As the cool breeze of autumn sets in and leaves turn vibrant shades of amber, there’s nothing quite like cozying up with a warm batch of Praline Cookies. Each bite offers the perfect balance of soft and chewy texture, with a delightful crunch from toasted pecans. The sweet, buttery praline topping drizzled over these cookies elevates them into a sweet treat that feels like a comforting hug on a chilly day. It’s a recipe that I stumbled upon during my holiday baking adventures, and it quickly became a cherished favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Praline Cookies are not just a treat; they’re an experience. The combination of rich butter, brown sugar, and toasted pecans offers a depth of flavor that is simply irresistible. The praline topping adds a layer of sweetness and a beautiful finish, making them perfect for sharing—or for sneaking a few all for yourself!

Ingredients Needed For Praline Cookies

• 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, softened: Using unsalted butter allows you to control the salt in your cookies. Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for easy mixing!
• 1 cup (200 g) light brown sugar, firmly packed: The molasses in brown sugar contributes a rich flavor that complements the nuttiness of the pecans.
• 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar: This adds sweetness and helps create that perfect crisp edge.
• 2 large eggs: These provide moisture and help bind the ingredients together for a soft, tender cookie.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Pure vanilla extract enhances all the flavors in your cookies. Skip imitation for the best results.
• 3 1/3 cups (416 g) all-purpose flour: This forms the base of the cookie dough. Make sure to spoon and level the flour—no packing allowed!
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch: This ingredient helps keep the cookies soft and chewy.
• 2 teaspoons baking powder: It provides the necessary lift for a light texture.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: This helps balance the acidity of the brown sugar and gives the cookies a nice rise.
• 3/4 teaspoon table salt: A small amount enhances all of the flavors, making every bite pop.
• 2 cups (200 g) finely chopped toasted pecans: Toasting the pecans brings out their natural oils and elevates their flavor.
• 1 cup (200 g) light brown sugar, firmly packed (for praline topping): This adds richness and a soft toffee-like texture to the topping.
• 1/3 cup (78 ml) heavy cream: Cream adds a luscious quality to the praline, making it smooth and decadent.
• 1/4 cup (57 g) unsalted butter (for praline topping): It enriches the topping, rounding out the flavors beautifully.
• 1/4 teaspoon table salt (for praline topping): Just a pinch helps balance the sweetness.
• 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (for praline topping): Enhances the caramel notes in the topping.
• 1 cup (125 g) powdered sugar (for praline topping): This gives the praline a silky texture and a touch more sweetness.
• 1/4 cup finely chopped toasted pecans (for sprinkling): A finishing touch that adds both visual appeal and texture.
• Flaky sea salt (for sprinkling): A sprinkle of sea salt heightens the flavors and gives a lovely crunch.

How to Make Praline Cookies

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set it aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and both sugars; beat until the mixture is light and creamy.
3. Add the eggs and vanilla extract; stir well until fully incorporated.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, combining well. Stir in the finely chopped pecans.
6. Scoop the dough into 2-tablespoon balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, keeping about 2 inches apart.
7. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the edges are very lightly golden brown. Allow the cookies to cool a bit while you prepare the praline topping.
8. For the praline topping, combine the brown sugar, heavy cream, unsalted butter, and salt in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Cook until the mixture melts, then increase the heat to medium.
9. Bring the mixture to a full boil, stirring constantly for 1 minute. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and powdered sugar until smooth.
10. Spoon the warm praline topping over the cookies and sprinkle with toasted pecans and flaky sea salt. Allow to set before indulging, and enjoy!

How to Serve Praline Cookies

These Praline Cookies are an inviting treat for any occasion. Serve them warm with a cup of coffee, tea, or a comforting mug of hot cocoa. They also make a beautiful addition to cookie platters during holidays and gatherings, inviting everyone to take a bite.

How to Store Praline Cookies

To keep your Praline Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Simply wrap each cookie in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can be enjoyed straight from the freezer or warmed up in the microwave for a few seconds.

