Pecan Sandies: A Cozy Treat for Every Occasion
There’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through the kitchen, is there? As a child, I remember cozy afternoons spent with my grandmother, nestled in her warm, inviting kitchen, as she pulled soft, buttery Pecan Sandies from the oven. Those tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookies, studded with crunchy pecans and dusted with a whisper of sugar, became a cherished family tradition. Whether celebrating a special occasion or simply enjoying a quiet moment with a cup of tea, these cookies have a way of warming the heart and soul.
Today, I want to share with you my beloved Pecan Sandies recipe — a delightful homage to those sweet memories. This is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make, perfect for a weekend baking session or last-minute cravings!
- Family-friendly — a delightful treat that everyone will adore, young and old alike.
- A wonderfully comforting dessert, bringing warmth to both your kitchen and your heart.
- Customizable with mix-ins or toppings to suit any taste.
- Great for sharing! These cookies are a crowd-pleaser at gatherings or picnics.
What You’ll Need
Gather These Simple Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/4 cups chopped pecans, toasted
- Extra granulated sugar for sprinkling
How to Make Pecan Sandies
Let’s Make It Together
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In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter until smooth. Add granulated and powdered sugar and beat until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
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Mix in vanilla extract until just combined.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed to prevent excess flour from flying.
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Gently fold in the toasted chopped pecans, letting their warm nutty aroma fill the air.
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Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial as it helps the flavors meld beautifully and gives our cookies that perfect texture.
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper, a little something to catch all those delightful crumbs!
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Scoop dough into balls, place them on the sheet, and flatten slightly. Finish with a sprinkle of sugar on the tops for that charming touch.
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Bake for 12–15 minutes until the edges are lightly golden. You’ll know they’re ready when your kitchen is filled with an irresistible buttery scent.
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Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Variations & Creative Twists
Delicious Variations to Try
- Chocolate-Dipped Pecan Sandies: Melt some dark chocolate and dip half of each cookie for an indulgent twist!
- Zesty Lemon Pecan Sandies: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the dough for a vibrant, citrusy flavor that brightens each bite.
- Maple Pecan Sandies: Substitute maple syrup for a portion of the granulated sugar for a delightful, rich sweetness.
- Spiced Pecan Sandies: Mix in a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a cozy warm spice that’s perfect for cooler days.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
Tips for Perfect Results
- Make-Ahead-Friendly: You can prepare the dough ahead of time and keep it in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze it for up to a month. Just thaw and bake when the craving strikes!
- Toasting Pecans: Ensure maximum flavor by toasting your pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant. Keep a close watch, as they can turn from perfectly toasted to burnt in a flash!
- Baking Sheet Reminder: For uniform baking, make sure to leave some space between the cookie dough balls on your baking sheet, allowing them room to spread.
- Storage Suggestions: Store your cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They can also be frozen for a later treat.
Nutrition Information per Serving
Calories & Nutrition Details
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Sugar: 8g
- Fat: 8g
- Protein: 2g
- Sodium: 60mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Reader FAQs About Pecan Sandies
- Can I make this ahead? Absolutely! Prepare the dough up to a week in advance or freeze for up to a month.
- Can I use different ingredients? Feel free to swap pecans for other nuts, like walnuts or almonds, or even add chocolate chips for extra sweetness!
- How do I store leftovers? Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their delightful texture.
- How long do they last? These lovely cookies will stay fresh for about a week, but I doubt they’ll last that long!
Final Thoughts
Pecan Sandies are more than just cookies; they’re a connection to cherished memories and a comforting treat that can brighten any day. Whether shared with family or savored in solitude over a warm cup of tea, these delightful cookies are sure to fill your kitchen with love and warmth. Save this Pecan Sandies recipe to your baking board so it’s ready when you need a cozy treat! Happy baking, my friends!
Pecan Sandies
Ingredients
Cookie Base
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Ensure it's at room temperature
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/4 cups chopped pecans, toasted Toast for maximum flavor
- to taste extra granulated sugar for sprinkling For topping cookies
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter until smooth. Add granulated and powdered sugar and beat until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
- Mix in vanilla extract until just combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed to prevent excess flour from flying.
- Gently fold in the toasted chopped pecans.
- Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Baking
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Scoop dough into balls, place them on the sheet, and flatten slightly. Finish with a sprinkle of sugar on the tops.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
