If there’s one cookie that embodies the essence of simplicity and indulgence, it’s the Pecan Sandie. With their delicate, buttery texture and a satisfying crunch from finely chopped pecans, these cookies are a timeless treat. They’re perfect for savoring with a cup of tea, sharing during the holidays, or enjoying as a well-deserved snack at any time of the day.
I’m thrilled to share this recipe with you—each bite of these Pecan Sandies offers a delightful combination of rich, buttery flavor and nutty goodness. Ready to get baking? Let’s dive into the details of making these deliciously crunchy cookies!
What Makes Pecan Sandies So Special?
Pecan Sandies are a classic cookie that’s loved for its melt-in-your-mouth texture and the perfect balance of sweetness and nuttiness. The soft, crumbly dough is studded with finely chopped pecans, giving every bite a burst of rich flavor. Plus, these cookies are incredibly easy to make, requiring just a handful of ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry.
Taste and Texture
Pecan Sandies have a rich, buttery flavor that’s complemented by the slight sweetness of powdered sugar. The addition of pecans provides a wonderful nutty crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tender, crumbly texture of the cookie. Dusting them with powdered sugar adds a touch of sweetness that makes them even more irresistible.
Why You’ll Love Them
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these cookies come together quickly.
- Perfectly Buttery: The soft dough and buttery flavor make these cookies melt in your mouth.
- Nutty Crunch: Finely chopped pecans add a delightful texture and flavor.
- Versatile: Great for any occasion—holidays, afternoon tea, or just because!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: The base of the cookie dough, providing richness and flavor.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the dough and gives the cookies a delicate texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a lovely aroma and enhances the overall flavor.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure to the cookies.
- 1 cup pecans, finely chopped: The star ingredient, adding crunch and nuttiness.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
- Additional powdered sugar for dusting: Adds a sweet finish and a decorative touch.
Tools You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl: For creaming the butter and sugar, and mixing the dough.
- Baking sheet: For baking the cookies.
- Wire rack: For cooling the cookies.
- Spatula: For folding in the pecans.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial as it ensures that your cookies have a tender texture.
Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined. Gradually stir in the all-purpose flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix—just blend until the ingredients are fully incorporated.
Fold in the finely chopped pecans, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. The pecans should be finely chopped to ensure they blend well with the dough, providing a consistent nutty flavor in every bite.
2. Shape the Cookies
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on an ungreased baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This will give them enough room to spread slightly as they bake.
Gently flatten each ball with the bottom of a glass or your hand. This helps the cookies bake evenly and gives them their characteristic sandy texture.
3. Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them—since these cookies are light in color, it’s important not to overbake them. Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
4. Dust and Serve
Once the cookies are fully cooled, dust them with additional powdered sugar before serving. This final touch adds a sweet finish that complements the buttery, nutty flavor of the cookies perfectly.
Tips for Making the Perfect Pecan Sandies
- Use room temperature butter: This makes it easier to cream the butter and sugar, resulting in a smooth, light dough.
- Don’t skip the chilling: If your dough feels too soft to handle, chill it in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before shaping the cookies. This helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking.
- Finely chop the pecans: The smaller the pecan pieces, the better they’ll incorporate into the dough, ensuring a uniform texture.
- Watch the baking time: These cookies should be just lightly golden around the edges. Overbaking can result in a dry, crumbly texture.
Storage Instructions
Store your Pecan Sandies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the cookies in an airtight container for up to a month. Just be sure to thaw them at room temperature before serving, and give them a fresh dusting of powdered sugar if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, you can use salted butter, but you may want to reduce the added salt in the recipe to avoid over-salting.
Can I add other nuts or ingredients?
Absolutely! While pecans are traditional, you could experiment with walnuts, almonds, or even add chocolate chips for a twist.
What if I don’t have powdered sugar?
Powdered sugar is important for the texture of these cookies. If you’re out, you can make your own by blending granulated sugar until it’s fine and powdery.
Conclusion
Buttery, nutty, and perfectly crunchy, these Pecan Sandies are a delightful treat that’s sure to become a favorite in your household. They’re easy to make, deliciously satisfying, and perfect for sharing (or keeping all to yourself!). Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because, these cookies are always a good idea.
Looking for more cookie recipes? Check out my Chocolate Chip Cookies or Almond Biscotti for more homemade goodness. And if you make these Pecan Sandies, I’d love to see how they turn out—tag me on Pinterest with your photos!
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 6g
Happy baking, and enjoy the wonderful crunch of these delicious Pecan Sandies!
