Pecan Sandies

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Pecan Sandies are the kind of cookie that brings back memories with every bite—crisp, buttery, and loaded with toasted pecan goodness. These classic shortbread-style cookies have a crumbly texture and rich flavor that make them perfect for pairing with a warm drink or serving as part of a holiday dessert tray. Their melt-in-your-mouth quality comes from a dough that doesn’t rely on eggs but instead uses butter and powdered sugar to create that signature tenderness.

What makes Pecan Sandies so special is their balance of simple ingredients and texture. The buttery base highlights the earthy sweetness of pecans, while a light dusting of sugar on the outside gives a delicate crunch. Whether you’re making them for a cozy night in or a cookie swap with friends, these cookies always feel a little extra nostalgic and a lot delicious.

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What Kind of Pecans Should I Use?

For the best Pecan Sandies, use fresh, lightly toasted pecans. Toasting brings out the natural oils and enhances the nutty flavor, giving the cookies that irresistible depth. Chop them finely so they blend seamlessly into the dough, adding texture without overwhelming each bite. Avoid pre-salted pecans as they can throw off the sweetness balance.

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Ingredients for the Pecan Sandies

Butter – The backbone of the cookie’s texture, unsalted butter gives Pecan Sandies their tender, melt-in-your-mouth feel. Be sure it’s softened for easy creaming.

Powdered Sugar – Unlike granulated sugar, powdered sugar dissolves more easily and contributes to the cookie’s smooth texture. It also helps keep the cookies from spreading too much.

All-Purpose Flour – This forms the structure of the cookie. A standard pantry staple that gives Sandies their classic body and bite.

Vanilla Extract – Just a splash enhances the buttery richness and deepens the flavor profile.

Salt – A small amount balances the sweetness and sharpens all the other flavors.

Pecans – Chopped and toasted, they’re the star ingredient. Their buttery crunch complements the soft texture of the cookie base.

Granulated Sugar (for rolling) – Adds a subtle, sparkly crunch on the outside that contrasts beautifully with the delicate cookie interior.

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How To Make the Pecan Sandies

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with powdered sugar until light and fluffy. This step is key to achieving that soft, delicate crumb.

Step 2: Add Vanilla and Salt

Mix in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. This enhances the buttery flavor and sets the foundation for a well-balanced cookie.

Step 3: Incorporate the Flour

Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the butter mixture. Mix just until combined—overmixing can toughen the dough. The dough will look crumbly but should hold together when pressed.

Step 4: Fold in the Pecans

Gently stir in the finely chopped toasted pecans. Make sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough to ensure each bite has that perfect nutty crunch.

Step 5: Shape and Roll

Scoop the dough into tablespoon-sized portions and roll each into a ball. Flatten slightly into discs and roll the edges or tops in granulated sugar for a light, sweet crust.

Step 6: Chill the Dough (Optional)

If the dough feels too soft, chill the formed cookies on the baking sheet for 15–20 minutes. This helps maintain their shape during baking.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Serve once completely cooled—or sneak one warm for the ultimate treat.

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How to Serve and Store Pecan Sandies

Pecan Sandies are best served at room temperature, ideally with a hot drink like coffee, tea, or hot cocoa. Their crumbly texture and buttery pecan flavor make them a perfect companion to cozy moments. You can also dress them up with a dusting of powdered sugar or dip one side in melted chocolate for an elegant twist.

To store them, keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe container, separated by parchment paper. They can be frozen for up to 2 months—just bring them back to room temp before serving.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know when the cookies are done?

Look for lightly golden edges. The centers may still look pale, but they will set as they cool. Avoid overbaking to keep the tender texture.

Can I use brown sugar instead of powdered sugar?

It’s not recommended for this recipe. Powdered sugar creates the soft, sandy texture Pecan Sandies are known for. Brown sugar would change both the texture and flavor.

Do I have to toast the pecans?

Toasting is optional, but it really enhances the nutty flavor and crunch. If you have a few extra minutes, it’s worth it.

Why does my dough look crumbly?

That’s totally normal. This dough is meant to be crumbly but should hold together when pressed. If it’s too dry, try kneading it gently with your hands to bring it together.

Can I freeze the dough instead of the baked cookies?

Yes! Shape the dough into balls and freeze them on a tray. Once frozen, store in a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen with an extra minute or two added to the bake time.

Are these cookies overly sweet?

Not at all. The sweetness is subtle, letting the butter and pecans shine. The sugar coating adds just the right touch of sweetness on the outside.

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Want More Cookie Ideas with a Twist?

If you’re loving these buttery Pecan Sandies, you’ll definitely want to try more cookies that combine comfort with a touch of creativity:

• Condensed Milk Snow Cookies for a melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s even creamier.
• Lemon Churro Cookies if you’re craving citrus brightness with a spiced sugar coating.
• Caramel Cheesecake Cookies for a richer bite that blends tangy and sweet.
• Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies for that classic southern flavor in cookie form.
• Zesty Lemon Oatmeal No-Bake Cookies when you want something easy, refreshing, and no oven required.

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Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how your batch turned out! Did you toast your pecans? Try adding a touch of cinnamon? Or maybe shaped them a little differently?

I love seeing your twists on classic recipes. Got questions or ideas? Drop them below and let’s bake better together!

For more daily dessert inspiration, check out my Pinterest page: Life with Jam on Pinterest

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