If you have a soft spot for buttery, nutty treats that melt in your mouth, then this Pecan Sandies Recipe is about to become your new favorite. These classic cookies bring together the perfect balance of rich butter, crisp pecans, and a delicate touch of sweetness, creating a tender crumb that’s simply irresistible. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, a cozy afternoon tea, or just because you deserve a delicious pick-me-up, this recipe offers a simple, fail-proof way to enjoy truly delectable pecan-filled delights.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Pecan Sandies Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role, combining to create that perfect crumb and buttery flavor, while the pecans add a wonderful crunch and warmth that’s just unbeatable.
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened): The star of the show, providing richness and tenderness to the cookies.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps to create a light texture when creamed with butter.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar: Contributes to a finer, melt-in-your-mouth consistency and extra sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a warm, inviting aroma.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base that holds everything together and gives structure to the dough.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Adds a slight lift to create a tender bite without puffing up the cookie too much.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and amplifies the buttery and nutty flavors.
- 1 cup finely chopped pecans: Brings that iconic crunch and nutty richness that defines pecan sandies.
How to Make Pecan Sandies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) because warm ovens are the secret to even baking. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter together with the granulated and powdered sugars until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This step is key to achieving that delicate texture everyone loves in pecan sandies.
Step 3: Add Vanilla Extract
Stir in the vanilla extract to infuse your dough with its fragrant warmth, making each bite irresistibly flavorful.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures your dry ingredients are evenly distributed for a consistent dough.
Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients into Butter Mixture
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter and sugar mixture, stirring gently until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, or your cookies might turn out dense.
Step 6: Fold in the Pecans
Gently fold the finely chopped pecans into the dough, making sure every bite will have that lovely nutty crunch we all crave in a Pecan Sandies Recipe.
Step 7: Shape and Bake
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls, then place them on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Slightly flatten each ball with your fingers or the bottom of a glass to help them bake evenly. Pop them into the oven for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are just turning golden brown.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step ensures they finish firming up without becoming dry or crumbly.
How to Serve Pecan Sandies Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of sparkle, you can dust these cookies with a light coating of powdered sugar once they have cooled. It adds a festive flair and brings out their classic shortbread charm.
Side Dishes
Pecan Sandies pair wonderfully with a steaming cup of coffee, a creamy latte, or a cozy mug of hot chocolate. Their buttery sweetness balances perfectly with the bitterness of coffee or the richness of milk-based drinks.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack your pecan sandies in a pretty jar tied with a ribbon for gifting, or arrange them on a beautiful platter with fresh fruit and a selection of cheeses for a charming dessert spread that will impress any guest.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These cookies store beautifully in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh and chewy for up to a week, making them a great baked good to prepare in advance and enjoy throughout the week.
Freezing
If you want to keep your pecan sandies longer, freeze them in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving to bring back their tender, buttery texture.
Reheating
To refresh your cookies, warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. This’ll soften any stale edges and bring back that just-baked aroma.
FAQs
Can I substitute the pecans with other nuts?
Absolutely! While pecans are traditional and add a distinct flavor, walnuts or almonds can be great alternatives. Just make sure to chop them finely for the best texture.
Why do I need both granulated and powdered sugar?
The combination gives the perfect balance of sweetness and texture. Granulated sugar adds structure while powdered sugar melts into the dough, creating that signature melt-in-your-mouth feel.
Can I make the dough ahead and bake later?
Yes! You can refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours. Just allow it to warm slightly before scooping and baking to maintain the right consistency.
What if I don’t have baking powder?
You can substitute baking powder with baking soda, but use only about 1/4 teaspoon and add a splash of lemon juice or vinegar to activate it. However, the texture might be slightly different.
Are Pecan Sandies gluten-free?
This recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. To make gluten-free Pecan Sandies, you can substitute with a gluten-free baking blend, but results may vary slightly in texture.
Final Thoughts
Nothing beats the joy of biting into a perfectly crumbly, buttery pecan sandy fresh from the oven, and with this Pecan Sandies Recipe, you’ve got an easy, reliable way to bring that delight into your kitchen any time. Trust me, once you give these cookies a try, they’ll quickly become a staple in your dessert rotation. So grab those pecans and get baking – your new favorite cookie awaits!
Print
Pecan Sandies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Pecan Sandies are classic American buttery shortbread cookies loaded with finely chopped pecans. These tender, crumbly cookies combine the rich flavors of butter and vanilla with a delightful nutty crunch, making them perfect for holiday celebrations or everyday indulgence.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup finely chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This aerates the dough and ensures a tender cookie.
- Add Vanilla: Mix in the vanilla extract thoroughly to infuse the dough with its signature aroma and flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agent and seasoning.
- Form Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix to keep the texture tender.
- Add Pecans: Fold in the finely chopped pecans evenly to distribute the nutty flavor throughout the dough.
- Shape Cookies: Using a tablespoon, scoop portions of dough and roll each into a ball. Place them on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart and gently flatten each ball slightly to help them bake evenly.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges start to turn golden brown, signaling they are done.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving or storing.
Notes
- For enhanced flavor, toast the pecans lightly before folding them into the dough to bring out their nuttiness.
- Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature; they will remain fresh for up to one week.
- For a festive touch, dust the cooled cookies with powdered sugar before serving.
