No-Bake Cranberry Pecan Praline Cookies

No-Bake Cranberry Pecan Praline Cookies are the perfect solution for those who crave a delicious treat but want to skip the oven. These delightful cookies combine the rich flavors of pecans and dried cranberries, all wrapped up in a sweet, praline-like coating that’s as simple to make as it is satisfying to eat. Whether you’re preparing for a holiday gathering or just indulging yourself, these no-bake cookies will surely impress.

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

Directions

  1. Prep your ingredients: Roughly chop the pecans and measure out the cranberries and oats.

  2. Combine ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, unsalted butter, and heavy cream.

  3. Heat the mixture: Place over medium heat and stir frequently as the butter melts and the mixture comes to a gentle boil.

  4. Thicken the mixture: Continue to stir and let the mixture bubble for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly and turns a light caramel color.

  5. Add flavorings: Remove from heat immediately and stir in the vanilla extract and salt.

  6. Incorporate nuts and cranberries: Add your chopped pecans and dried cranberries, stirring well to combine.

  7. Fold in oats: Gently fold in the rolled oats until everything is evenly coated with the praline mixture.

  8. Prepare baking sheet: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

  9. Form cookies: Using a tablespoon or a small cookie scoop, drop mounds of the mixture onto the parchment, spacing them about an inch apart.

  10. Cool cookies: Let the cookies cool completely at room temperature for about 30-40 minutes, or pop the sheet in the fridge to speed things up.

  11. Enjoy: Once set, enjoy your cookies! Store leftovers in an airtight container.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: Approximately 12 cookies
Nutrition Info: Each cookie contains roughly 150 calories, with a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins from the oats and nuts.

How to Serve No-Bake Cranberry Pecan Praline Cookies

These cookies are fantastic on their own, but you can elevate them by serving them with a glass of milk or your favorite coffee. For a festive touch, present them on a decorative platter during holiday gatherings. They also make an excellent snack to satisfy sweet cravings throughout the day.

Variations

Feel free to customize your No-Bake Cranberry Pecan Praline Cookies by incorporating other nuts such as walnuts or almonds. You can also substitute chocolate chips for the cranberries for a richer flavor. To make these cookies vegan, replace the butter with coconut oil and use a plant-based cream substitute.

FAQs

1. Can I omit the heavy cream?
Yes, you can use alternatives like coconut cream or a non-dairy milk, but it may affect the texture slightly.

2. How do I store No-Bake Cranberry Pecan Praline Cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge for up to a week.

3. Can I freeze these cookies?
Absolutely! You can freeze the cookies for up to three months. Just ensure they are in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn.