Homemade Pecan Sandies

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What makes Pecan Sandies stand out is their unique texture—somewhere between a shortbread and a classic cookie. The finely chopped pecans add a delightful crunch, while the butter-based dough ensures each bite is soft and flavorful. They’re easy to bake, store well, and make excellent gifts during the holidays or for special celebrations.

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Why You’ll Love This Homemade Pecan Sandies Recipe

Homemade Pecan Sandies are more than just cookies—they’re an experience. You’ll love how they require only a few pantry staples yet deliver rich, buttery flavor. They are quick to prepare and don’t need any fancy techniques. The result is a batch of cookies with the perfect balance of sweetness and nuttiness, ideal for both everyday snacking and festive gatherings. Plus, their beautiful simplicity means they’re always a crowd favorite.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before you begin crafting your Homemade Pecan Sandies, it’s essential to set up your kitchen for success. Having the right tools on hand can make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Mixing Bowls: You’ll need at least two mixing bowls—one for creaming the butter and sugar, and another for combining the dry ingredients. A medium to large-sized bowl works best.

Electric Mixer (Hand or Stand Mixer): This tool is crucial for creaming the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, which is key to achieving the cookies’ delicate texture.

Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are vital in baking. Dry and liquid measuring tools will ensure the perfect balance of ingredients.

Rubber Spatula: For folding in the chopped pecans and scraping down the sides of the bowl, a flexible spatula is very helpful.

Baking Sheet: A sturdy, rimmed baking sheet ensures even heat distribution, helping the cookies bake uniformly.

Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mat: This prevents the cookies from sticking and makes for easy cleanup.

Cooling Rack: Allowing the cookies to cool on a wire rack helps maintain their crisp edges while the centers remain tender.

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Preparation Tips

• Bring Butter to Room Temperature: Softened butter is easier to cream with sugar, creating a lighter texture in the final cookie.
• Toast the Pecans (Optional): For an extra depth of flavor, lightly toast the pecans in the oven or on the stovetop before chopping them.
• Chill the Dough: If your kitchen is warm, chilling the dough for 20–30 minutes can help the cookies maintain their shape during baking.
• Uniform Cookie Size: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion out the dough evenly. This ensures the cookies bake at the same rate.
• Don’t Overmix: Once you add the flour, mix just until combined to keep the cookies tender and avoid a tough texture.

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Ingredients for This Homemade Pecan Sandies Recipe

To bake a batch of these delightful cookies, you’ll need a handful of simple, quality ingredients. Each one plays an important role in achieving that signature taste and texture.

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  The backbone of the cookie’s rich, buttery flavor and tender crumb.
• 3/4 cup powdered sugar
  Adds sweetness while keeping the texture light and smooth.
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  Enhances the overall flavor with warm, aromatic notes.
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
  Provides structure while keeping the cookie light and crumbly.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
  Balances the sweetness and elevates the nutty flavors.
• 1 cup finely chopped pecans
  The star ingredient, offering a satisfying crunch and toasty flavor.
• Whole pecan halves (optional, for garnish)
  Pressed on top of each cookie for a beautiful presentation.

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Step 1: Preheat the Oven & Prepare the Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

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Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed. Beat until the mixture is light, fluffy, and smooth—this usually takes about 2–3 minutes. Add in the vanilla extract and beat for another few seconds to incorporate.

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Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until the dough starts to come together.

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Step 4: Add the Chopped Pecans

Using a rubber spatula or the mixer on low, fold in the finely chopped pecans until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

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Step 5: Shape the Cookies

Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into small balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. If desired, press a whole pecan half on top of each dough ball for a decorative touch.

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Step 6: Bake the Cookies

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies turn a light golden brown. Keep an eye on them—overbaking can make them too dry.

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Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Transfer them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely. Once cooled, enjoy your delicious Homemade Pecan Sandies!

