If you have a soft spot for buttery, nutty cookies that practically melt in your mouth, this Pecan Sandies Recipe is going to become your new favorite treat. These delightful cookies combine the rich flavor of buttery dough with the satisfying crunch of toasted pecans, creating a perfect balance of texture and taste. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a casual coffee break, or a gift, these Pecan Sandies have that classic homemade charm that everyone loves. Plus, they are simple enough to prepare, making them a joy to bake again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Keeping the ingredients straightforward is what makes this recipe so approachable, yet each one adds something special to the final cookie. From the creamy butter to the crunchy pecans, every element plays a vital role in crafting these irresistible sandies.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Provides a rich, creamy base that ensures the cookies are tender and flavorful without any extra saltiness.
- Granulated sugar (½ cup): Adds sweetness and helps give the cookie its signature delicate crunch.
- Light brown sugar (¼ cup, packed): Brings a subtle caramel note and helps keep the cookies moist and chewy.
- Large egg (1): Binds the ingredients together and contributes to the cookie’s soft texture.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavor with a warm, fragrant touch.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances the nutty flavor of the pecans.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): The structure builder, providing a soft yet sturdy crumb.
- Chopped pecans (1 cup): The star ingredient that adds a rich, buttery crunch and a nutty twist to every bite.
How to Make Pecan Sandies Recipe
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars
Start by beating the softened unsalted butter together with both the granulated and brown sugars until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and almost pale in color. This crucial step incorporates air into the dough, giving your Pecan Sandies that wonderfully tender texture.
Step 2: Add the Egg and Vanilla
Next, beat in the large egg and vanilla extract into your creamy mixture until fully incorporated. The egg provides moisture and structure while the vanilla adds a heavenly aromatic layer that will shine through the cookies.
Step 3: Incorporate Salt and Flour
Stir in the salt to balance the sweetness, then gradually sift in the all-purpose flour, mixing just until everything comes together. Overmixing here can make the cookies tough, so be gentle to keep them tender.
Step 4: Fold in the Chopped Pecans
Gently fold in the chopped pecans, distributing that nutty goodness evenly throughout the dough. The pecans not only add fantastic texture but also provide a delightful flavor contrast that makes these cookies stand out.
Step 5: Shape and Chill the Dough
Form the dough into a log shape about one and a half inches thick. Wrapping it tightly in wax paper or plastic wrap and chilling it in the refrigerator for at least four hours (or overnight) helps the flavors meld and firms up the dough for cleaner slices.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Once chilled, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Slice the dough log into half-inch thick rounds and arrange them on an ungreased baking sheet with a little room to spread. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the edges turn lightly golden brown, then cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. The result is a perfect balance of buttery, crumbly, and nutty.
How to Serve Pecan Sandies Recipe
Garnishes
Pecan Sandies shine on their own, but feel free to dust them with a bit of powdered sugar for an elegant touch. Adding a few whole pecans on top before baking can give that beautiful rustic look and extra nutty crunch.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a warm cup of coffee, tea, or even a glass of cold milk. They also serve as a lovely complement to ice cream or a fruit compote for a more decadent dessert spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Wrap a stack of Pecan Sandies in parchment paper tied with twine for charming gift-giving. Or arrange them on a festive platter alongside other holiday cookies for a delightful cookie exchange.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Pecan Sandies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay perfectly soft and flavorful for up to a week—making it easy to enjoy them whenever the craving strikes.
Freezing
You can freeze the dough log after shaping and wrapping it, allowing you to bake fresh batches anytime. When ready, simply slice from frozen and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
Reheating
If you prefer your Pecan Sandies warm, pop them in a low oven or microwave for a few seconds. This revives their buttery aroma and makes them feel freshly baked all over again.
FAQs
Can I use different nuts instead of pecans?
Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds work beautifully as substitutes, giving a slightly different flavor and texture while still complementing the buttery cookie base.
Do I have to chill the dough before baking?
Chilling is highly recommended because it firms the dough, making it easier to slice and helps the cookies hold their shape while baking. It also deepens the overall flavor.
How do I prevent my Pecan Sandies from spreading too much?
Chilling the dough thoroughly and slicing it into firm rounds helps prevent excessive spreading. Also, using cooled baking sheets for multiple batches keeps the dough chilled between bakes.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, by swapping all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking, you can enjoy Pecan Sandies without gluten. Just ensure the blend contains xanthan gum for proper texture.
Why are my Pecan Sandies crumbly?
These cookies are meant to have a tender, crumbly texture, but if they’re falling apart too much, try not to overbake and make sure the butter is well incorporated to bind the dough evenly.
Final Thoughts
With their buttery richness and the perfect crunch of chopped pecans, this Pecan Sandies Recipe offers a timeless classic that’s as comforting as it is delicious. I hope you’ll enjoy baking and sharing these cookies as much as I do—they make every moment a little sweeter. Give this recipe a try, and soon you’ll see why Pecan Sandies hold a special spot in so many hearts and kitchens.
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
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Classic Pecan Sandies are buttery, tender cookies loaded with chopped pecans. These delightful shortbread-style cookies have a rich, nutty flavor and a crumbly texture, perfect for any occasion or holiday treat.
Ingredients
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 butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which takes about 5 to 7 minutes. This step helps create a tender and airy texture in the cookies.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and the vanilla extract until they are fully incorporated into the butter and sugar mixture, ensuring a smooth batter.
- Mix in Salt and Flour: Stir in the salt, then gradually add the all-purpose flour while mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
- Fold in Pecans: Gently fold in the chopped pecans, evenly distributing them throughout the dough.
- Shape Dough into Log: Shape the dough into a log approximately 1½ inches thick, which will make slicing easier after chilling.
- Chill the Dough: Wrap the log tightly in wax paper or plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to firm up the dough and enhance the cookie texture.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) to prepare for baking the cookies.
- Slice the Dough: Remove the chilled dough from the refrigerator and slice it into ½-inch thick rounds carefully to maintain the shape.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the cookie rounds on an ungreased baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart to allow for spreading during baking.
- Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies for 12 to 15 minutes, until the edges turn a light golden brown, indicating they are done.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes to set, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- You can substitute pecans with walnuts if preferred.
- Refrigerating the dough overnight will improve the texture and flavor development.
- Ensure butter is softened, not melted, for optimal creaming results.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend.
