No-Bake Cranberry Pecan Praline Cookies Recipe

Dreamy No-Bake Cranberry Pecan Praline Cookies Recipe

Crafting delectable no-bake cranberry pecan praline cookies brings pure joy to sweet-loving adventurers.

Crisp pecans and tart cranberries dance together in this effortless treat.

Pure magic happens when minimal ingredients transform into something spectacular.

Minimal kitchen skills ensure anyone can master these delightful morsels.

Creamy textures blend seamlessly with crunchy nuts and vibrant fruit.

Tropical-inspired sweetness emerges without complex baking techniques or extensive preparation.

Cool kitchen counters become your canvas for culinary creativity.

You will absolutely adore how quickly these cookies come together.

Chill Cranberry Pecan Cookies

  • Store cookies in an airtight container lined with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days.
  • Wrap individual cookies in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 2 months to maintain best texture and flavor.
  • Remove frozen cookies from freezer and let sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before enjoying. Avoid microwaving to preserve their delicate consistency.
  • If cookies become slightly soft, place them in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes to help them firm up and regain their original crunch.

No-Bake Cranberry Pecan Praline Cookies Matches

  • Pair Sweet Red Wine: Complement the rich, nutty praline cookies with a sweet red wine like port or late harvest zinfandel, which highlights the cranberry and pecan flavors.
  • Create Creamy Coffee Companion: Serve alongside a smooth vanilla latte or cappuccino to balance the cookie's sweet and nutty profile, enhancing the overall dessert experience.
  • Elevate with Maple Bourbon: Match these cookies with a maple bourbon cocktail, where the spirit's warm notes perfectly echo the praline's caramel undertones and nutty complexity.
  • Contrast with Citrus Herbal Tea: Brew a bright lemon-ginger or orange hibiscus herbal tea to cut through the cookies' sweetness and provide a refreshing palate cleanser.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Replace rolled oats with gluten-free certified oats or quinoa flakes to accommodate celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
  • Vegan Version: Swap butter with coconut oil, use plant-based cream alternative like coconut cream, and replace cream with almond or oat milk to create a dairy-free treat.
  • Nut-Free Adaptation: Substitute pecans with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for those with nut allergies, maintaining the same crunchy texture and nutty flavor profile.
  • Low-Sugar Alternative: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia instead of traditional sugar, reducing overall sugar content while preserving the cookie's delicious taste.

FAQs

  • Are these cookies suitable for people with dietary restrictions?

These cookies contain dairy (butter and heavy cream) and nuts (pecans), which may not be suitable for those with lactose intolerance, dairy allergies, or nut allergies.

  • Can I replace the pecans with another type of nut?

Yes, you can substitute pecans with walnuts, almonds, or cashews to suit your taste preferences or ingredient availability.

  • How long will these no-bake cookies stay fresh?

These cookies typically stay fresh for about 5-7 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and heat.

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

No, you only need a saucepan, wooden spoon or spatula, parchment paper, and a spoon for dropping the cookie mixture.

Cranberry Pecan Cookies With No-Bake Simplicity

  • Whip Up Quickly: Super fast preparation takes just 15 minutes with minimal kitchen equipment needed.
  • Zero Oven Hassle: Enjoy delightful cookies without turning on the oven, perfect for hot summer days or when you want to skip baking.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Texture: Combine crunchy pecans, chewy cranberries, and smooth praline base for a delightful mix of textures that everyone will love.
  • Versatile Treat: Great for last-minute desserts, potlucks, holiday gatherings, or casual snacking with friends and family.

No-Bake Cranberry Pecan Praline Cookies What You’ll Use

Base Ingredients:
  • Butter: Provides rich, creamy base and helps bind ingredients together.
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create smooth praline texture.
Heavy Cream and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Heavy Cream: Creates smooth, glossy consistency for cookie mixture.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, deep flavor complexity.
Mix-In Ingredients:
  • Pecans, Dried Cranberries: Provide crunchy texture and burst of fruity tartness.
  • Rolled Oats: Adds hearty structure and wholesome texture to cookies.
Additional Seasoning:
  • Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor profile.

Step 1: Prepare Caramel Base

Grab a saucepan and melt butter with sugar over medium heat.

Swirl the mixture gently until it starts to bubble and transform into a smooth caramel.

