous—it takes the guesswork out.
• Toast pecans in a dry skillet to deepen the nutty flavor.
• Work quickly when mixing in coconut and pecans; the mixture sets fast.
• For extra shine, drizzle melted chocolate across the cooled cookies.

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Bake It With the Littles

Since there’s no oven, this is a safe recipe for kids to join in. Here’s how they can help:

• Stir in the coconut (with supervision).
• Drop spoonfuls onto the wax paper (expect cookie blobs—they’re still tasty).
• Decorate with sprinkles, candy bits, or a chocolate drizzle.

It’s less about “perfectly round cookies” and more about making sweet kitchen memories.

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Meal-Prep Magic

These cookies aren’t just a quick fix—they’re great for planning ahead too:

• Store in an airtight container at room temp for up to 1 week.
• Freeze in layers separated by parchment paper for up to 3 months.
• Thaw at room temperature before enjoying (or sneak one frozen—they’re still delicious).

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Healthier Swaps Without Losing the Magic

Want to lighten things up while keeping all the cozy flavors? Try these swaps:

• Coconut sugar for a caramel-like depth and lower glycemic index.
• Unsweetened coconut for less sweetness.
• Almond milk + vegan butter for a dairy-free version.
• Dark chocolate drizzle instead of milk chocolate for a richer taste and antioxidants.

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Leftover Remix

If you somehow resist eating them all (teach me your ways!), try these fun leftover ideas:

• Crumble over vanilla ice cream for a praline sundae.
• Layer into parfaits with Greek yogurt and fruit.
• Chop and fold into brownie batter for a nutty swirl surprise.
• Mix into granola bars for a praline upgrade.

Looking for a crowd-pleasing treat? Check out my Southern Pecan Pie Bars

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Gift It Like a Pro

These cookies are tailor-made for gifting. To make them extra special:

• Place in parchment-lined tins or jars with ribbon.
• Add a handwritten recipe card so friends can recreate the magic.
• Pair with a coffee or hot cocoa packet for the ultimate cozy gift set.

Learn more about the soft-ball stage of sugar from Allrecipes’ candy-making guide.

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FAQs

Do I need a candy thermometer?
Not strictly, but it guarantees chewy perfection.

Can I make these nut-free?
Yes! Sub pecans with sunflower or pumpkin seeds.

Can I double the batch?
Definitely—just use a large enough saucepan.

Do they taste like pralines?
Yes, but with extra chewiness thanks to coconut.

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Final Thought

These Irresistible No-Bake Coconut Pecan Praline Cookies prove that desserts don’t need to be complicated to be special. With just a few simple steps, you get chewy, nutty, coconutty bites that taste like pure Southern comfort. Whether you’re making them for family, gifting to friends, or sneaking a midnight snack (my personal favorite), this recipe is about more than cookies—it’s about joy in every bite.

So go ahead, whip up a batch tonight. And when someone inevitably asks, “Where did you get this recipe?”—smile and say, “Oh, just a little kitchen magic.”

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