No-Bake Coconut Pecan Praline Cookies

There’s something magical about a dessert that comes together in minutes without ever needing to turn on the oven. These No-Bake Coconut Pecan Praline Cookies have everything you love in a praline—rich, buttery caramel flavors and crunchy pecans—combined with the chewy texture of oats and coconut. The result? A sweet, nutty, and irresistibly soft cookie that satisfies your cravings without the extra effort of baking.

Whether you need a last-minute treat for a gathering or just want a simple dessert fix, this recipe is about to become your new favorite. Plus, with just a few pantry staples, you can whip up a batch in no time!

Why You’ll Love These Cookies

• No oven required – Perfect for warm weather or when you don’t feel like baking.
• Quick and easy – Ready in under 30 minutes from start to finish.
• Rich and chewy – The perfect balance of buttery praline flavor and chewy coconut-oat texture.
• Versatile – Easily customize with chocolate chips, spices, or even a chocolate drizzle.

Now, let’s get started on making these delicious treats!

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

Before you start, make sure you have all the ingredients ready. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups shredded coconut
• 1 cup pecans, chopped
• ½ cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup sweetened condensed milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
• 2 cups quick oats

This simple list of ingredients creates a perfect mix of flavors and textures. The butter and brown sugar melt into a caramel-like base, while the pecans add a toasty crunch. The oats and coconut bring everything together with a soft and chewy bite.

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Step 2: Melt the Butter and Brown Sugar

In a large saucepan, melt ½ cup of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once fully melted, stir in 1 cup of packed brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

Continue stirring and cook for 1–2 minutes, allowing the sugar to dissolve completely. You’ll notice the mixture starts to bubble slightly—this is the first step to achieving that rich praline flavor.

Pro Tip:

For a deeper caramel taste, cook the butter-sugar mixture for an extra minute. Just be sure to stir constantly to prevent burning!

Step 3: Add the Sweetened Condensed Milk and Flavorings

Once the butter and sugar have blended into a smooth, bubbly mixture, stir in ½ cup of sweetened condensed milk, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, ¼ teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon (if using).

Let everything cook together for another 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently. This step helps the mixture thicken slightly while infusing it with rich vanilla and warm cinnamon flavors.

At this point, the base of your cookies should have a creamy, caramel-like consistency. Now, it’s time to bring everything together!

Now that we have our rich, buttery praline mixture ready, it’s time to add the dry ingredients and transform this caramel-like base into chewy, nutty no-bake cookies. This step is all about working quickly to ensure everything combines smoothly before the mixture begins to set.

Let’s jump right into it!

Step 4: Mix in the Dry Ingredients

Once you’ve removed the saucepan from heat, immediately stir in the 2 cups of quick oats, 1 ½ cups of shredded coconut, and 1 cup of chopped pecans.

Mix everything together as quickly as possible. The residual heat from the caramel mixture will help soften the oats and coconut, creating a chewy, slightly firm texture as it cools. Make sure the oats, coconut, and pecans are evenly distributed, so every bite has the perfect balance of flavors.

Optional Add-Ins:

Want to switch things up? Try folding in one of these fun additions for extra texture and sweetness:

• Mini chocolate chips – Stir them in at the last second for pockets of melted chocolate.
• Crushed candy canes – A great option for a festive peppermint twist.
• Chopped dried fruit – Diced dried cherries or cranberries add a tart contrast to the sweetness.
• Toasted coconut – For even more coconut flavor, lightly toast the shredded coconut before mixing it in.

Step 5: Portion the Cookies

Now that your mixture is ready, it’s time to shape the cookies. Line a baking sheet with wax paper or parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Using a tablespoon or a small cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. If you prefer a more uniform look, gently flatten each cookie with the back of a spoon. These cookies won’t spread like traditional baked ones, so shaping them now will ensure they set the way you want.

If the mixture starts to harden before you finish scooping, don’t worry! Simply warm it slightly over low heat, stirring until it softens enough to work with again.

Step 6: Chill Until Set

At this point, your cookies are shaped, but they need time to firm up. Let them cool at room temperature for about 10–15 minutes before transferring the tray to the refrigerator for 30 minutes.

Chilling helps solidify the cookies, making them easier to handle while enhancing their chewy, praline-like texture. Once they’re fully set, they’ll be ready to enjoy!

Optional Finishing Touches:

For an extra special touch, try one of these finishing ideas before serving:

• Drizzle with melted chocolate – A simple chocolate drizzle makes these cookies even more indulgent.
• Sprinkle with extra shredded coconut – Adds a little extra texture and visual appeal.
• Dust with cinnamon or cocoa powder – Enhances the rich, warm flavors of the praline base.

Ready to Enjoy!

Once the cookies are fully set, they’re ready to eat. Serve them straight from the fridge for a firm, chewy texture, or let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes for a softer bite.