If you’re craving a treat that delivers gooey richness, nutty crunch, and the kind of homespun sweetness that reminds you of cozy days in grandma’s kitchen, Coconut Pecan Praline Cookies are your new best friend. Imagine tender mounds loaded with toasty pecans and chewy coconut, all hugged by a caramel-like praline shell. These cookies are show-stopping on a holiday platter but easy enough to whip up on a whim—pure cookie joy in every single bite!

Coconut Pecan Praline Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in these Coconut Pecan Praline Cookies brings something special to the table: depth, chew, or a sparkle of flavor. Simple as the list may seem, don’t skip or skimp—every measure makes a difference!

Pecans: Toasted, buttery, and irresistibly rich, they’re the star crunch and flavor of this cookie.

Sweetened shredded coconut: Adds chewy texture and a burst of tropical sweetness in every bite.
Sugar: White sugar melts into the praline base, providing structure and sweetness.

Brown sugar: Brings molasses notes for that signature caramel-praline depth.
Evaporated milk: Makes the mixture creamy without being too rich, helping the candy set just right.

Light corn syrup: Ensures smooth, glossy pralines that won’t crystallize.
Unsalted butter: Gives melt-in-your-mouth richness, and keeps the mixture emulsified.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out every flavor and ties the caramel, coconut, and pecans together.

Salt: Just a pinch makes all the other flavors sing and balances the sweetness.

How to Make Coconut Pecan Praline Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Begin by measuring and prepping everything so the process flows smoothly. Roughly chop the pecans if you like smaller pieces, and line two baking sheets with wax paper for easy cleanup later. This prep step is all about making your Coconut Pecan Praline Cookies assembly a breeze!

Step 2: Make the Praline Base

In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium-high heat, marry your sugars, evaporated milk, light corn syrup, and butter. Stir constantly as the mixture melts together and becomes irresistibly smooth. This foundation will form the classic praline taste and candy-like texture the cookies are famous for.

Step 3: Boil and Thicken

Once your sugar mixture is fully melted, bring it to a lively boil. Let it bubble away for 3 minutes—this helps achieve the perfect candied consistency without going to full caramel. Don’t walk away; this step is key for signature Coconut Pecan Praline Cookies texture!

Step 4: Add Flavor and Mix-Ins

Remove the saucepan from heat, then whisk in the vanilla extract and salt. Immediately fold in your shredded coconut and luscious pecans. Keep stirring for another 3 to 4 minutes as the mixture cools and thickens so every nut and strand of coconut is evenly coated.

Step 5: Shape the Cookies

Scoop generous tablespoons (an ice cream scoop works wonders!) of the mixture onto your prepared wax paper-lined sheets. These cookies look charmingly rustic, so no need for perfection. Work fairly quickly, as the mixture firms up with cooling.

Step 6: Set and Enjoy

Let the cookies set at room temperature until firm to the touch. If you’re in a hurry, a quick visit to the fridge or freezer will hasten the process. Once set, your Coconut Pecan Praline Cookies are ready for devouring, gifting, or—let’s face it—midnight snacking.

How to Serve Coconut Pecan Praline Cookies

Garnishes

Add an extra flourish with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, a light drizzle of dark chocolate, or even a dusting of powdered sugar. These finishing touches make Coconut Pecan Praline Cookies even more tempting and special for any occasion.

Side Dishes

Balance the richness of your cookies by pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a fresh fruit salad for contrast. A hot cup of coffee or tea also makes the nutty caramel flavors of your Coconut Pecan Praline Cookies truly shine.

Creative Ways to Present

Try packing them in decorative tins for thoughtful gifts, or stack them in clear cellophane bags with rustic twine for bake sales and parties. For dessert platters, pile them high with a mix of other homemade cookies and candies for a show-stopping sweet spread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Coconut Pecan Praline Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and chewy for about 5 to 7 days—if they last that long before being devoured.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze your cookies in single layers (with parchment or wax paper between them) inside a zip-top freezer bag or airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months; just let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Reheating

If the praline feels a little too firm straight from storage, just let your Coconut Pecan Praline Cookies rest at room temperature for a few minutes. You can also microwave one for about 10 seconds for that just-made gooeyness.

FAQs

Can I use unsweetened coconut instead of sweetened?

You can substitute unsweetened coconut, but keep in mind the cookies will be less sweet and a bit drier. To compensate, add an extra tablespoon or two of sugar, or simply embrace a more subtly sweet cookie!

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

You can use a chef’s knife for larger, rustic chunks, or pulse pecans briefly in a food processor for finer pieces. Just avoid blitzing them to dust—texture is key in Coconut Pecan Praline Cookies.

Can I make Coconut Pecan Praline Cookies without corn syrup?

Corn syrup ensures the praline doesn’t crystallize, but if you need a swap, try pure maple syrup or honey for a slightly different flavor and texture. Keep a close eye on the candy mixture—you may need to experiment a bit for perfect results.

Why won’t my cookies set up properly?

If the mixture ends up too soft, it may not have boiled long enough, or there might be too much humidity in your kitchen. Make sure you boil the sugar mixture for a full 3 minutes, and consider letting them set in a cooler spot.

Are Coconut Pecan Praline Cookies gluten-free?

Yes—this recipe contains no flour and is naturally gluten-free! As always, double-check your specific ingredient labels if serving to those with allergies.

Final Thoughts

Once you taste the rich, buttery magic of Coconut Pecan Praline Cookies, you’ll want to share them with everyone you know—or save a secret stash just for yourself! Whether you’re treating family, celebrating with friends, or simply looking for an irresistible homemade treat, these cookies always deliver sweet, nutty happiness. Go ahead and bake a batch—you’re in for a seriously delightful treat!

Coconut Pecan Praline Cookies Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 28 reviews

Author: Mariam
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: Makes about 2 dozen cookies 1x

Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These Coconut Pecan Praline Cookies are a delightful blend of sweet and nutty flavors, perfect for satisfying your cookie cravings. The combination of toasted pecans, shredded coconut, and a rich praline mixture creates a chewy and indulgent treat that is sure to please any crowd.

Ingredients

Scale

Praline Mixture:

2 cups pecans

2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup evaporated milk
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter

1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

Cook Praline Mixture: In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, stir together sugars, evaporated milk, corn syrup, and butter until melted and smooth.

Boil and Add Flavors: Bring to a boil and cook for 3 minutes, then remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and salt.
Combine Ingredients: Fold in shredded coconut and pecans until incorporated, then continue stirring until mixture begins to cool, about 3-4 minutes.
Form Cookies: Use a tablespoon or small ice cream scoop to drop spoonfuls of cookie “dough” onto wax paper-lined baking sheets.

Set and Enjoy: Let the cookies set completely, chilling if needed, then indulge in these delicious Coconut Pecan Praline Cookies!

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes

Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 180
Sugar: 16g

Sodium: 60mg
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 4g

Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 22g

Fiber: 2g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 10mg

Keywords: Coconut Pecan Praline Cookies, Praline Cookies, Coconut Cookies, Pecan Cookies, Dessert Recipe