No-Bake Cranberry Pecan Praline Cookies

Ever craved a sweet treat that requires absolutely no baking? These No-Bake Cranberry Pecan Praline Cookies are your answer! These cookies combine the comforting flavors of pralines with the tangy burst of cranberries and the satisfying crunch of pecans. Perfect for a quick dessert or a festive holiday treat, they’re ready in minutes and disappear just as fast. Let’s dive into the magic of these effortless cookies!

Why You’ll Love These No-Bake Cranberry Pecan Praline Cookies

Get ready to fall in love with these delectable cookies. They’re incredibly easy to make and offer a symphony of flavors and textures that will tantalize your taste buds!

• Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, no oven required!
• Perfectly Sweet & Tangy: The balance of sweet praline flavor with the tart cranberries is irresistible.
• Satisfyingly Crunchy: The pecans add a delightful crunch to every bite.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare them in advance for parties or gatherings.
• Kid-Friendly: A fun and safe recipe for kids to help with.
• No Special Equipment Needed: Just a saucepan and some basic kitchen tools.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Always a hit at parties and potlucks.
• Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients.

With their irresistible flavors and effortless preparation, these cookies are guaranteed to become a new family favorite!

Ingredients Needed for No-Bake Cranberry Pecan Praline Cookies

Here’s a comprehensive list of what you’ll need to create these delightful no-bake cookies. Remember to have all your ingredients pre-measured for a smooth and efficient cooking process!

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened (113g)
• 1 cup granulated sugar (200g)
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar (100g)
• 1/4 cup milk (60ml)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (5ml)
• 3 cups quick-cooking oats (240g)
• 1 cup chopped pecans (100g)
• 1 cup dried cranberries (120g)

Selection Tips: Opt for fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. Ensure your butter is properly softened for easy melting and mixing. You can find dried cranberries at most grocery stores.

Essential Equipment List

Having the right tools makes the process even smoother. Here’s what you’ll need to bake these cookies:

• Large saucepan: For melting the butter and combining ingredients.
• Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
• Wax paper or parchment paper: To prevent sticking while the cookies cool.
• Mixing spoon: To stir everything together thoroughly.

Alternatives: Don’t have wax paper? Aluminum foil works too. A wooden spoon adds a rustic touch, but any sturdy mixing spoon will do.

Recipe Details

• • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes

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• Total Time: 15 minutes (plus cooling time)
• Servings: Approximately 24 cookies
• Difficulty: Easy

These cookies are quick to prepare, making them perfect for a last-minute treat. Scale up for a larger batch or halve the recipe for a smaller portion.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to create your perfect batch of no-bake cookies. Each step is designed to ensure success, even for beginner bakers.

Step 1: Melt the Butter

In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Watch closely to prevent burning. The butter should be fully melted and smooth before adding the other ingredients. A heavy-bottomed saucepan helps distribute heat evenly.

Step 2: Add Sugars and Milk

Stir in the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and milk. Continue stirring constantly to prevent the sugars from burning or sticking to the bottom of the pan. This mixture forms the base of the praline flavor.

Step 3: Bring to a Boil

Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly. Once boiling, set a timer and continue to boil for exactly 1 minute, still stirring. This step is crucial for achieving the right consistency in your cookies.

Step 4: Remove from Heat and Add Vanilla

Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the vanilla extract. The vanilla enhances the sweetness and adds a warm aroma to the mixture. Be sure to fully incorporate the vanilla into the sugary base.

Step 5: Mix in Oats, Pecans, and Cranberries

Add the quick-cooking oats, chopped pecans, and dried cranberries to the saucepan. Stir until everything is well combined. The oats should be evenly coated, and the pecans and cranberries should be distributed throughout the mixture.

Step 6: Drop and Cool

Drop by rounded tablespoons onto wax paper or parchment paper. Ensure each cookie is separate to prevent sticking. Let the cookies cool completely until they are firm. This usually takes about 30-45 minutes at room temperature, or you can speed it up in the refrigerator.

If the mixture seems too runny, you can add a bit more oats, one tablespoon at a time, until the consistency is right.

Tips for Success

Here are some expert tips to ensure your no-bake cookies turn out perfectly every time:

• Don’t Overboil: Boiling the sugar mixture for exactly 1 minute is critical. Overboiling can result in hard, brittle cookies.
• Softened Butter is Key: Using softened butter helps it melt evenly and incorporate smoothly with the sugars.
• Stir Constantly: Continuous stirring prevents burning and ensures uniform mixing.
• Even Distribution: Make sure all ingredients are evenly distributed for the best flavor in every bite.
• Cool Completely: Allow the cookies to cool fully before handling to prevent them from falling apart.

