Festive Cranberry Pecan Praline Cookies (No-Bake)
Festive Cranberry Pecan Praline Cookies are a no-bake treat made for busy seasons and special gatherings. They combine the buttery crunch of pecans, the sweet-tart pop of dried cranberries, and a rich praline-style base that sets beautifully without turning on the oven. These cookies feel classic and comforting, yet bright enough for holidays, potlucks, cookie exchanges, or last-minute dessert trays. Because they are no-bake, they come together quickly and are very forgiving, even for beginners. The flavor is warm, nutty, and lightly caramelized, with just enough chew to keep every bite interesting. They also travel well and hold their shape, which makes them ideal for gifting or serving at events.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Setting Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: About 20 cookies
Ingredients
Granulated sugar: 1 1/2 cups
Unsalted butter: 1/2 cup
Whole milk or evaporated milk: 1/2 cup
Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
Salt: a pinch
Rolled oats: 2 1/2 cups
Pecans: 1 cup, chopped
Dried cranberries: 3/4 cup
Brown sugar: 1/4 cup (for deeper praline flavor)
Ground cinnamon: 1/4 teaspoon (optional)
Instructions
Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
In a medium saucepan, combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, butter, and milk.
Place over medium heat and stir until butter melts and sugar dissolves.
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil and let it boil for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
Remove from heat and immediately stir in vanilla extract, salt, and cinnamon if using.
Add rolled oats to the saucepan and mix until fully coated.
Fold in chopped pecans and dried cranberries until evenly distributed.
Working quickly, drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheets.
Lightly shape each mound into a cookie using the back of a spoon.
Let cookies sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes until fully set.
Tips
Measure all ingredients before starting since timing matters once boiling begins.
Do not overboil the sugar mixture or the cookies may turn dry and crumbly.
Stir constantly while boiling to prevent scorching.
Use fresh pecans for the best flavor and crunch.
Chop nuts evenly so cookies set uniformly.
Work quickly when spooning cookies as the mixture thickens fast.
If the mixture firms up too much, gently warm it for a few seconds.
Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
Let cookies cool completely before moving them to storage.
Store cookies in a single layer or with parchment between layers.
Variations
Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted dark or white chocolate over set cookies.
Orange Cranberry: Add orange zest for a bright citrus note.
Maple Praline: Replace part of the sugar with maple syrup.
Nut Swap: Use walnuts or almonds instead of pecans.
Coconut Twist: Add shredded coconut for extra texture.
Spiced Holiday: Increase cinnamon and add nutmeg or cloves.
Gluten-Free: Use certified gluten-free oats.
Extra Chewy: Reduce oats slightly and add more cranberries.
Mini Cookies: Drop smaller spoonfuls for bite-sized treats.
Less Sweet: Reduce sugar slightly and add more nuts.
Q & A
Do these cookies need baking?
No, they set naturally as they cool.
How long do they last?
Up to 5 days at room temperature in an airtight container.
Can they be frozen?
Yes, freeze for up to 2 months.
Why didn’t my cookies set?
The sugar mixture may not have boiled long enough.
Can I use quick oats?
Rolled oats give better texture, but quick oats can work.
Are these kid-friendly?
Yes, they are sweet, nutty, and easy to enjoy.
Can I make them dairy-free?
Use plant-based butter and milk.
Do they travel well?
Yes, they hold their shape nicely.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but work in batches for best results.
Are they very sweet?
They are rich, but balanced by nuts and cranberries.
Nutrition
(Approximate per cookie)
- Calories: 165
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 14g
Conclusion
Festive Cranberry Pecan Praline Cookies are a simple, stress-free dessert that delivers big flavor with minimal effort. The no-bake method makes them approachable, while the combination of pecans and cranberries keeps them feeling special and seasonal. Whether you are preparing treats for the holidays, a party, or a quick sweet fix, these cookies fit the moment perfectly. Make a batch once, and they are likely to become a repeat favorite whenever you need an easy, reliable dessert that still feels homemade and thoughtful.