Effortless Cranberry Pecan Praline Cookies Recipe

Sweet Cranberry Pecan Praline Cookie Recipe Made Simple

Sweet baking enthusiasts adore these cranberry pecan praline cookies that blend rich, nutty flavors with tart, vibrant berries.

Southern dessert traditions inspire this delectable treat that perfectly balances crunch and sweetness.

The classic recipe brings together warm pecans and bright cranberries in a harmonious blend.

Crisp edges and soft centers make these cookies irresistibly tempting for anyone seeking a delightful homemade dessert.

Each bite offers a delightful mix of textures and complex flavor profiles.

Bakers of all skill levels can easily master this simple yet impressive cookie recipe.

Prepare to indulge in a mouthwatering experience that will become a cherished addition to your baking repertoire.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 220 kcal

Servings: 12

For Base Ingredients:
  • Rolled Oats: Hearty whole grain that provides a robust foundation and delightful chewy texture for the cookies.
  • Dried Cranberries: Tart little jewels that add vibrant bursts of fruity flavor and natural sweetness.
  • Pecans: Crunchy nuts that deliver rich, buttery notes and delectable nutty complexity.
  • Praline Candy: Sweet, caramelized treat that introduces a luxurious crunch and deep caramel undertones.
For Binding Ingredients:
  • Peanut Butter: Creamy binder that holds everything together with its smooth, rich consistency.
  • Honey: Natural sweetener that helps cookies stick and provides golden, floral undertones.
  • Maple Syrup: Alternative liquid sweetener offering deep, woodsy flavor profile.
  • Vanilla Extract: Aromatic enhancer that rounds out and elevates the overall taste experience.
For Preparation Support:
  • Parchment Paper: Non-stick surface that ensures easy cookie removal and clean workspace.

Tools That Make No-Bake Cookies Simple

  • Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining dry ingredients with plenty of room to mix.
  • Second mixing bowl: Essential for blending wet ingredients smoothly.
  • Measuring cups: Precise measurements for dry and wet ingredients.
  • Measuring spoons: Helps add exact amount of vanilla extract.
  • Spoon or hands: Great for scooping and shaping cookie mixture.
  • Parchment-lined baking sheet or tray: Provides surface for forming and chilling cookies.
  • Spatula or wooden spoon: Helps stir ingredients together evenly.

Mix Up No-Bake Cranberry Pecan Treats Fast

  • Create Flavor Base

Grab a spacious mixing bowl and toss in rolled oats, dried cranberries, pecans, and crushed praline candy. These ingredients will give your no-bake cookies a delightful crunch and sweet complexity.

  • Whip Smooth Binder

In another bowl, blend peanut butter, honey, and vanilla extract until the mixture becomes silky and completely integrated. This liquid gold will help everything stick together perfectly.

  • Merge Mixtures

Pour the wet ingredients over your dry components and stir with enthusiasm. Make sure every morsel gets coated, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.

  • Shape Delectable Treats

Using your hands or a spoon, carefully craft small cookie shapes onto a parchment-lined surface. Press firmly to help them hold together, creating whatever thickness makes you happy.

  • Chill and Solidify

Pop your cookie tray into the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This cooling period allows the cookies to firm up and develop their rich, decadent character.

  • Savor and Share

Pull out your chilled treats and enjoy immediately! Keep any remaining cookies in a sealed container in the refrigerator, where they’ll stay fresh and tasty for a week.

Flavor Tips for Sweet & Crunchy No-Bakes

  • Refrigerate the mixture for 10-15 minutes before shaping to make cookies firmer and easier to form.
  • Add a scoop of protein powder or chia seeds to increase nutritional value and create a more filling snack.
  • Replace rolled oats with certified gluten-free oats or quinoa flakes for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Substitute honey with agave nectar or maple syrup, and use almond butter instead of peanut butter to create a completely plant-based treat.
  • Experiment with different nuts like almonds or walnuts, or swap dried cranberries with other dried fruits like cherries or blueberries to create unique flavor combinations.

