If you’re looking for a sweet, chewy treat that’s a breeze to whip up and guaranteed to please, you’ll love my No-Bake Cranberry Pecan Praline Cookies. These cookies are the definition of irresistible: packed with tart cranberries, crunchy pecans, and a rich caramel-like praline base, all coming together in a snap—no oven required! I first fell in love with praline flavors while visiting the South, where the divine combination of sugary, nutty confections is a true staple. Whether you’re pressed for time, avoiding heating up the kitchen, or simply craving something homemade and heartwarming, this recipe ticks every box. Compared to my fan-favorite No-Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies, these cranberry pecan praline bites offer a festive twist that’s just as easy, but with a whole new flavor profile. Give these a try and you just might have a new favorite snack to share with friends and family!
What is No-Bake Cranberry Pecan Praline Cookies?
Ever find yourself wondering how something as delicious as “No-Bake Cranberry Pecan Praline Cookies” got its name? The title might be a mouthful, but trust me, every bite lives up to the hype! With a no-fuss, stovetop praline base studded with cranberries and pecans, and not a single moment hovering by a hot oven, these cookies are pure joy—and yes, pure genius. They’re called praline cookies because they borrow that classic, caramelized Southern praline vibe. As the old saying goes, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” but I’ll add—these cookies work just as well for anyone with a sweet tooth! Ready to impress your loved ones? Give these sweet bites a try and see smiles all around.
Why You’ll Love This
There are three main reasons you’ll fall head over heels for these No-Bake Cranberry Pecan Praline Cookies. First, the highlight: that buttery praline base mixed with tangy cranberries and crunchy pecans, all wrapped together with chewy oats. Each bite delivers a perfectly balanced flavor and texture. Second, you’ll love that making them at home saves money and allows you to tweak the ingredients to your preferences—no need for special store-bought treats! Finally, the flavorful combination of pecans and cranberries, kissed with vanilla and rich, buttery caramel undertones, sets these cookies apart from more basic no-bake options like my classic Peanut Butter Oat Bars. Looking to bring something special to the next potluck? Start here and watch these disappear in minutes!
How to Make
Quick Overview
Get ready for the ultimate fuss-free treat: these no-bake cookies come together in just about 20 minutes! What makes them so satisfying? That creamy, praline-like base, paired with sweet and tart cranberries, crunchy pecans, and wholesome oats—plus zero oven time. All you need is a pot, a bowl, and some eager taste testers. Whether you’re a beginner or a kitchen pro, you’ll find this recipe both easy and rewarding.
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
Step-by-Step
- Prep your ingredients: Roughly chop the pecans and measure out the cranberries and oats.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, unsalted butter, and heavy cream.
- Place over medium heat and stir frequently as the butter melts and the mixture comes to a gentle boil.
- Continue to stir and let the mixture bubble for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly and turns a light caramel color.
- Remove from heat immediately and stir in the vanilla extract and salt.
- Add your chopped pecans and dried cranberries, stirring well to combine.
- Fold in the rolled oats until everything is evenly coated with the praline mixture.
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Using a tablespoon or a small cookie scoop, drop mounds of the mixture onto the parchment, spacing them about an inch apart.
- Let the cookies cool completely at room temperature for about 30-40 minutes, or pop the sheet in the fridge to speed things up.
- Once set, enjoy your cookies! Store leftovers in an airtight container.
What to Serve No-Bake Cranberry Pecan Praline Cookies With
Pair these cookies with a hot cup of tea or coffee for a cozy snack. They’re also delightful alongside cold milk for a kid-friendly treat. For a dessert platter, serve them next to fresh fruit, a selection of mini brownies, or a tangy citrus sorbet to balance the sweetness. Looking for a party spread? Add in spiced nuts or a cheese platter for a sweet and savory combo.
Top Tips for Perfecting
- Swap pecans with walnuts or almonds if that’s what you have on hand.
- If you’re out of dried cranberries, dried cherries or golden raisins make lovely substitutions.
- Don’t overcook the sugar mixture—take it off the heat once it’s golden, or your cookies could turn out too hard.
- If mixture starts to harden too quickly while scooping, gently rewarm it on the stove to loosen things up.
- For extra indulgence, drizzle melted white chocolate over the top before serving.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Store your No-Bake Cranberry Pecan Praline Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. For longer storage, pop the cookies in the fridge where they’ll keep for about two weeks. If you want to freeze them, let the cookies set completely, then layer them between sheets of parchment paper in an airtight freezer-safe container. They’ll stay fresh for up to two months. There’s no need to reheat, but if you’d like them slightly softer, sit them at room temperature for ten minutes before eating.
FAQs
How long do these cookies take to set?
These cookies will set in about 30-40 minutes at room temperature or 20 minutes in the fridge.
Can I substitute other nuts for pecans?
Absolutely! Walnuts, almonds, or even peanuts work well in this recipe.
Do I have to use heavy cream?
Heavy cream provides a rich texture, but you can substitute with whole milk or coconut milk if desired. Just note the texture may be slightly different.
Can these cookies be made gluten-free?
Yes — just use certified gluten-free rolled oats to make this recipe gluten-free.
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Dried cranberries are best for this recipe as fresh ones add too much moisture and tartness. Stick to dried for the right consistency.
Conclusion
No-Bake Cranberry Pecan Praline Cookies are a sweet celebration of flavor, texture, and simplicity. With zero oven time and just a handful of pantry staples, you’ll have a fuss-free dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making treats for lunchboxes, holiday platters, or an afternoon pick-me-up, this recipe delivers on all fronts: easy, delicious, and family-approved. Give these cookies a spot in your repertoire, share them with friends, and don’t forget to check out my other no-bake treats for even more quick kitchen inspiration! Happy no-baking!
No-Bake Cranberry Pecan Praline Cookies
Equipment
- Medium Saucepan
- Mixing Bowl
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
Ingredients
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
Instructions
- Prep your ingredients: Roughly chop the pecans and measure out the cranberries and oats.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, unsalted butter, and heavy cream.
- Place over medium heat and stir frequently as the butter melts and the mixture comes to a gentle boil.
- Continue to stir and let the mixture bubble for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly and turns a light caramel color.
- Remove from heat immediately and stir in the vanilla extract and salt.
- Add your chopped pecans and dried cranberries, stirring well to combine.
- Fold in the rolled oats until everything is evenly coated with the praline mixture.
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Using a tablespoon or a small cookie scoop, drop mounds of the mixture onto the parchment, spacing them about an inch apart.
- Let the cookies cool completely at room temperature for about 30-40 minutes, or pop the sheet in the fridge to speed things up.
- Once set, enjoy your cookies! Store leftovers in an airtight container.