Variations & Substitutions

Want to customize your cookies? Here are some delicious variations and substitutions you can try:

• Different Nuts: Substitute walnuts, almonds, or macadamia nuts for pecans.
• Other Dried Fruits: Use raisins, chopped dates, or dried cherries instead of cranberries.
• Chocolate Chips: Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips for a chocolatey twist.
• Nut Butter: Stir in 2 tablespoons of your favorite nut butter (peanut, almond, or cashew) for added flavor and richness.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger to the mixture for a warm, spiced flavor.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings with No-Bake Cranberry Pecan Praline Cookies

These cookies are delicious on their own, but here are some ways to elevate your experience:

• • With Coffee or Tea: Perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up.
  • With a Glass of Milk: A classic pairing that never disappoints.
  • As a Dessert Platter: Include them on a dessert platter with other cookies and treats.

• Gift Giving: Package them in a festive tin for a thoughtful homemade gift.

Pair these cookies with a warm beverage on a cold day, or enjoy them as a light and satisfying dessert after a meal.

Health Benefits

While these cookies are a treat, they offer some nutritional benefits:

• Oats: Provide fiber, which aids digestion and promotes a feeling of fullness.
• Pecans: Are a good source of healthy fats, antioxidants, and minerals.
• Cranberries: Are rich in antioxidants and vitamins.

Enjoy these cookies in moderation as part of a balanced diet for a guilt-free indulgence.

Storage & Reheating

To keep your cookies fresh and delicious, follow these storage and reheating tips:

• Storage: Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: No reheating is necessary, just thaw the cookies at room temperature.

Ensure the cookies are completely cooled before storing to prevent them from becoming soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Prevent the Cookies from Being Too Sticky?

Make sure to boil the sugar mixture for the exact amount of time (1 minute). Overboiling will cause the cookies to be too hard, while underboiling will make them too sticky.

Can I Use Regular Oats Instead of Quick-Cooking Oats?

No, regular oats will not work as well. Quick-cooking oats absorb the liquid better and create the right texture for these cookies.

Can I Make These Cookies Gluten-Free?

Yes, ensure you use certified gluten-free quick-cooking oats to make these cookies gluten-free.

Can I Add Other Ingredients?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different nuts, dried fruits, or chocolate chips to customize the flavor to your liking.

How Long Do These Cookies Last?

These cookies will last for up to 5 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months.

Nutritional Information

• Calories: 250
• Total Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Cholesterol: 20mg
• Sodium: 100mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 30g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 20g
• Protein: 3g

Please note that the exact nutritional information may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

More Delicious Dishes to Explore

Craving more sweet treats? Check out these equally delightful recipes!

• Cozy Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze – A delightful pastry filled with sweet apples and topped with a luscious vanilla glaze.
• S’more Cookie Bars – All the flavors of s’mores in an easy-to-make bar form.
• Apple Snickerdoodles – A fall-inspired twist on a classic cookie, combining apples and cinnamon.

Conclusion

These No-Bake Cranberry Pecan Praline Cookies are a quick, easy, and delicious treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, they’re sure to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen. Whip up a batch tonight and tag us with your delicious creations!

Share this recipe with your friends and family who would love it! Join our vibrant community on Facebook and Pinterest for daily recipe inspiration, cooking tips, and more tasty ideas! Happy cooking!

No-Bake Cranberry Pecan Praline Cookies

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• Author: Lorena
• Total Time: 20 min
• Yield: 24 cookies 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

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Description

Effortless no-bake cookies with cranberries, pecans, and praline flavor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 cups quick-cooking oats
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 1 cup dried cranberries

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Instructions

1. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Stir in the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and milk. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly.
3. Boil for 1 minute, continuing to stir.
4. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Add the oats, pecans, and cranberries. Stir until well combined.
6. Drop by rounded tablespoons onto wax paper or parchment paper.
7. Let cool completely until firm.

Notes

• Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Substitutions: Use different nuts or dried fruits to your preference.

• Prep Time: 15 min
• Cook Time: 5 min
• Category: Dessert
• Method: No-Bake
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cookie
• Calories: 250 cal
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 100 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg

Keywords: no-bake cookies, cranberry cookies, pecan cookies, praline cookies, easy dessert, quick dessert