Pecan Sandies Cookies Recipe

This Pecan Sandies Cookie Recipe is a simple and delicious treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Made with soft butter, brown sugar, and chopped pecans, these cookies have a light, crumbly texture with a rich, nutty flavor. Ideal for the holiday season, cookie exchanges, or a family snack, these cookies are easy to bake and require minimal ingredients. With a quick prep time and no chill needed, this recipe is both fast and foolproof, making it the go-to choice for busy bakers. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving a classic homemade cookie, these Pecan Sandies will become a favorite in your recipe collection.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ⅓ cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups coarsely chopped pecans (reserve ½ cup for rolling)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a stand mixer with a paddle attachment or using a handheld electric mixer on medium speed, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This will take about 2-5 minutes.
3. Reduce the mixer speed to low and add the flour, salt, and vanilla extract. Continue mixing until the ingredients are fully combined.
4. Switch the mixer to the stir setting and add the chopped pecans, saving about ½ cup for rolling the cookies.
5. Using a 1 ½ tablespoon cookie scoop, portion out the dough and roll each scoop into a ball. Roll each dough ball in the reserved chopped pecans to coat the exterior.
6. Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie. Gently press each dough ball flat with the bottom of a glass or a Pyrex measuring cup.
7. Bake the cookies for 14-16 minutes, or until they are lightly browned at the edges.
8. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Pecan Sandies are the perfect combination of rich butteriness, a touch of sweetness, and crunchy pecans. The cookies have a melt-in-your-mouth texture and a delightful nutty flavor. They are easy to make and perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a gathering or just enjoying a quiet afternoon with a cup of tea.

Tips

• Make sure to soften the butter to room temperature before mixing it with the sugars for the perfect texture.
• Be sure to press the cookies flat before baking, as this helps them cook evenly and achieve that iconic sandie texture.
• Let the cookies cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack; this helps prevent them from breaking.

Variations and Substitutions

• If you don’t have pecans, you can substitute them with walnuts or almonds for a different nutty flavor.
• For a slightly different taste, add a teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg to the dough.
• You can replace the vanilla extract with almond extract for a subtle variation in flavor.

FAQs

Can I make these cookies ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking. You can also freeze the dough for up to 3 months.

How do I store these cookies? Store Pecan Sandies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer storage, keep them in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Serving

These Pecan Sandies cookies are delicious on their own or served with a cup of coffee or tea. They also make a great addition to a holiday cookie tray or a homemade gift for friends and family.

Suggestions

• Try drizzling melted chocolate over the cooled cookies for a sweet touch.
• Pair them with a glass of milk or a hot beverage for a comforting treat.