Pecan Sandies Cookies Recipe

If you’re dreaming of a cookie that practically melts in your mouth with a delicate, nutty crunch, then this Pecan Sandies Cookies Recipe is about to become your new obsession. Golden, buttery, and loaded with toasty pecans, these cookies deliver everything you crave in a classic homemade treat. Perfect for sharing, gifting, or enjoying with your afternoon coffee, their simplicity and rich flavor make them completely irresistible. Once you bake a batch, you’ll understand why these cookies are cherished by everyone lucky enough to taste them!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Pecan Sandies Cookies Recipe lies in its truly simple list of ingredients—each one playing a vital role in creating the signature melt-in-your-mouth texture and deep, toasty flavor. Here’s what you’ll need, plus tips to get the best results every single time:

• Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): The key to richness and that classic, tender crumb—make sure it’s room temperature for maximum creaminess.
• Granulated sugar (¼ cup): Adds the perfect touch of sweetness and helps give the cookies their subtle crunch.
• Light brown sugar (⅓ cup, packed): Brings a hint of caramel flavor and extra moisture for that melt-in-your-mouth bite.
• All-purpose flour (2 cups): The foundation of the dough, creating structure without overpowering the delicate flavor.
• Salt (½ teaspoon): Just enough to balance and enhance the buttery, nutty notes.
• Vanilla extract (1 ½ teaspoons): A must-have for sweet depth and aroma—don’t skip it!
• Pecans, coarsely chopped (1 ½ cups, reserve ½ cup for rolling): The star ingredient! Fresh, crunchy pecans bring tremendous flavor and lovely texture, inside and out.

How to Make Pecan Sandies Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready to go. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper—this ensures your cookies won’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze. Getting this out of the way now means you can focus fully on mixing and shaping your dough.

Step 2: Cream the Butters and Sugars

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, or with a handheld electric mixer, combine the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Set it to medium speed and beat for 2 to 5 minutes, or until the mixture is seriously light and fluffy. This incorporates air, leading to cookies that are tender rather than dense.

Step 3: Mix in Dry Ingredients

Reduce the mixer speed to low and add in the flour, salt, and vanilla extract. Continue to mix until the dough just comes together. Take care not to overmix—once everything is combined, move on. You want to keep as much loft as possible for that classic Pecan Sandies Cookies Recipe texture.

Step 4: Fold in the Pecans

Switch your mixer to the lowest setting or stir in by hand, adding the chopped pecans, but remember to hold back about ½ cup for rolling the dough balls. Distributing the pecans at this stage means every cookie has little bursts of nutty goodness in every bite.

Step 5: Shape and Coat the Cookies

Use a 1 ½ tablespoon cookie scoop or a spoon to portion out the dough. Roll each scoop into a ball between your hands, then roll each ball in the reserved chopped pecans. This step adds a gorgeous, crunchy outer layer and makes the cookies picture-perfect.

Step 6: Press and Arrange

Place the pecan-coated dough balls onto your prepared baking sheet, leaving a bit of space between them. Take the bottom of a glass (or a Pyrex measuring cup) to gently press each ball until it’s slightly flattened. This ensures even baking and gives those classic Pecan Sandies Cookies Recipe edges.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide your tray into the preheated oven and bake for 14 to 16 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden around the edges. Don’t overbake—they should stay pale in the center so they stay beautifully tender. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes to firm up slightly before moving to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve Pecan Sandies Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

For an extra touch, try a dusting of powdered sugar over the cooled cookies. It looks lovely and adds a little extra melt-in-your-mouth sweetness. A pinch of flaky salt also brings out the buttery flavors—simple, but it makes a big impression.

Side Dishes

Pecan Sandies absolutely shine alongside a creamy hot chocolate or a strong espresso. If you’re serving them for a gathering, a plate paired with fresh fruit, a vanilla ice cream scoop, or a bowl of berries makes a gorgeous, balanced dessert platter that guests won’t forget.

Creative Ways to Present

For gifting, stack a few cookies in a cellophane bag tied with a ribbon or layer them in a pretty tin. At parties, serve them on a wooden board with other homemade bakes, or crumble them over your favorite ice cream for a decadent sundae topping. However you share them, they vanish fast!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Pecan Sandies Cookies Recipe fresh by placing cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay crisp-tender for up to a week—if your household doesn’t devour them in a day or two! For longer freshness, add a slice of white bread to the container to absorb any excess moisture.

Freezing

These cookies are freezer-friendly! Once baked and cooled, layer them between sheets of parchment paper in an airtight container or freezer bag. You can freeze them for up to two months. To serve, let them thaw at room temperature and they’ll taste just like freshly baked.

Reheating

If you love warm cookies, pop a few from the freezer or room temp into a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5 minutes. They’ll emerge with just a hint of warmth and crispness, reviving that irresistible fresh-from-the-oven aroma and texture.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Absolutely! Just reduce the added salt in the recipe to a pinch, since salted butter has enough savory flavor on its own. The cookies will still have all the wonderful richness that the Pecan Sandies Cookies Recipe is known for.

What’s the best way to chop the pecans?

For the best texture, coarsely chop the pecans with a sharp knife rather than a food processor. This keeps the pieces chunky, so you get delightful nutty bites throughout every cookie.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can refrigerate the dough for up to 48 hours. Let it soften a little before shaping, then roll in pecans and bake as usual. Chilled dough even helps the flavors meld for an even tastier Pecan Sandies Cookies Recipe.

Do these cookies spread in the oven?

These cookies hold their shape quite well, especially if the dough is chilled. That’s why flattening them pre-bake helps achieve the right, classic look and ensures even baking.

Can I substitute walnuts or another nut?

Definitely! While pecans are the classic star of the Pecan Sandies Cookies Recipe, you can swap in chopped walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts for a different twist. Each brings its own unique flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about a cookie this simple—and this delicious. Trust me, once you try the Pecan Sandies Cookies Recipe, you’ll be as smitten as I am. There’s no better way to make any day feel a little more special than with a warm batch of these nutty, buttery treats. Happy baking!

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