Pecan Sandies

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Soft, crumbly, and delightfully nutty — Pecan Sandies are the ultimate treat when you’re craving something comforting and buttery. These melt-in-your-mouth cookies are rich with toasted pecans and a delicate crunch of sugar on top, making them an irresistible addition to any cookie tray. Whether paired with a warm mug of tea or offered as a sweet finish to a dinner party, they always feel like home.

Their simplicity is what makes them so charming. No elaborate decorations or tricky techniques — just quality ingredients and a few thoughtful steps. The blend of real butter, vanilla, and roasted pecans creates a nostalgic, old-fashioned flavor that never goes out of style. Once you try these, they’re bound to become a repeat request from anyone lucky enough to get a taste.

Why You’ll Love This Pecan Sandies Recipe

• The texture is perfectly tender, with a crisp edge and a buttery, crumbly center.
• No fancy ingredients — just pantry staples and fresh pecans.
• Quick to prepare and bake, making them ideal for last-minute dessert needs.
• Freezer-friendly dough means you can bake a fresh batch anytime.
• Classic taste that appeals to both kids and adults alike.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use (Essential Tools and Their Importance)

To make flawless Pecan Sandies, gather the right tools before you begin:

• Mixing Bowls: Use medium and large bowls for dry and wet ingredients separately to ensure even mixing.
• Electric Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: Creaming butter and sugar to the right consistency is key — an electric mixer saves time and effort.
• Spatula: Perfect for scraping down the sides of the bowl so nothing goes to waste.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precision matters, especially for flour and butter ratios.
• Baking Sheet & Parchment Paper: Ensures even baking and easy cookie removal without sticking.
• Cookie Scoop or Spoon: Helps portion cookies evenly for uniform baking.

These basic tools ensure your cookies have the right texture and bake evenly without sticking or spreading too much.

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Preparation Tips

Use room-temperature butter to achieve that smooth, creamy consistency when creaming with sugar — cold butter won’t mix well, and melted butter will throw off the texture. Lightly toast your pecans before chopping to bring out their full flavor; just a few minutes in the oven makes a big difference. Don’t overmix the dough once the flour goes in — overworking can make the cookies tough. And finally, chilling the dough before baking (even for 30 minutes) can help prevent the cookies from spreading too thin while enhancing the flavor.

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Ingredients for this Pecan Sandies Recipe

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (plus extra for topping)
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/4 cups finely chopped pecans (lightly toasted for best flavor)

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Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, use a stand mixer or electric hand mixer to beat the softened butter until smooth. Add the granulated sugar and powdered sugar, and continue mixing for 2–3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for creating the tender texture of the cookies.

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Step 2: Add Vanilla Extract

Pour in the vanilla extract and mix until just incorporated. This enhances the cookie’s flavor profile with a warm, sweet aroma.

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Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures the leavening agent and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour, which leads to consistent cookies.

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Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Gradually add the flour mixture into the butter mixture, mixing on low speed. Once the flour is mostly combined, switch to a spatula or wooden spoon to avoid overmixing.

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Step 5: Fold in the Pecans

Gently fold in the finely chopped toasted pecans until evenly distributed throughout the dough. Be careful not to overwork the dough at this stage.

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Step 6: Chill the Dough

Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This helps solidify the fats in the dough, which prevents spreading during baking and intensifies the flavor.

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Step 7: Preheat the Oven and Prep Baking Sheet

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to ensure cookies bake evenly and don’t stick.

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Step 8: Shape the Cookies

Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, scoop out equal portions of dough. Roll each portion into a ball and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each. Flatten slightly with your palm or the bottom of a glass. Optional: sprinkle tops lightly with granulated sugar for a sweet crust.

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Step 9: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden. The tops should remain pale. Avoid overbaking as it will lead to a dry texture.

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Step 10: Cool and Serve

Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy warm or store for later use.

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Notes

For the best flavor, always toast the pecans lightly before adding them to the dough — just 5–7 minutes in a 350°F oven brings out their nutty aroma. When shaping your cookies, aim for uniformity so they bake evenly. And don’t skip chilling the dough; it really helps maintain that perfect round shape and tender texture during baking. Lastly, letting the cookies cool fully before storing ensures they stay crisp on the outside without turning soggy.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Skipping the chilling step: This leads to cookies that spread too much and lose their form.
• Overbaking: Pecan Sandies should remain pale on top; too much browning makes them dry.
• Not measuring flour properly: Always spoon and level your flour — scooping packs in more than needed.
• Using cold butter: It won’t cream properly, leading to dense cookies.
• Forgetting to toast pecans: Un-toasted nuts can taste bland and dull in this recipe.

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Storage Instructions

Allow cookies to cool completely before storing. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies for up to 2 months, separating layers with parchment paper. You can also freeze the unbaked dough — simply shape into balls and freeze on a tray before transferring to a bag or container. When ready to bake, let them thaw slightly, flatten, and bake as directed.

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Estimated Nutrition (Per Cookie, based on 24 cookies per batch)

• Calories: 160
• Total Fat: 11g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Cholesterol: 20mg
• Sodium: 70mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 14g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 6g
• Protein: 1.5g

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Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Pecan Sandies different from other cookies?

Pecan Sandies have a shortbread-like texture — crumbly, buttery, and not overly sweet — with crunchy pecans throughout.

Can I make these cookies without nuts?

You can, but they won’t be true Pecan Sandies. You might substitute with mini chocolate chips for a twist.

How long should I toast the pecans?

Bake them at 350°F for 5–7 minutes, or until they smell fragrant and nutty. Let them cool before chopping.

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, just reduce the added salt in the recipe to a pinch or leave it out entirely.

Why do I need both granulated and powdered sugar?

Granulated sugar gives structure while powdered sugar contributes to the delicate, tender texture.

How do I know when they’re done baking?

The edges will be lightly golden, but the tops should remain pale. That’s how you preserve their soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely. It keeps well in the fridge for 2–3 days, or you can freeze it for up to 2 months.

Are Pecan Sandies suitable for gifting?

Definitely! Their sturdy texture and rich flavor make them perfect for packaging and mailing during holidays or special occasions.

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Conclusion

Pecan Sandies are a timeless classic that combines a buttery base with the rich crunch of toasted pecans. Their simplicity and nostalgic flavor make them a favorite across generations. Easy to bake and even easier to enjoy, these cookies are perfect for any occasion — from everyday treats to festive holiday trays. With the right ingredients and a few smart techniques, you’ll master this melt-in-your-mouth cookie in no time.

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