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Notes

• Toasting the Pecans: Toasting the pecans before adding them to the dough can intensify their flavor. Simply spread them on a baking sheet and toast at 350°F (175°C) for about 5–7 minutes. Let them cool before chopping.
• Chilling the Dough: If your kitchen is particularly warm, chilling the dough for 20–30 minutes will help the cookies maintain their shape during baking.
• Flavor Variations: Add a hint of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, spiced version of these cookies.
• Gift Idea: Homemade Pecan Sandies make a lovely edible gift. Package them in a decorative tin or box lined with parchment paper.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overmixing the Dough: Once you add the flour, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of that desired tender crumb.
• Skipping the Butter Softening: Using cold butter will make it difficult to properly cream the butter and sugar, affecting the texture.
• Overbaking: Keep an eye on the cookies in the final minutes. They should be just lightly golden on the edges. Overbaking will result in dry, crumbly cookies.
• Using Too Much Flour: Be sure to measure your flour correctly—spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off. Too much flour can make the dough too dry.
• Forgetting to Toast Pecans (if desired): Toasted pecans offer a deeper, richer flavor. If you want maximum nuttiness, don’t skip this optional step.
• Crowding the Baking Sheet: Leave enough space between cookies so they can spread slightly and bake evenly.

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What to Serve With Homemade Pecan Sandies?

While these cookies are delightful on their own, pairing them with the right accompaniments can elevate the experience. Here are some ideas to inspire your next serving:

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8 Recommendations

1. Hot Coffee or Espresso
   The buttery, nutty flavors of Pecan Sandies pair wonderfully with a robust cup of coffee.
2. Chai Latte
   The warm spices in chai complement the subtle sweetness and richness of the cookies.
3. Vanilla Ice Cream
   Crumble a few cookies over vanilla ice cream for a simple but decadent dessert.
4. Assorted Fruit Platter
   Serve alongside fresh berries, sliced apples, or pears to balance the richness of the cookies.
5. Dark Chocolate Ganache
   Dip half of each cookie in ganache or serve with a small pot of chocolate for drizzling.
6. Cheese Board
   Surprisingly, these cookies can add a sweet, nutty contrast to a cheese board, especially with aged cheddar or brie.
7. Herbal Tea
   Pair with a mild herbal tea such as chamomile or mint for a soothing afternoon treat.
8. Sparkling Wine or Champagne
   For festive occasions, a glass of bubbly complements the crisp, buttery texture of the cookies beautifully.

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Storage Instructions

Room Temperature:
Store your Homemade Pecan Sandies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and delicious for up to one week. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent the cookies from sticking to one another.

Freezing:
For longer storage, you can freeze both baked cookies and unbaked dough:

• Baked cookies: Place in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Unbaked dough: Roll the dough into balls and freeze on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a zip-top bag. When ready to bake, no need to thaw—just add a minute or two to the baking time.

Pro Tip: If you’re making a large batch for gifting or holiday trays, freezing is a great way to get ahead on your baking.

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Estimated Nutrition

The following estimates are based on a single cookie (assuming the recipe yields about 24 cookies):

• Calories: 140
• Total Fat: 11g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
• Cholesterol: 20mg
• Sodium: 50mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 10g
  • Sugars: 4g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 1g

Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on the specific ingredients and brands you use.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, you can use salted butter. If you do, simply omit the additional 1/4 teaspoon of salt from the recipe to balance the flavor.

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2. Do I need to toast the pecans?

Toasting is optional but highly recommended. It enhances the pecans’ natural flavor, adding more depth to the cookies.

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3. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! The dough can be made 1–2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just let it sit at room temperature for about 10–15 minutes before scooping and baking.

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4. Can I freeze the dough?

Yes, the dough freezes beautifully. Roll into balls and freeze on a tray, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake directly from frozen—just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

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5. What if I don’t have a mixer?

You can mix the dough by hand with a sturdy wooden spoon, but it will take a bit more effort to properly cream the butter and sugar.

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6. Can I substitute other nuts?

Of course! While pecans give this cookie its signature flavor, you can easily substitute walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts if you prefer.

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7. Why did my cookies spread too much?

This often happens if the butter was too warm or the dough wasn’t chilled. Chilling the dough helps the cookies hold their shape better during baking.

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8. Are these cookies good for gifting?

Yes! Homemade Pecan Sandies are perfect for gifting. Pack them in a festive tin or box with parchment paper, and they’ll stay fresh for several days.

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Conclusion

Homemade Pecan Sandies are a timeless treat that combines simple ingredients with irresistible flavor. Their rich, buttery crumb and nutty crunch make them perfect for everyday snacking, holiday cookie trays, or thoughtful gifts. Whether you enjoy them with a warm beverage or as part of a dessert spread, these cookies are sure to become a cherished favorite in your kitchen. With easy preparation and delightful results, they’re a recipe you’ll turn to again and again. Happy baking!

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