Pecan Sandies Cookies Recipe

Crunchy, buttery, and brimming with the nutty aroma of toasted pecans, this Pecan Sandies Cookies Recipe is the kind of treat you’ll want to bake on repeat. With a melt-in-your-mouth texture and a perfectly balanced sweetness, these classic cookies offer an irresistible, old-fashioned charm. Each bite is deeply satisfying, from the delicate, sandy crumb to the golden, caramelized edges. Homemade pecan sandies are proof that sometimes, the simplest recipes deliver the biggest bursts of comfort.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Pecan Sandies Cookies Recipe lies in its handful of pantry staples, each playing a vital role in achieving the signature sandy texture and rich, toasty flavor. Let’s talk about why each ingredient matters, so you get perfect cookies every time.

• Unsalted butter: Provides creamy richness and the base for that melt-in-your-mouth texture; make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
• Granulated sugar: Adds a gentle sweetness and essential structure to the cookies, balancing out the flavors.
• Light brown sugar (packed): Introduces a subtle molasses warmth and helps create an irresistibly tender crumb.
• All-purpose flour: The foundation that brings everything together, giving the cookies their signature sandy bite.
• Salt: Highlights all the flavors and prevents the sweetness from becoming overwhelming.
• Vanilla extract: Adds a fragrant backbone that ties the whole cookie together with a hint of warmth.
• Pecans (coarsely chopped, divided): The star of the show; their crunch and nutty flavor are absolutely essential, and rolling the dough balls in extra pecans means more toasted bits in every bite.

How to Make Pecan Sandies Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring it’s hot by the time your dough is ready. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and guarantee perfectly golden bottoms—plus, cleanup is a breeze.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In your stand mixer with the paddle attachment, or using a handheld mixer, beat the softened butter with granulated and brown sugars on medium speed. Aim for a light, airy texture—this usually takes about 2-5 minutes and ensures your Pecan Sandies Cookies Recipe bakes up tender and not dense.

Step 3: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients and Vanilla

Reduce your mixer speed to low. Add the flour, salt, and vanilla extract, mixing until just combined. Over-mixing at this stage can make the cookies tough, so stop as soon as everything looks cohesive and soft.

Step 4: Stir in Chopped Pecans

Switch to your mixer’s stir setting or do this step by hand. Gently fold in the coarsely chopped pecans, saving about ½ cup to coat the cookies later. This guarantees that pecan flavor permeates every single bite of your Pecan Sandies Cookies Recipe.

Step 5: Scoop and Shape the Dough

Using a 1 ½ tablespoon cookie scoop, portion out the dough into even balls. Roll each ball in your reserved chopped pecans, pressing lightly so the nuts stick. This extra layer delivers extra crunch and visual appeal.

Step 6: Arrange and Flatten the Cookies

Place each dough ball on your prepared baking sheet, spacing them so they have room to spread. Gently flatten each ball with the bottom of a glass or Pyrex measuring cup. This step shapes your cookies and helps them bake evenly.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for 14-16 minutes, or just until the edges look golden brown. Watch carefully in the last few minutes; this is the key to achieving that signature sandy crispness without overbaking.

Step 8: Cool and Savor

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes so they set and can be transferred without breaking. Move them to a wire rack to cool completely. Their texture improves as they cool, becoming even more perfectly crumbly and sandy.

How to Serve Pecan Sandies Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

For an elegant touch, dust your cookies lightly with powdered sugar, or drizzle them with a bit of melted chocolate for extra indulgence. Even a tiny sprinkle of flaky sea salt can elevate the nutty flavors and make every bite pop.

Side Dishes

Pecan sandies are heavenly alongside a cup of strong black coffee, classic tea, or even a rich hot chocolate. Serve them with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a sophisticated dessert pairing.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange these beauties on a vintage platter for tea time, stack them in clear cellophane bags as charming edible gifts, or line a cookie tin to brighten someone’s day. They’re also perfect crumbled over yogurt or ice cream for added crunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled completely, store your Pecan Sandies Cookies Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll retain their scrumptious crunch for up to a week, making them ideal for planning ahead or indulging over time.

Freezing

If you want to bake in advance (or save some for a rainy day), freeze the fully baked cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe container with parchment between layers. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 3 months, ready for whenever a craving hits.

Reheating

While these cookies are divine at room temperature, you can revive their fresh-baked aroma by warming them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 3 minutes. This makes the pecans extra aromatic and restores that irresistible crumbly bite.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, you can use salted butter if that’s what you have on hand. Just reduce the added salt in the recipe to about ¼ teaspoon to avoid overly salty cookies.

Do I really need to roll the dough in extra pecans?

Absolutely! Rolling in extra pecans isn’t just for looks—it gives every bite an extra layer of nutty crunch, which is a signature touch of the Pecan Sandies Cookies Recipe.

What’s the best way to chop pecans?

Coarsely chop the pecans by hand with a sharp knife, so you get some larger pieces for crunch. Using a food processor can make the nuts too fine, which won’t give your cookies that classic texture.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Definitely! Prepare the dough, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 48 hours. Let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before scooping and baking for the best results.

Why are my cookies too crumbly or dry?

If your cookies turn out overly crumbly, double check your flour measurements and avoid overbaking. Using a kitchen scale for flour helps, and keep an eye on the baking time!

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to fill your kitchen with warm, nutty aromas and share a classic treat that charms everyone, don’t wait—gather your ingredients and bake up this Pecan Sandies Cookies Recipe! Each bite is pure buttery bliss, and once you try them, they’ll earn a spot in your cookie rotation forever.

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