Ingredients:
- 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:
- Preparation:
- Begin by gathering all the ingredients required for the recipe.
- Mixing the sugars and wet ingredients:
- In a large saucepan, combine the sugar, brown sugar, evaporated milk, corn syrup, and unsalted butter.
- Place the saucepan over medium-high heat.
- Stir the mixture continuously to ensure the sugars dissolve completely and the ingredients blend into a smooth mixture.
- Cooking the mixture:
- Once the mixture is smooth and well-combined, increase the heat to bring it to a boil.
- Allow the mixture to boil for precisely 3 minutes, ensuring it doesn’t burn. This process is crucial as it develops the texture needed for the cookies to set properly without baking.
- Adding flavor and nuts:
- After the boiling phase, remove the saucepan from the heat.
- Immediately stir in the vanilla extract and salt. These enhance the flavor of the pralines.
- Quickly fold in the shredded coconut and pecans into the hot mixture. Make sure they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Cooling and setting the cookies:
- Continue stirring the mixture for another 3-4 minutes as it begins to cool down. This step helps the mixture to thicken, making it easier to scoop.
- Using a tablespoon or a small ice cream scoop, drop spoonfuls of the cookie “dough” onto baking sheets lined with wax paper. The wax paper prevents sticking and makes removal easier once set.
- Space the cookies evenly to ensure they do not meld into each other.
- Setting the cookies:
- Allow the cookies to set at room temperature. If the ambient temperature is too warm, or if you’re in a hurry, you can speed up the setting process by placing the baking sheets in the freezer.
- Let the cookies set completely. This may take from a few minutes (if freezing) to a couple of hours at room temperature, depending on environmental conditions.
- Serving and storage:
- Once set, the cookies can be served immediately. They should be firm and easily peel off the wax paper.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature or in the refrigerator if you prefer them chilled.
Tips:
- Ensure continuous stirring during cooking to prevent the sugars from crystallizing.
- Adjust the boiling time slightly if the cookies do not set as expected; longer boiling creates a firmer cookie.
- Experiment with different nuts like walnuts or almonds for variety.
Enjoy these decadent, no-bake coconut pecan praline cookies that combine the ease of no-bake recipes with the rich, caramel flavor of classic pralines!