Pour in heavy cream and let the mixture reach a rolling boil.

Keep stirring for 1-2 minutes, then carefully remove from heat.

Step 2: Mix Delightful Ingredients

Pour in vanilla extract and stir the caramel base.

Add the following ingredients:
  • Chopped pecans
  • Dried cranberries
  • Rolled oats
  • Salt

Blend everything together until the mixture looks glossy and all ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 3: Shape Delectable Cookies

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Use a spoon to drop small mounds of the mixture onto the paper.

Each cookie should be roughly the same size for consistent texture and appearance.

Step 4: Allow Cookies to Set

Let the cookies rest at room temperature for half an hour.

During this time, they will naturally harden and develop a perfect chewy texture.

The caramel will cool and bind all the delicious ingredients together.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once the cookies have set, they’re ready to be devoured.

These no-bake treats are perfect for a quick dessert or a sweet snack anytime during the day.

  • Use exact measurements for butter, sugar, and cream to ensure the perfect consistency and texture of your praline cookies.
  • Stir constantly while melting butter and sugar to avoid scorching and create a smooth, even caramel base for your cookies.
  • Allow cookies to set at room temperature for the full 30 minutes, helping them firm up and develop the ideal chewy-crisp texture.
  • Swap dried cranberries with other dried fruits like cherries or raisins, or add chocolate chips for a delightful flavor variation.
  • Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
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No-Bake Cranberry Pecan Praline Cookies Recipe

No-Bake Cranberry Pecan Praline Cookies Recipe


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4.6 from 27 reviews

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Indulgent No-Bake Cranberry Pecan Praline Cookies blend sweet Southern charm with festive holiday spirit. Nutty pecans and tart cranberries create a delightful winter treat you’ll crave long after the season ends.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 cups rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries
  • 1 cup sugar

Binding/Liquid Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Seasoning:

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Combine butter and sugar in a saucepan, melting them together over medium heat while stirring constantly to prevent burning.
  2. Pour in heavy cream and allow the mixture to reach a rolling boil, maintaining heat for 1-2 minutes to create a smooth caramel-like base.
  3. Remove the saucepan from heat and introduce vanilla extract, infusing the mixture with rich aromatic flavor.
  4. Fold in chopped pecans, dried cranberries, rolled oats, and salt, ensuring all ingredients are thoroughly and evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
  5. Using a spoon, carefully deposit dollops of the sweet concoction onto a lined parchment paper surface, creating individual cookie shapes.
  6. Allow the no-bake treats to rest and solidify at ambient temperature for approximately half an hour, giving them time to develop a firm, delectable texture.
  7. Once the cookies have completely set and hardened, they are ready to be savored as a delightful, quick dessert option.

Notes

  • Adjust heat carefully when melting butter and sugar to prevent burning, maintaining a gentle medium temperature for smooth caramelization.
  • Toast pecans beforehand to enhance their nutty flavor and add extra depth to the cookie’s overall taste profile.
  • Use a silicone mat instead of parchment paper for easier cookie removal and more even cooling.
  • For gluten-free version, substitute rolled oats with certified gluten-free oats or replace with quinoa flakes to maintain texture.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Boiling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 162
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 45 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 23 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 15 mg
Angelina Wiles

Angelina Wiles

Content Editor & Culinary Enthusiast

Expertise

Food Writing and Editing, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine, Baking and Pastry Arts, Sustainable Cooking Practices​

Education

Portland Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Emphasis on sustainable cooking practices, vegetarian cuisine, and food writing.​

​Oregon Culinary Institute
Diploma in Baking and Pastry Arts
Focus: Specialized training in artisanal baking, pastry techniques, and dessert presentation.


Angelina’s love for cooking started with handwritten family recipes and weekend trips to farmers’ markets around Portland. She followed her passion with a Certificate in Culinary Arts from Portland Community College, then perfected her sweet side with a Diploma in Baking and Pastry Arts at Oregon Culinary Institute.
Angelina believes recipes should feel like a conversation, not a science project. She’s all about helping readers trust themselves in the kitchen with simple steps, fresh ideas, and easy twists on classic meals.
When she’s not editing recipes, she’s baking bread, sipping coffee, or getting inspired by the changing seasons.

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