No-Bake Cranberry Pecan Praline Cookies

Name: No-Bake Cranberry Pecan Praline Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup Sugar; 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter; 1/4 cup Heavy Cream; 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract; 1/2 cup Pecans, chopped; 1/2 cup Dried Cranberries; 2 cups Rolled Oats; 1/2 teaspoon Salt

Published: December 1, 2025

by Vanessaa

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: These cookies come together in just 20 minutes of prep time—perfect for busy days.
No Baking Required: Enjoy the simplicity of creating delicious cookies without the need for an oven.
Versatile Flavor: The combination of sweet caramel and tart cranberries makes these cookies irresistible.
Perfect for Sharing: Easily make a batch to share at gatherings, parties, or just with family.
Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with oats and nuts, they provide a satisfying snack that feels good to eat.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making your No-Bake Cranberry Pecan Praline Cookies, gather your tools. Having the right equipment makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Medium saucepan
Wooden spoon or spatula
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

Medium saucepan: Ideal for combining ingredients over heat without making a mess.
Baking sheet: Provides a sturdy surface for cooling your cookies once formed.

Ingredients

1 cup Sugar
1/2 cup Unsalted Butter
1/4 cup Heavy Cream
1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract

For Mix-Ins

1/2 cup Pecans, chopped
1/2 cup Dried Cranberries

For Texture

2 cups Rolled Oats
1/2 teaspoon Salt

How to Make No-Bake Cranberry Pecan Praline Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Start by roughly chopping the pecans. Measure out the dried cranberries and rolled oats so everything is ready.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients in Saucepan

In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, unsalted butter, and heavy cream.

Step 3: Heat Mixture

Place over medium heat. Stir frequently until the butter melts completely and the mixture comes to a gentle boil.

Step 4: Cook Until Thickened

Continue stirring as it bubbles for about 2-3 minutes. Look for it to thicken slightly and turn light caramel in color.

Step 5: Add Flavorings

Remove from heat immediately. Stir in the vanilla extract and salt while it’s still warm.

Step 6: Mix in Nuts and Fruit

Add your chopped pecans and dried cranberries. Stir well to ensure they’re evenly distributed.

Step 7: Incorporate Oats

Fold in the rolled oats until every piece is coated with the praline mixture.

Step 8: Prepare Baking Sheet

Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 9: Form Cookies

Using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, drop mounds of dough onto the parchment paper. Space them about an inch apart.

Step 10: Cool Completely

Allow cookies to cool at room temperature for about 30-40 minutes. For quicker results, place them in the fridge.

Step 11: Enjoy!

Once set, enjoy your delicious cookies! Store any leftovers in an airtight container.

How to Serve No-Bake Cranberry Pecan Praline Cookies

Serving your No-Bake Cranberry Pecan Praline Cookies can elevate their appeal at any gathering. Here are some creative ideas to enjoy these delicious treats.

With a Glass of Milk

Pairing these cookies with a cold glass of milk enhances their sweetness and complements the chewy texture.

As a Dessert Platter

Arrange the cookies on a dessert platter alongside fruits like strawberries or orange slices for a colorful presentation.

With Ice Cream

Serve cookies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for an indulgent dessert experience.

Drizzled with Chocolate

A light drizzle of melted chocolate over the cookies adds an extra layer of flavor and makes them visually appealing.

On Top of Yogurt

Crumble some cookies over your favorite yogurt for a quick and satisfying breakfast or snack.

How to Perfect No-Bake Cranberry Pecan Praline Cookies

Perfecting your No-Bake Cranberry Pecan Praline Cookies takes just a bit of practice. Here are some tips to ensure they turn out delicious every time.

Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure that your pecans and cranberries are fresh for the best flavor and texture.
Measure Carefully: Accurate measurements help maintain the right consistency in your cookie mixture.
Don’t Rush Cooling: Allow the cookies to cool completely before serving; this helps them set properly.
Experiment with Nuts: Feel free to substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds if you prefer different nut flavors.
Adjust Sweetness: If you like less sweetness, consider reducing the sugar slightly without compromising the recipe.
Add Spices: Enhance flavor by adding spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg to the mixture for a warm, cozy taste.

Best Side Dishes for No-Bake Cranberry Pecan Praline Cookies

These no-bake cookies pair wonderfully with various side dishes, making them even more delightful. Here are some great options to serve alongside.

Fresh Fruit Salad
A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the cookies.
Cheese Platter
Include mild cheeses like brie or gouda; their creaminess complements the crunchy texture of the cookies.
Chocolate Fondue
Set up a chocolate fondue bar where guests can dip pieces of cookie along with fruits and marshmallows.
Coffee or Tea
A warm cup of coffee or herbal tea enriches the flavors, creating a comforting experience.
Nut Butter Dip
Serve almond or peanut butter as a dip on the side; it pairs well with both cranberries and pecans.
Mini Muffins
Offer mini muffins—like blueberry or banana—as a delightful addition to your dessert spread.
Caramel Sauce
A drizzle of caramel sauce over cookies can enhance their rich flavor while adding extra sweetness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making No-Bake Cranberry Pecan Praline Cookies can be simple, but a few common mistakes can affect your results. Here’s how to avoid them:

Skipping ingredient prep: Not measuring or chopping ingredients beforehand can lead to messy cooking. Always prep your ingredients first for smoother execution.
Overcooking the praline base: Cooking the mixture too long will make cookies hard instead of chewy. Keep an eye on the boiling time and remove from heat as soon as it thickens.
Not using parchment paper: Dropping the cookie mixture directly onto a baking sheet will cause sticking. Always line your baking sheet with parchment paper for easy removal.
Ignoring cooling time: Trying to eat the cookies too soon can result in a gooey mess. Allow them to cool completely at room temperature or refrigerate them briefly for best texture.
Storing improperly: Keeping cookies in an open container leads to drying out. Store leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store cookies in an airtight container.
They can last up to one week when stored properly.

Freezing No-Bake Cranberry Pecan Praline Cookies

Place cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe container.
They can be stored for up to three months in the freezer.

Reheating No-Bake Cranberry Pecan Praline Cookies

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm cookies for about 5 minutes. This restores their original texture.
Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds on medium power. Be cautious not to overheat.
Stovetop: Place a cookie in a skillet over low heat for 1-2 minutes, flipping occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are No-Bake Cranberry Pecan Praline Cookies?

No-Bake Cranberry Pecan Praline Cookies are sweet, chewy treats made without baking that combine tart cranberries, crunchy pecans, and a caramel-like praline base.

How long do No-Bake Cranberry Pecan Praline Cookies need to set?

These cookies typically need about 30-40 minutes at room temperature to set completely. You can speed up this process by placing them in the fridge.

Can I customize my No-Bake Cranberry Pecan Praline Cookies?

Yes! You can add chocolate chips, swap nuts or dried fruits, or use different sweeteners for unique flavors while keeping the base recipe intact.

What should I do if my praline mixture is too hard?

If your praline base becomes too hard, try adding a little cream while heating gently on the stove until it softens again.

Final Thoughts

These No-Bake Cranberry Pecan Praline Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile. With their sweet and chewy texture combined with crunchy pecans and tart cranberries, they make a perfect treat any time of year. Feel free to customize them with your favorite mix-ins! We encourage you to give this recipe a try; it’s simple, quick, and sure to impress!

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