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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- Allow the mixture to reach a rolling boil, then maintain active bubbling for precisely three minutes, ensuring consistent temperature and preventing scorching.
- Remove saucepan from heat source and incorporate vanilla extract and salt, stirring vigorously to distribute seasonings evenly throughout the caramel base.
- Gently fold shredded coconut and chopped pecans into the cooling caramel, ensuring complete integration of ingredients while simultaneously reducing mixture temperature.
- Continue stirring for three to four minutes, observing the gradual thickening of the praline mixture until it reaches a moldable consistency.
- 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.
- 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