Buttery Pecan Sandies Cookies Recipe: Sweet Shortbread Joy

Soft, buttery pecan sandies dance between crisp texture and mellow sweetness, promising a delightful crunch with every bite.

Delicate nutty flavors mingle through each carefully crafted morsel.

Homemade comfort beckons from your kitchen counter.

Classic southern baking traditions shine through these simple yet elegant treats.

Minimal ingredients combine to create maximum satisfaction.

North American cookie lovers will adore these melt-in-your-mouth delights.

Come savor the magic of these irresistible pecan sandies that whisper pure indulgence.

Why Pecan Sandies Cookies Are So Popular

• Bake with Minimal Effort: These pecan sandies require simple steps and basic ingredients, making them perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Create Crowd-Pleasing Treats: The combination of buttery texture and nutty pecan flavor ensures these cookies will be a hit at gatherings, potlucks, and family events.
• Customize Your Comfort Cookie: Easily adapt the recipe by adjusting pecan quantities or adding a light dusting of powdered sugar for extra sweetness and visual appeal.
• Perfect Weekend Baking Project: Enjoy a relaxing baking experience with a recipe that delivers delicious results without complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients.

Ingredients Needed For Pecan Sandies Cookies

• Flour: The foundational dry ingredient that provides structure to the cookies.
• Butter: Creates a rich, tender texture and adds deep flavor to the sandies.
• Pecans: Delivers a nutty crunch and signature taste to the classic cookie.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with cookie browning and texture.
• Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and a deeper caramel-like sweetness to the cookies.

• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its warm, aromatic notes.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the depth of other ingredients.

• Parchment Paper: Ensures easy cookie removal and prevents sticking during baking.

How To Bake Pecan Sandies Cookies

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to 350F (175C). Spread a sheet of parchment paper across your baking tray to create a perfect non-stick surface.

Step 2: Whip Up the Base

Grab a spacious mixing bowl and blend softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Whip these ingredients until they transform into a fluffy, cloud-like mixture that looks absolutely dreamy.

Step 3: Infuse with Flavor

Pour in the vanilla extract and give it a good stir. Slowly introduce flour and salt to the mixture, stirring gently until everything just comes together without overmixing.

Step 4: Welcome the Nutty Goodness

• Chopped pecans

Fold them through the dough, making sure each bite will have a crunchy nutty surprise.

Step 5: Shape with Love

Roll the dough into adorable little balls, each about an inch wide. Place them on your prepared baking sheet and use your palm to give each one a gentle, loving pat to flatten slightly.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the tray into the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. Watch for those edges to turn a beautiful golden brown. Once done, let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for a few moments before transferring to a cooling rack to reach their final, crispy glory.

Pro Tips For Pecan Sandies Cookies

• Toast Pecans First: Lightly toast pecans in a dry skillet before chopping to enhance their nutty flavor and add extra depth to the cookies.
• Chill Dough Briefly: Refrigerate the cookie dough for 15-20 minutes before shaping to prevent spreading and maintain a perfect round shape.
• Don't Overbake: Watch cookies closely during the last few minutes of baking to ensure they remain soft and tender with just golden edges.
• Use Room Temperature Butter: Ensure butter is softened but not melted for the perfect creamy texture and consistent cookie consistency.
• Store Smartly: Keep cookies in an airtight container with a piece of bread to maintain their softness and prevent them from becoming dry.

Variation Ideas For Pecan Sandies Cookies

• Almond Crunch Cookies: Replace pecans with sliced almonds for a different nutty flavor and crisp texture.
• Gluten-Free Version: Swap regular flour with gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make cookies suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Chocolate Chip Pecan Sandies: Mix in mini chocolate chips alongside chopped pecans for a sweet and nutty combination.
• Maple Pecan Variation: Substitute part of the granulated sugar with maple syrup for a rich, caramel-like undertone in the cookies.

Pairing Recommendations For Pecan Sandies Cookies

• Pair Creamy Coffee: Brew a smooth, medium-roast coffee that complements the nutty, buttery notes of the pecan sandies. The warm coffee highlights the cookie's rich, toasted pecan flavor.
• Enhance with Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream alongside these cookies for a delightful contrast. The cold, sweet vanilla perfectly balances the warm, crumbly texture of the sandies.
• Match with Sweet Dessert Wine: Select a light, sweet dessert wine like Moscato or Sauternes. Its delicate sweetness and smooth profile beautifully accentuate the cookies' subtle nutty undertones.
• Create Caramel Drizzle Pairing: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the cookies to elevate their rich, buttery character.

Storage Advice For Pecan Sandies Cookies

• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container lined with parchment paper between layers. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 7 days, maintaining their crisp texture and delicious flavor.
• Wrap unbaked cookie dough tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
• Place completely cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pecan Sandies Cookies

• How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?

Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to help maintain the cookie’s shape and prevent excessive spreading.

• Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to prevent the cookies from becoming too salty.

• What if my pecans are too large?

Roughly chop the pecans into smaller pieces to ensure even distribution and better texture throughout the cookie.

• How can I tell if the cookies are done baking?

Look for golden brown edges and a slightly firm center. The cookies will continue to set as they cool on the baking sheet.

Pecan Sandies Cookies Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 27-30 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Pecan sandies cookies melt with buttery Southern charm, bringing nostalgic comfort to classic dessert lovers. Crisp, nutty edges and delicate crumb invite warm memories of grandmother’s kitchen, promising delightful moments you’ll savor.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (226 grams)

Sugars:

• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar

Flavor and Seasoning:

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare workspace by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper and heating the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, whip softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until the mixture becomes airy and pale.
3. Introduce vanilla extract and blend thoroughly into the creamy sugar-butter base.
4. Gradually incorporate flour and salt, stirring gently until the dough forms a cohesive texture without overmixing.
5. Gently fold chopped pecans throughout the dough, ensuring even distribution of nutty fragments.
6. Roll the dough into compact, uniform spheres approximately 1-inch in diameter.
7. Delicately press each dough ball using your palm, creating a slightly flattened circular shape on the prepared baking sheet.
8. Position the cookie sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, watching for golden-brown edges as an indicator of doneness.
9. Remove from oven and allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 3-4 minutes to stabilize their structure.
10. Transfer cookies to a wire cooling rack, permitting them to reach complete room temperature for optimal texture and flavor.

Notes

• Toast pecans before chopping to enhance their nutty flavor and add a deeper, richer taste to the cookies.
• Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent spreading and create a more compact, tender cookie texture.
• Swap some all-purpose flour with almond flour for a gluten-free version that maintains a delicate, crumbly consistency.
• Roll cooled cookies in powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness and a classic sandies-style finish.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 220 kcal
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 55 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 35 mg