If you’re craving a buttery, nutty treat that melts in your mouth with every bite, then you’re going to fall completely in love with this Pecan Sandies Recipe. These classic cookies are perfectly crumbly, subtly sweet, and packed with toasted pecan goodness that makes them irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a cozy afternoon snack or preparing for a festive gathering, this recipe is a foolproof crowd-pleaser that feels like a warm hug from the inside out.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is the secret to capturing the perfect balance of flavor and texture in your Pecan Sandies Recipe. Each component plays an essential role— from the creamy butter to the crunchy pecans— creating a cookie that is truly special.
- Unsalted butter: Using softened butter ensures a tender, melt-in-your-mouth crumb every time.
- Granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness and a subtle crispness to the cookie’s edges.
- Light brown sugar: Packed with molasses flavor, it deepens the cookie’s overall taste and keeps them moist.
- Egg: Binds the ingredients together while adding richness.
- Vanilla extract: A classic flavor enhancer that elevates the buttery richness.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness perfectly and highlights the nutty notes.
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure without toughness, letting the cookie stay tender.
- Chopped pecans: The star of the show—adding delightful crunch and a warm, nutty flavor.
How to Make Pecan Sandies Recipe
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars
Start by beating the softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale. This process traps air and gives your cookies that tender texture we all love.
Step 2: Add Egg and Vanilla
Mix in the egg and vanilla extract, ensuring the batter is smooth and well combined. These ingredients bring moisture and depth, rounding out the cookie’s flavor beautifully.
Step 3: Incorporate Salt and Flour
Sprinkle in the salt, then gradually introduce the all-purpose flour. Stir gently until everything is just blended—overmixing can make your cookies tough, so take it slow.
Step 4: Fold in the Pecans
Finally, fold the chopped pecans into the dough, distributing them evenly to make sure every cookie gets a crunchy nutty surprise.
Step 5: Shape and Chill the Dough
Roll the dough into a log about one and a half inches thick. Wrap it tightly and refrigerate for at least four hours or, even better, overnight. Chilling firms up the dough for easier slicing and enhances the flavors.
Step 6: Slice and Bake
When ready, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Slice the chilled dough into half-inch rounds and place them on an ungreased baking sheet with some space between each cookie. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the edges turn a delicate golden brown.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for five minutes so they set perfectly before transferring them to a wire rack. This little patience step keeps your sandies from crumbling as you enjoy them.
How to Serve Pecan Sandies Recipe
Garnishes
While these cookies shine on their own, a light dusting of powdered sugar adds a charming snowy touch and a hint of extra sweetness that pairs beautifully with the nuts and butter.
Side Dishes
Serve your Pecan Sandies Recipe alongside a rich hot chocolate or a freshly brewed cup of coffee or tea for an unbeatable snack or dessert experience. Their crumbly texture pairs wonderfully with warm drinks that balance out the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, arrange sandies on a festive platter with sprigs of fresh rosemary or edible flowers to add a rustic and elegant flair. You can even sandwich a dollop of vanilla bean buttercream between two cookies for an irresistible twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Pecan Sandies Recipe cookies keep exceptionally well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. This preserves their tender texture while keeping the pecans perfectly fresh.
Freezing
If you want to make these cookies ahead of time, slice the dough log and freeze the slices on a baking tray. Once frozen, transfer them to a resealable bag so you can bake fresh cookies anytime you like. Baked cookies also freeze well for up to three months.
Reheating
Warm cookies gently in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes or until slightly crisp on the edges but soft inside. Avoid microwaving, which can make them chewy instead of tender.
FAQs
Can I substitute the pecans for another nut?
Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds work beautifully if you prefer a different flavor or need to accommodate allergies. Just chop them similarly to maintain the right texture.
Do I need to chill the dough? What if I don’t have time?
Chilling is key to firm slices and enhanced flavors, but if you’re short on time, chill for at least an hour. You might notice the cookies spread a bit more and have a slightly different texture without full chilling.
Can I make the dough gluten-free?
Yes, using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend will work, but be sure it includes xanthan gum or another binding agent to keep the dough cohesive.
How can I make the cookies extra crunchy?
Try lightly toasting the pecans before folding them into the dough and bake the cookies a minute or two longer, watching carefully so they don’t burn.
What’s the best way to avoid crumbly cookies?
Be sure not to overbake and avoid overworking the dough. Also, don’t skip chilling, since it helps the butter solidify and keeps the cookie from falling apart.
Final Thoughts
This Pecan Sandies Recipe is a timeless classic you’ll want to keep in your baking rotation. With its perfectly buttery texture and rich nutty flavor, these cookies bring joy to any moment—whether a quiet tea time or a lively holiday celebration. Give this recipe a try, and I promise you’ll be sharing it with friends and family for years to come!
Print
Pecan Sandies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Classic Pecan Sandies are buttery, tender cookies loaded with toasted pecans, offering a delightful crumbly texture and rich nutty flavor. These easy-to-make cookies are perfect for holiday baking or anytime you crave a sweet, nutty treat with a melt-in-your-mouth bite.
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar for 5 to 7 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps to create a tender texture in the cookies.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract until well combined, ensuring even distribution for flavor and moisture.
- Incorporate Salt and Flour: Stir in the salt, then gradually add the all-purpose flour, mixing until just incorporated to avoid overworking the dough.
- Fold in Pecans: Gently fold the chopped pecans into the dough, distributing them evenly throughout.
- Shape the Dough: Shape the dough into a log about 1 ½ inches thick to prepare it for chilling and slicing.
- Chill Dough: Wrap the dough log tightly in wax paper or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to firm up the dough and enhance flavors.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) to ensure it’s at the right temperature before baking.
- Slice Cookies: Remove the chilled dough from the refrigerator and slice it into ½-inch thick rounds for uniform cookies.
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Arrange the cookie slices on an ungreased baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown, indicating they are perfectly baked.
- Cool Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For best flavor and texture, chilling the dough overnight is recommended.
- Use unsalted butter to control the saltiness of the cookies.
- Chopping pecans coarsely adds more crunch and flavor contrast.
- Slice dough evenly to ensure uniform baking.
- Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
