The Perfect Pecan Coconut Praline Cookies Recipe for Sweet Tooths

Whipping up some delectable pecan coconut praline cookies might just be the sweetest adventure you’ll embark on today.

Sweet scents will soon drift through your kitchen, promising pure delight.

Crisp edges and chewy centers blend into a magical treat that feels like a warm embrace.

Nutty pecans and rich coconut create a symphony of textures dancing across your palate.

Southern baking traditions shine through in every single crumbly bite.

Buttery caramel notes weave between the ingredients, creating an irresistible charm.

Sweet Dough for Pecan Coconut Pralines

• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Core sweeteners that provide deep caramel-like flavor and help create praline texture.
• Evaporated Milk: Creamy dairy product that helps bind ingredients and create smooth consistency.
• Corn Syrup: Prevents sugar crystallization and adds glossy sheen to praline mixture.

• Butter: Adds rich flavor and helps create smooth, creamy texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall sweetness and provides warm, classic flavor note.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies other flavors.

• Pecans, Shredded Coconut: Provide signature crunch, nutty flavor, and tropical texture to cookies.
• Wax Paper: Helps cookies set and prevents sticking during cooling process.

Pecan Coconut Praline Cookies Baking Process

Step 1: Prepare Cooking Surface

Line baking sheets with wax paper or parchment paper to create a smooth workspace for dropping cookie mixture.

Step 2: Create Sweet Caramel Base

• White sugar
• Brown sugar
• Evaporated milk
• Corn syrup
• Butter

Stir ingredients continuously until completely melted and blended into a smooth mixture.

Step 3: Develop Rich Flavor Profile

Increase heat and bring mixture to a rolling boil.

Cook for exactly 3 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.

Step 4: Enhance Taste Dimensions

• Vanilla extract
• Salt

Stir thoroughly to distribute flavors evenly.

Step 5: Integrate Nutty Textures

• Shredded coconut
• Chopped pecans

Continue stirring for 3-4 minutes until mixture starts cooling and thickening naturally.

Step 6: Form Delectable Drops

When mixture reaches a thick consistency, use a tablespoon or small ice cream scoop to drop rounded portions onto prepared baking sheets.

Step 7: Allow Complete Setting

Let cookies rest at room temperature or place in freezer to accelerate setting process.

Cookies are ready when firm and holding their shape.

Cookie Tips With Pecan Coconut Crunch

• Stir constantly during cooking to ensure smooth, glossy praline mixture without sugar granules forming.
• Use a wooden spoon and fold ingredients gently to distribute pecans and coconut evenly throughout the praline.
• Watch carefully while boiling to avoid burning; remove from heat exactly at 3-minute mark for perfect consistency.
• Place wax paper on chilled baking sheets to help praline cookies set faster and maintain their shape more quickly.
• For softer cookies, let sit at room temperature; for firmer pralines, briefly freeze to achieve desired crunch.

Pecan Coconut Praline Cookies: Storage That Preserves Chewiness

• Store praline cookies in an airtight container between parchment paper layers for up to 5 days, keeping them fresh and preventing sticking.
• Wrap cookies individually in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags to preserve texture and flavor for 2-3 months.
• Remove frozen cookies from freezer and let sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to restore original soft consistency.
• If cookies become slightly soft, reheat in a 350°F oven for 2-3 minutes to crisp up edges and refresh flavor.

Nutty Sides For Praline Cookies

• Creamy Vanilla Chai Latte Pairing: Complement the rich, nutty sweetness of the praline cookies with a smooth, spiced chai latte that balances the cookie's intense flavors.
• Caramel Cream Liqueur Match: Enhance the dessert's decadence by serving alongside a chilled caramel cream liqueur, which mirrors the cookie's sweet, buttery profile.
• Bold Dark Roast Coffee Companion: Cut through the praline's sweetness with a robust dark roast coffee, creating a perfect contrast that highlights the cookie's complex textures.
• Bourbon Whiskey Delight: Elevate the dessert experience with a small pour of smooth bourbon, whose oak and vanilla notes beautifully interact with the pecan and coconut elements.

Chewy Pecan Coconut Praline Cookie Ideas

• Gluten-Free Pecan Coconut Praline Cookies: Replace traditional flour with almond flour or gluten-free baking mix for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegan Coconut Praline Drops: Substitute butter with coconut oil and use maple syrup instead of evaporated milk to create a plant-based version.
• Low-Sugar Alternative: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia blend to reduce overall sugar content while maintaining the classic praline flavor profile.
• Nut-Free Version: Swap pecans with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for individuals with nut allergies, keeping the coconut and caramel essence intact.

FAQs

• Are these cookies soft or crunchy?

These praline cookies have a distinct chewy texture with a slightly crisp exterior, similar to a traditional praline candy but in cookie form.

• Do I need any special equipment to make these cookies?

You’ll only need a large saucepan, wooden spoon, wax paper, and a tablespoon or small ice cream scoop to create these delicious treats.

• Can I substitute ingredients if I don't have exactly what the recipe calls for?

For best results, stick to the original recipe. However, you can swap pecans for other nuts like walnuts, and use light or dark brown sugar interchangeably.

• How long will these praline cookies stay fresh?

When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies will remain delicious for about 5-7 days, maintaining their rich flavor and chewy texture.

Pecan Coconut Praline Cookies With Nutty Sweet Delight

• Effortless Indulgence: Whip up these decadent cookies with minimal kitchen skills, perfect for baking beginners seeking a showstopping treat.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Packed with rich pecans and coconut, these cookies deliver a nostalgic flavor profile that appeals to both kids and adults at gatherings, potlucks, and family dessert times.
• No-Fuss Serving Style: Simply drop spoonfuls onto wax paper, let set, and serve – no intricate decorating or precise shaping required, making cleanup and presentation a breeze.

Pecan Coconut Praline Cookies Recipe

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4.8 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Creamy Southern pecan coconut praline cookies deliver a sweet symphony of rich, caramelized flavors from Louisiana’s culinary heritage. Crisp edges and chewy centers melt in your mouth, inviting you to savor each delectable bite of pure indulgence.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

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

Dairy and Liquid Ingredients:

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

Flavoring and Seasoning:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Position a large saucepan over medium-high heat and combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, evaporated milk, corn syrup, and butter, stirring continuously until the mixture transforms into a smooth, unified liquid.
2. Allow the mixture to reach a rolling boil, then maintain active bubbling for precisely three minutes, ensuring consistent temperature and preventing scorching.
3. Remove saucepan from heat source and incorporate vanilla extract and salt, stirring vigorously to distribute seasonings evenly throughout the caramel base.
4. Gently fold shredded coconut and chopped pecans into the cooling caramel, ensuring complete integration of ingredients while simultaneously reducing mixture temperature.
5. Continue stirring for three to four minutes, observing the gradual thickening of the praline mixture until it reaches a moldable consistency.
6. Using a tablespoon or small ice cream scoop, carefully deposit dollops of the praline mixture onto wax paper-lined baking sheets, creating uniform cookie shapes.
7. Allow cookies to set completely at room temperature, or expedite the process by briefly placing them in the freezer until firm and ready to serve.

Notes

• Precisely control heat to prevent sugar from burning during initial melting stage, which could create bitter undertones in the praline cookies.
• Stir consistently while cooking sugar mixture to ensure smooth, even texture and prevent crystallization around pan edges.
• Toast pecans lightly before adding to mixture to enhance their natural nutty flavor and create deeper, more complex taste profile.
• Consider using parchment paper instead of wax paper for easier removal and cleaner presentation of finished praline cookies.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 174
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 60 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg