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Pecan Sandies Recipe

4.9 from 89 reviews

Pecan Sandies are classic buttery, crumbly cookies loaded with toasted pecans. These delightful treats are perfect for holiday snacking or gifting, offering a rich nutty flavor combined with a delicate sweetness and a melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Ingredients

Scale

Cookie Dough

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup finely chopped pecans
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This creates a smooth base and ensures tender cookies. Then, mix in the vanilla extract.
  3. Add Dry Ingredients and Pecans: Gradually incorporate the all-purpose flour, salt, and finely chopped pecans into the creamed mixture. Mix just until combined to maintain the cookie’s delicate texture.
  4. Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough into balls and place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheets. Flatten each ball slightly using the bottom of a glass to achieve the classic sandie shape.
  5. Bake: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden. Be careful not to overbake to keep the texture tender and crumbly.
  6. Cool and Serve: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them set perfectly for serving or packaging.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, toast the pecans lightly in a dry skillet before chopping and adding to the dough.
  • If you prefer a sweeter cookie, you can increase the powdered sugar by 1/4 cup.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
  • These cookies freeze well; freeze baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
  • To accommodate nut allergies, substitute pecans with an equal amount of finely chopped chocolate chips or dried fruit.

Keywords: Pecan Sandies, buttery cookies, pecan cookies, holiday cookies, crumbly cookies, nutty cookies