Pecan Sandies Recipe

If you’ve been on the hunt for a buttery, crumbly, nutty cookie that’s downright irresistible, look no further. This Pecan Sandies Recipe is one of my all-time favorites—perfectly melt-in-your-mouth with just the right amount of crunch from those toasted pecans. I absolutely love how these cookies come together with minimal fuss, yet pack so much flavor and texture. Stick around, and I’ll share exactly how to make these delicious treats step-by-step, plus loads of tips to make sure your batch turns out perfect every time.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

To get these perfectly tender Pecan Sandies, you’ll want to use quality butter and fresh pecans, which really elevate the flavor. It’s amazing what just a few simple ingredients can turn into when combined just right.

• Unsalted Butter: Make sure it’s softened to room temperature so it creams easily with the sugar.
• Confectioners’ Sugar: This adds a smooth sweetness and helps create that tender crumb texture.
• Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla rounds out the flavor beautifully—don’t skip it!
• All-Purpose Flour: Basic pantry staple, the backbone for the cookie dough’s structure.
• Pecans: Finely chopped pecans give you the signature nutty crunch; toasting them lightly brings out even more flavor.

Variations

I love making this recipe my own depending on the season or mood. Feel free to get creative—you’ll find these cookies are forgiving and perfect for experimenting.

• Swap Nuts: If pecans aren’t your thing, I’ve had great results using walnuts or almonds instead. The flavor shifts a bit but stays delicious.
• Chocolate Chip Pecan Sandies: Adding mini chocolate chips is my little secret for a slightly more indulgent treat the whole family loves.
• Gluten-Free Version: Substitute the flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend—just be sure to chill the dough a bit longer for clean slicing.
• Shape It Up: Sometimes I roll the dough out and use cookie cutters to make festive shapes, especially around holidays.

How to Make Pecan Sandies Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Start by beating the softened butter and confectioners’ sugar in a stand mixer or with a hand mixer on medium speed. Keep going until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. This step is key for that melt-in-your-mouth texture—if you rush it, the cookies might turn out denser than you want, so give it the time it deserves.

Step 2: Add Vanilla, Flour, and Pecans

Mix in the vanilla extract until just combined. Then, gradually add the all-purpose flour on low speed to avoid a floury cloud in your kitchen (I speak from experience!). Toss in the chopped pecans and mix gently. Finally, bump the mixer to high speed for about a minute. You’ll see the dough change—it becomes more crumbly and less dry, which is exactly what you want.

Step 3: Shape and Chill the Dough

Divide the dough in half, then form each half into a 2-inch diameter log. You can roll it thicker, but the thinner logs make for perfectly sized cookies. Wrap each log tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight. This chilling step is what firms up the dough so slicing is easier and cookies hold their shape beautifully.

Step 4: Slice and Bake

When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. Use a sharp, long knife to cut the chilled logs into ¼ to ½ inch slices. Place the slices about an inch apart on the baking sheets. Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the edges just start to turn golden. Watch them closely—overbaking dries these babies out.

Step 5: Cool Before Enjoying

After baking, let the cookies cool on the pan for about 5 minutes—their texture is fragile when hot. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. I promise, patience here is worth it when you bite into that gentle crumble and buttery pecan crunch.

How to Serve Pecan Sandies Recipe

Garnishes

I usually enjoy my pecan sandies plain—they’re perfect as is—but if you’re feeling fancy, dusting them lightly with extra confectioners’ sugar adds a pretty snowy finish. Sometimes when I’m hosting, I add a tiny drizzle of melted dark chocolate for a touch of elegance and extra indulgence.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of hot coffee, tea, or even a cold glass of milk. For holiday gatherings, I like to serve them alongside spiced cider or mulled wine, which complements the nutty flavors beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I arrange pecan sandies in a decorative tin layered with parchment paper, tied with a rustic ribbon—makes a gorgeous homemade gift. I’ve also stacked them with fresh berries and whipped cream to create a fun cookie parfait that’s always a hit at parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your pecan sandies have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. I usually keep mine in a cookie tin or glass jar with a tight lid. They stay fresh and tender for about 4 days, perfect for nibbling throughout the week.

Freezing

If you want to stash some for later, freeze the baked cookies in a single layer in an airtight container, with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. They hold up great in the freezer for up to 3 months. When cravings strike, just thaw at room temperature or gently warm in the oven.

Reheating

I reheat my leftover pecan sandies by popping them in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes. This refreshes their crisp edges while warming the interior softly—like they were just baked. Microwave reheating can make them a bit chewy, so I prefer the oven method.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

When I first tried this Pecan Sandies Recipe, I was amazed by how simple ingredients could transform into such a perfectly delicate biscuit with that signature nutty crunch. It’s one of those recipes that instantly became a family favorite and a go-to for cookie exchanges and holiday celebrations. Whether you keep it classic or try a fun variation, I’m confident you’ll enjoy every crumb as much as I do. Give it a shot—you won’t regret having these buttery pecan goodies in your cookie jar!

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