Tips to Make Praline Cookies

• Watch your baking time: Every oven is different; start checking your cookies at the 9-minute mark to prevent overbaking.
• Chill the dough for extra softness: If you have time, chilling the dough for about 30 minutes can yield even softer cookies.
• Use fresh pecans: Toast your pecans for the best flavor. You can do this quickly in a skillet over medium heat; just keep an eye on them!

Variations and Substitutions

• Nut Alternatives: If you’re not a fan of pecans, try using walnuts or even chocolate chips for a different twist.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, spiced flavor.
• Vegan Option: Substitute the eggs with flaxseed meal (1 tablespoon of flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water) and use vegan butter and a dairy-free cream alternative for the praline topping.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to two days before baking. Just allow it to come to room temperature before scooping onto the baking sheet.

What should I do if my praline topping is too thick?

If your praline topping becomes too thick, simply add a splash of heavy cream over low heat while stirring until it reaches the desired consistency.

How can I ensure my cookies are chewy?

Avoid overbaking! Remove them from the oven when the edges are set, and they’ll remain chewy as they cool down.

Can I use other types of sugar in this recipe?

You can experiment with dark brown sugar or even coconut sugar, but keep in mind that these may slightly alter the flavor and texture of the cookies.

How long do the cookies last?

Stored properly in an airtight container, your Praline Cookies can last for up to a week at room temperature, or up to three months in the freezer!

Praline Cookies

Deliciously soft and chewy Praline Cookies topped with a rich, buttery praline sauce and toasted pecans—a perfect treat for any occasion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 11 minutes mins

Total Time 31 minutes mins

Course Dessert, Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 24 cookies

Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients

  

Cookie Base

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for easy mixing!
• 1 cup light brown sugar, firmly packed The molasses in brown sugar contributes a rich flavor.
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar Adds sweetness and helps create a crisp edge.
• 2 large eggs Provides moisture and binds the ingredients.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Use pure vanilla extract for best results.
• 3 1/3 cups all-purpose flour Spoon and level the flour, no packing allowed!
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch Helps keep the cookies soft and chewy.
• 2 teaspoons baking powder Provides lift for a light texture.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda Balances acidity of brown sugar.
• 3/4 teaspoon table salt Enhances all the flavors.
• 2 cups finely chopped toasted pecans Toasting brings out their natural oils.

Praline Topping

• 1 cup light brown sugar, firmly packed Adds richness and a soft toffee-like texture.
• 1/3 cup heavy cream Adds a luscious quality to the praline.
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter Enriches the topping beautifully.
• 1/4 teaspoon table salt Helps balance the sweetness.
• 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract Enhances caramel notes.
• 1 cup powdered sugar Gives praline a silky texture.
• 1/4 cup finely chopped toasted pecans For sprinkling on top.
• Flaky sea salt Sprinkle for better flavor.

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set it aside.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and both sugars; beat until light and creamy.
• Add the eggs and vanilla extract; stir well until fully incorporated.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, combining well. Stir in the finely chopped pecans.
• Scoop the dough into 2-tablespoon balls and place on the prepared baking sheet, keeping about 2 inches apart.

Baking

• Bake for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the edges are very lightly golden brown. Allow the cookies to cool while you prepare the praline topping.

Preparing Praline Topping

• In a saucepan over medium-low heat, combine brown sugar, heavy cream, unsalted butter, and salt. Cook until melted, then increase the heat to medium.
• Bring the mixture to a full boil, stirring constantly for 1 minute. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and powdered sugar until smooth.
• Spoon the warm praline topping over the cookies and sprinkle with toasted pecans and flaky sea salt. Allow to set before indulging.

Notes

For best results, cool cookies slightly before serving and enjoy warm with coffee or cocoa. Store in an airtight container for up to a week.

Keyword Baking, cookies, Holiday Treats, Pecans, Praline Cookies