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Praline Cookies are the perfect combination of crispy and chewy, with that rich, buttery caramel flavor we all love in classic pralines.

The pecans add a crunchy bite, while the brown sugar gives these cookies a deep, warm sweetness that melts in your mouth. They’re easy to whip up but taste like something straight out of a bakery, making them an instant hit for any occasion.

These cookies are my go-to treat when I want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. They pair beautifully with a light, refreshing dessert like Fruit Salad With Whipped Cream or even a cool, creamy Oat Milk Horchata for a full, satisfying treat. The richness of the praline cookies balances perfectly with the light, fruity notes of the salad or the cinnamon-sweet flavor of horchata, making it a delightful experience for your taste buds.

Praline Cookies are trending because they’re a fun twist on traditional pralines, giving you that familiar flavor in a new form. Plus, they’re the kind of cookie that feels both indulgent and homey—great for casual get-togethers or holiday baking.

Why I Love This Recipe

  • Rich and Buttery Flavor: These cookies deliver the perfect praline experience in cookie form, combining caramel-like brown sugar with crunchy pecans.
  • Easy to Make: You don’t need to be a baking pro to nail this recipe—it’s simple, yet the results are bakery-quality.
  • Great for Gifting or Sharing: Whether for a holiday, a party, or just because, these praline cookies are always a hit with friends and family.

Give these a try, and I guarantee you’ll be making them on repeat. I’d love to hear how they turned out for you!

Top-down view of the baking pan with the toffee-coated graham crackers in the oven, bubbling and turning golden brown as they bake.

Praline Cookies Recipe

This Pecan Graham Cracker Toffee is a simple, yet delicious dessert combining buttery toffee, crunchy graham crackers, and chopped pecans. The sweet and rich toffee mixture is poured over graham crackers and baked to create a perfect bite-sized treat with a nutty twist.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 35 cookies
Calories 151 kcal

Equipment

  • 10×15-inch baking pan
  • Medium saucepan
  • Spatula or spoon

Ingredients
  

  • 35 graham crackers
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar
  • 1 cup chopped pecans

Instructions
 

Preheat Oven:

  • Preheat your oven to 325°F (170°C)

Prepare Baking Pan:

  • Line the bottom of a 10×15-inch baking pan with graham crackers, ensuring that they cover the entire surface in a single layer.

Make Toffee Mixture:

  • In a medium saucepan, combine the brown sugar, unsalted butter, and cream of tartar. Heat over medium heat, stirring continuously until the mixture comes to a boil.
    Top-down view of a saucepan on the stove with brown sugar, unsalted butter, and cream of tartar being stirred together as the mixture starts to bubble and boil.

Add Pecans:

  • Stir in the chopped pecans and continue stirring for about 1-2 minutes until well combined.
    Top-down view of chopped pecans being stirred into the hot toffee mixture in the saucepan, combining well.

Pour Over Crackers:

  • Carefully pour the hot toffee mixture over the graham crackers, spreading it evenly to cover them.
    Top-down view of the hot toffee mixture being carefully poured over the graham crackers in the baking pan, spreading it out evenly.

Bake:

  • Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 10 minutes, or until the toffee mixture is bubbling and the crackers look golden.
    Top-down view of the baking pan with the toffee-coated graham crackers in the oven, bubbling and turning golden brown as they bake.

Cool and Serve:

  • Remove from the oven and let the toffee cool in the pan for about 3 minutes. While still warm, gently remove the crackers from the pan and let them cool completely on a rack or parchment paper.

Notes

For extra flavor, lightly toast the pecans before adding them to the toffee mixture.
Make sure to work quickly when spreading the toffee, as it cools and hardens fast!

Nutrition Facts:

NutritionValue
Calories151kcal
Carbohydrates17g
Protein1g
Sodium124mg
Iron1 mg
Sugar11g
Potassium45mg

Variations that Are Good to Go With!

  1. Chocolate Drizzle: Right after the toffee comes out of the oven, sprinkle a layer of semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips over the hot surface. Wait a minute for them to soften, then gently spread the melted chocolate across the top. You’ll get an extra indulgent layer that sets beautifully when cooled.
  2. Salted Toffee Twist: Before the toffee cools, sprinkle flaky sea salt on top. The contrast between the sweet toffee and the salty crunch elevates the flavor profile. It’s that sweet-salty magic that takes it from good to unforgettable.
  3. Spiced Toffee: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the toffee mixture as it simmers. This brings a warm, cozy spice element to the treat. You could even experiment with cardamom or ginger for a more unique twist.
  4. Nut Mix-Up: Swap the pecans for other nuts like almonds, hazelnuts, or pistachios. Each nut brings its own texture and flavor. Roasting the nuts slightly before adding them can bring out even more richness.
  5. Coconut Craze: For a tropical spin, sprinkle shredded coconut on top of the toffee mixture just before it goes into the oven. It’ll toast slightly while baking and add a nice chew to the crunchy texture.
  6. Espresso Infusion: Dissolve a teaspoon of instant espresso powder into the butter mixture to add a rich coffee note to the toffee. This complements the caramel flavor perfectly and gives the toffee a sophisticated kick.
  7. Graham Cracker Variations: If you want to experiment with the base, try using chocolate graham crackers or cinnamon grahams for a subtle but noticeable flavor shift.
  8. Boozy Boost: Stir in a tablespoon of bourbon or rum into the toffee mixture just before adding the nuts. The alcohol will cook off, but the flavor lingers, adding a deeper caramel note to the finished product.

These variations add complexity without straying too far from the core recipe, offering that extra touch an expert might appreciate!

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Noah Baker

Hi! I’m Noah Baker

Noah Baker is a California-born food blogger behind "FreshmanCook," whose culinary journey began in his tiny apartment kitchen experimenting with recipes that blend innovative techniques and personal passion. After leaving his graphic design career, Noah transformed his love for cooking into a vibrant online platform that celebrates accessible, creative cuisine, capturing food lovers' attention with his stunning photography and approachable recipes. When he's not crafting mouthwatering dishes or styling food for his blog, Noah lives in a cozy apartment with his rescue dog, Basil.

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