If you’re hunting for a festive, fuss-free treat that looks as gorgeous as it tastes, these No-Bake Cranberry Pecan Praline Cookies are about to become your new obsession. Imagine clusters of toasted pecans and sweet-tart cranberries wrapped in a buttery praline hug, all held together with chewy oats—no oven required! Perfect for last-minute holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or simply when a sweet craving hits, this recipe brings together pantry staples in a way that feels both nostalgic and fresh. These cookies are irresistibly chewy, satisfyingly crunchy, and just the right amount of sweet, making them a must-try any time of year.

No-Bake Cranberry Pecan Praline Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about making No-Bake Cranberry Pecan Praline Cookies is how straightforward the ingredient list is. Each item truly brings something special to the table, whether it’s depth of flavor, texture, or that signature pop of color.

Granulated Sugar: Creates the base of the praline coating and gives the cookies their signature sweetness and glossy sheen.
Evaporated Milk: Adds creaminess and helps the sugar melt smoothly for a rich praline texture.
Unsalted Butter: Infuses the cookies with buttery flavor and helps everything stick together beautifully.
Salt: Just a pinch makes all the sweet and nutty flavors sing.
Vanilla Extract: A dash of vanilla gives warmth and rounds out the flavors.
Pecans (roughly chopped): For crunch and that classic praline nuttiness—don’t skip these!
Dried Cranberries: Offer a tart, chewy contrast that brightens each bite and looks so festive.
Quick Oats: The secret to a perfectly chewy, substantial cookie that holds everything together.

How to Make No-Bake Cranberry Pecan Praline Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Praline Base

Start by grabbing a medium saucepan and combine the sugar, evaporated milk, butter, and salt. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring frequently so nothing sticks or scorches. Once it comes to a steady boil, let it bubble away for exactly 3 minutes—this is the magic window for a luscious, slightly chewy praline texture!

Step 2: Add Flavors and Mix-Ins

Once your praline mixture is ready, remove the pan from the heat. Immediately stir in the vanilla extract, which will give a gorgeous aroma and flavor boost. Then, toss in the chopped pecans and dried cranberries. The heat will plump up the cranberries and help the pecans release their toasty oils, making every bite more flavorful.

Step 3: Stir in the Oats

Add the quick oats to the saucepan and mix thoroughly so every oat is coated in that buttery praline goodness. You want the mixture to be thick but still scoopable—this is what gives the No-Bake Cranberry Pecan Praline Cookies their chewy texture and signature look.

Step 4: Shape and Set the Cookies

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to make cleanup a breeze. Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the parchment, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie so they don’t stick together. Let the cookies cool at room temperature for 30 minutes to 1 hour, until they’re firm and set. This is the hardest part—waiting!

How to Serve No-Bake Cranberry Pecan Praline Cookies

Garnishes

For a little extra flair, try sprinkling the tops with a touch of flaky sea salt before the cookies set, or a dusting of powdered sugar for a snowy effect. A few extra cranberries or chopped pecans scattered on top also make these cookies look bakery-worthy.

Side Dishes

No-Bake Cranberry Pecan Praline Cookies pair beautifully with a mug of hot spiced cider, a cup of robust coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. Their sweet, nutty flavor makes them a lovely companion to fresh fruit platters or a spread of creamy cheeses during the holidays.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack these beauties in a clear cellophane bag tied with a ribbon for an edible gift, or arrange them in a festive tin for a cookie swap. For parties, try serving them alongside other no-bake treats on a tiered platter, or nestle a few on each guest’s plate as a sweet surprise.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once completely set, store your No-Bake Cranberry Pecan Praline Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and chewy for up to 5 days, making them perfect for make-ahead holiday prep or snacking throughout the week.

Freezing

If you want to make a batch well in advance, these cookies freeze beautifully. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially, then transfer to a freezer bag or airtight container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months—just let them come to room temperature before serving for best texture.

Reheating

No reheating needed! These cookies are meant to be enjoyed at room temperature. If you do freeze them, simply let them thaw on the counter for about 30 minutes. For a slightly gooey texture, you can microwave a cookie for 5–10 seconds, but it’s not necessary.

FAQs

Can I use old-fashioned rolled oats instead of quick oats?

You can, but the texture will be a bit heartier and the cookies may not hold together as well. Quick oats blend in better and keep the bite nice and chewy.

What’s the best way to chop the pecans?

Roughly chop the pecans with a sharp knife or pulse them a few times in a food processor. Bigger chunks will add more crunch, while smaller pieces distribute the flavor more evenly.

Can I substitute a different dried fruit for the cranberries?

Absolutely! Chopped dried cherries, apricots, or golden raisins would all work beautifully, but cranberries lend a festive color and tartness that really shines in this recipe.

How do I know if the praline mixture is boiled enough?

Boil for a full 3 minutes once it’s bubbling steadily. This ensures the sugar cooks enough to set the cookies without becoming grainy or too hard. Set a timer and don’t walk away!

Can I make these nut-free?

Yes, you can leave out the pecans and add more oats or sunflower seeds for crunch. The praline base will still hold everything together and taste delicious.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to take your first bite of these No-Bake Cranberry Pecan Praline Cookies—they’re truly a celebration of sweet, nutty, and tangy flavors all in one irresistible package. Whether you’re sharing them at a holiday party or sneaking one with your afternoon coffee, they’re bound to bring smiles. Give them a try, and don’t be surprised if they disappear faster than you can say their name!

No-Bake Cranberry Pecan Praline Cookies Recipe

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4.8 from 10 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These No-Bake Cranberry Pecan Praline Cookies are a delightful holiday treat combining the sweetness of dried cranberries and the crunch of pecans with hearty oats. Perfect for quick and easy dessert preparation without needing to turn on the oven.

Ingredients

Scale

Wet Ingredients

2 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup evaporated milk
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients and Mix-Ins

2 cups pecans, roughly chopped
1 cup dried cranberries
2 1/2 cups quick oats

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Instructions

Prepare the syrup base: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the granulated sugar, evaporated milk, unsalted butter, and salt. Stir frequently to dissolve the sugar and prevent burning.
Boil the mixture: Bring the mixture to a boil and let it boil gently for 3 minutes while continuing to stir constantly to achieve the correct consistency.
Add flavorings and nuts: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract, chopped pecans, and dried cranberries until well distributed throughout the mixture.
Incorporate oats: Add the quick oats and mix thoroughly until all oats are evenly coated with the praline mixture.
Form cookies: Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto a parchment paper-lined baking sheet, spacing each about 2 inches apart to allow room for setting.
Let cookies set: Allow the cookies to cool and firm up at room temperature for 30 minutes to 1 hour before serving.

Notes

For an extra festive touch, add 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice to the mixture before dropping the cookies.
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and texture.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Category: Dessert, Cookies
Method: No-Bake
Cuisine: American