Present Cookies as Holiday Party Faves

  • Breakfast Buddy: Pair these cookies with a morning smoothie or yogurt for a quick, nutritious start to your day, adding extra protein and energy.
  • Dessert Delight: Crumble the cookies over vanilla ice cream or use as a topping for puddings to create an instant gourmet dessert with crunchy texture.
  • Snack Pack Companion: Pack these cookies in lunch boxes, hiking bags, or gym kits for a healthy, portable snack that provides sustained energy and satisfies sweet cravings.
  • Gift Idea: Wrap these cookies in cute mason jars or decorative bags for a homemade holiday or hostess gift that feels personal and delicious.

Store These Treats in a Cool, Dry Spot

  • Keep cookies in a sealed container inside the refrigerator for maximum freshness, lasting up to 7 days.
  • Prepare the entire batch up to 5 days before serving, ensuring convenient grab-and-go treats during busy weeks.
  • Wrap individual cookies in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before enjoying.
  • Pack cookies in small compartmentalized containers for school, work, or picnic snacks. Use parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and maintain cookie shape.

FAQs

  • Are these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, they can be gluten-free if you use certified gluten-free rolled oats and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free certified.

  • Can I replace pecans with another nut?

Absolutely! You can substitute pecans with almonds, walnuts, or cashews depending on your preference and nut availability.

  • Is it okay to use different nut butters?

Definitely! You can swap peanut butter with almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter to suit your taste or dietary needs.

  • How firm do these cookies get when chilled?

These no-bake cookies will have a soft, slightly chewy texture that holds together well when refrigerated, but won’t be as hard as traditional baked cookies.

Print
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Effortless Cranberry Pecan Praline Cookies Recipe

Effortless Cranberry Pecan Praline Cookies


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4.7 from 34 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 13 1x

Description

Cranberry pecan praline cookies deliver a delightful Southern dessert with rich, buttery notes. Pecans and cranberries combine in a no-bake treat you’ll savor with each sweet, crunchy bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (200 g) pecan halves, roughly chopped and toasted
  • ½ cup (75 g) dried cranberries
  • 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
  • ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream
  • ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Mix Base: Thoroughly blend rolled oats, dried cranberries, chopped pecans, and crushed praline candy in a large mixing bowl, ensuring even ingredient distribution.
  2. Prepare Wet Mixture: Whisk peanut butter, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract until achieving a smooth, uniform consistency with no visible lumps.
  3. Combine Ingredients: Pour wet ingredients over dry mixture, folding carefully to coat and integrate all components completely, creating a cohesive binding.
  4. Shape Cookies: Using a spoon or clean hands, construct compact, uniform cookie shapes by applying gentle pressure to maintain structural integrity and consistent size.
  5. Set and Chill: Arrange cookies on a parchment-lined surface in a single layer, then refrigerate for 30 minutes to solidify ingredients and develop optimal texture and stability.
  6. Serve and Store: Remove chilled cookies from refrigerator, transfer to a serving plate, and enjoy immediately or store in an airtight container for up to one week.

Notes

  • Ingredient Temperature Matters: Ensure peanut butter and honey are at room temperature for smoother mixing and easier binding of ingredients.
  • Prevent Crumbling: Press cookies firmly and evenly when shaping to create a compact structure that holds together without falling apart.
  • Customize Mix-Ins: Swap dried cranberries with alternative dried fruits like cherries or raisins for varied flavor profiles and dietary preferences.
  • Storage Strategy: Keep cookies refrigerated to maintain texture and prevent softening, especially in warmer environments or during summer months.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 13
  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 16 g
  • Sodium: 30 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Emily Lawson

Emily Lawson

Content Creator & Culinary Specialist

Expertise

  • Creative Content Writing and Blogging​
  • Plant-Based and Alternative Grilling Recipes​
  • Food Styling and Visual Storytelling​
  • Nutritional Analysis and Healthy Cooking

Education

Oregon Culinary Institute
Diploma in Culinary Arts
Focus: Emphasis on farm-to-table cooking, sustainable practices, and the fusion of global flavors with traditional grilling methods. ​


Emily Lawson is the content creator at Daves Grill, turning tasty ideas into clear, easy recipes. Based in Portland, she trained at the Oregon Culinary Institute and loves cooking with fresh, seasonal ingredients, especially grilled veggies and global flavors.

Emily mixes food writing with hands-on cooking to bring you recipes that feel fun, not stressful. Her goal is to make every dish simple, flavorful, and worth coming back to. Together, she and Dave serve up real food, one recipe at a time.

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