Irresistible No Bake Coconut Pecan Praline Cookies : A Holiday Treat Worth Sharing

Posted on November 10, 2025 ·

By Lyndy

no bake coconut pecan pralie cookies on a black plate with yellow and white towel

If you’re searching for the best no bake cookies to make this season, you’ve just found your new favorite: No Bake Coconut Pecan Praline Cookies. These rich, chewy, caramel-like cookies come together with minimal effort—no oven, no fuss—just pure flavor and texture in every bite.

Perfect for gifting, dessert tables, or late-night cravings, this praline cookies recipe captures all the warmth of Southern sweets in a quick and easy no-bake format. If you’re a fan of Christmas candy recipes, these belong on your holiday baking list—no question.

What Are Praline Cookies? Southern Charm in Every Bite

Praline cookies are inspired by the classic Southern pralines: sweet, nutty confections made with sugar, butter, and pecans. This no-bake version takes that buttery richness and blends it with coconut and oats for added texture, chewiness, and depth.

Unlike traditional cookies that require creaming butter and baking, these no bake cookies recipe variations cook on the stovetop and set as they cool. They’re as perfect for beginners as they are for experienced home bakers looking to simplify holiday prep.

Craving more no-bake ideas? Try Pumpkin Truffles or Pumpkin Fluff Dip for easy dessert inspiration.

Ingredients for No Bake Coconut Praline Cookies

These cookies use basic pantry staples to deliver a luxurious result. Here’s what you’ll need:

2½ cups granulated sugar
½ cup unsalted butter
½ cup evaporated milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
2½ cups quick oats
1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
1 cup chopped pecans
¼ tsp salt

Optional: A drizzle of melted chocolate or white chocolate on top once set adds visual appeal and extra flavor.

If you love holiday-friendly flavors, you’ll also enjoy Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies or Cheesecake-Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies.

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make These No Bake Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Have your oats, coconut, and chopped pecans measured and ready. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 2: Cook the Sugar Mixture
In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine sugar, butter, and evaporated milk over medium heat. Stir constantly until it comes to a boil. Boil gently for 3–4 minutes, stirring to prevent burning.

Step 3: Add Flavor and Mix-Ins
Remove from heat. Stir in vanilla and salt. Then, quickly mix in oats, coconut, and pecans until fully coated.

Step 4: Scoop and Set
Drop spoonfuls onto your prepared parchment-lined sheets. Let cookies cool at room temperature until firm (about 30–45 minutes). Store once set.

For other holiday-friendly stovetop sweets, consider pairing this with Pumpkin Cheesecake Truffles for a no-bake dessert platter.

You don’t need much to whip these up—just a few kitchen essentials:

Medium to large saucepan
Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
Measuring cups and spoons
Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
Cookie scoop (optional for uniform size)

Like other baking recipes cookies, these are ideal for prepping in batches or gifting in decorative tins.

Coconut and Pecan – The Star Ingredients Explained

Sweetened coconut adds chewy texture and subtle tropical sweetness. It balances beautifully with the richness of pecans, which offer buttery crunch and a classic praline flavor.

Pecans are traditionally used in Southern praline recipes, and coconut gives a holiday flair that aligns perfectly with other festive sweets like Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls or Gluten-Free Pumpkin Donuts.

Holiday Favorite: Why This Praline Cookies Recipe Belongs in Your Christmas Candy Recipes

When the holidays roll around, oven space is limited and time is short. That’s where no bake Christmas candy recipes like these cookies shine. They’re quick to make, store beautifully, and transport well.

Perfect for:

Cookie exchanges
Holiday dessert trays
Food gifts
Office treats
After-dinner sweets

Pair with Mini Pumpkin Bread with Cinnamon Swirl for a cozy seasonal dessert spread.

Variations and Flavor Twists (Add Chocolate, Peanut Butter, or Spices)

Once you’ve mastered the classic version, you can play with different flavors:

Chocolate twist: Add ½ cup cocoa powder to the sugar mixture
Peanut butter variation: Stir in ½ cup creamy peanut butter with the vanilla
Chai spice: Add cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of cardamom for warmth
Drizzle white or dark chocolate over cooled cookies
Use toasted coconut or pecans for extra depth

If you’re a peanut butter fan, you’ll also love No-Bake Cheerio and Peanut Butter Bars.

Tips for Perfect Texture in No Bake Coconut Cookies

Use quick oats, not old-fashioned rolled oats
Stir constantly during boiling to prevent scorching
Do not overcook—boiling too long results in dry, crumbly cookies
Let cookies cool completely before transferring or storing
Scoop quickly before the mixture hardens

Need more no-fail recipes? Check out Pumpkin Dump Cake for a simple, crowd-pleasing dessert that’s just as easy.

Serving Suggestions and Presentation Tips

These cookies are great on their own but also elevate any dessert tray. Here’s how to serve them:

On a holiday cookie platter with Spooky Ghost Brown Butter Pumpkin Cookies
In gift boxes lined with festive tissue
Alongside a warm drink like Lavender Lemonade for a seasonal twist
With a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence

Storage Tips: How to Keep Your Cookies Fresh and Delicious

These cookies store incredibly well and can be made ahead of time for stress-free entertaining:

Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days
Refrigerator: Keeps up to 10 days (firm and chewy)
Freezer: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temp

Their long shelf life makes them ideal for make-ahead treats during busy holiday weeks.

Make-Ahead and Freezer Instructions for No Bake Cookies

For best results when freezing:

Let cookies cool and firm completely
Layer in a freezer-safe container with wax or parchment paper
Label and date—good for up to 8 weeks
To serve, thaw for 30 minutes at room temperature

Freezing doesn’t affect flavor and actually makes them firmer—great for warmer climates or shipping.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Praline Cookies

Boiling the sugar mixture too long—leads to dry, hard cookies
Not prepping ingredients ahead—you need to work quickly once the mixture is ready
Skipping the parchment paper—they will stick to metal pans
Using unsweetened coconut—can lead to a dry texture

Avoid these, and you’ll end up with perfect cookies every time—just like Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Pancakes always come out fluffy and flavorful with the right steps.

Pair These Cookies with Other Holiday Favorites from Lyndy’s Kitchen

Create a full dessert buffet by adding these festive treats from Lyndy’s Kitchen:

This lineup is perfect for holiday open houses, cookie swaps, or family movie nights.

Can I use old-fashioned oats instead of quick oats?
You can, but the cookies will be more coarse and may not bind as well.

How do I fix runny no bake cookies?
Boil the sugar mixture longer next time. Unfortunately, once scooped, it’s hard to fix.

Can I make these without coconut?
Yes! Simply replace the coconut with more oats or finely chopped nuts.

Why didn’t my cookies set?
Most likely, the sugar mixture didn’t reach the right temperature (soft-ball stage). Next time, boil for at least 3–4 minutes.

Can kids help make this recipe?
Yes, with supervision! Kids can measure, stir the dry mix-ins, and scoop the cookies once the hot mixture is combined.

These No Bake Coconut Pecan Praline Cookies are everything you want in a treat—chewy, buttery, nutty, and just sweet enough. They’re quick to make, easy to store, and sure to impress guests and gift recipients alike.

Loved this recipe? Don’t forget to share it, pin it, and subscribe to our blog for more baking recipes cookies and holiday candy ideas. And if you want something to pair with your praline cookies, whip up a batch of Pumpkin Cheesecake Truffles for the perfect no-bake dessert duo.

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