Irresistible Pecan Sandies: A Classic Cookie Recipe

Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with the timeless charm of Pecan Sandies! These delightful cookies boast a perfect balance of buttery richness, nutty crunch, and sweet indulgence. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can create a batch of these homemade treats that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Join us on a culinary journey as we uncover the secrets to crafting the perfect Pecan Sandies, sure to become a beloved favorite in your baking repertoire.

Ingredients:

• Baking & Spices
  • 2 cups All-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup Confectioners’ sugar
  • 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 1 tbsp Vanilla extract
• Nuts & Seeds
  • 2 cups Pecans
• Dairy
  • 1 cup Butter

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone baking mats and set aside.
2. Prepare the Pecans: Spread the pecans evenly on a baking sheet and toast them in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until fragrant and lightly golden. Allow the toasted pecans to cool completely, then chop them into small pieces. Set aside.
3. Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and confectioners’ sugar until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and mix until well combined.
4. Gradually add the flour and salt to the butter mixture, mixing until a smooth dough forms. Fold in the chopped pecans until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
5. Shape the Cookies: Using a cookie scoop or spoon, portion out the dough and roll it into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them at least 2 inches apart.
6. Flatten the Cookies: Use the bottom of a glass or the palm of your hand to gently flatten each dough ball into a round disc, about 1/4 inch thick.
7. Bake to Perfection: Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Enjoy and Indulge: Once the cookies are completely cooled, serve and enjoy these delectable Pecan Sandies with a cold glass of milk or your favorite hot beverage. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.

Cook Notes and Variations:

• Customize the Texture: For a softer cookie texture, reduce the baking time slightly to achieve a chewier consistency. Conversely, if you prefer a crispier cookie, extend the baking time by a few minutes until the edges are deeply golden brown.
• Enhance the Flavor: Experiment with different variations of nuts and seeds to add a unique twist to your Pecan Sandies. Try substituting pecans with walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts for a different flavor profile.
• Add a Hint of Spice: Elevate the flavor of your cookies by incorporating warm spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves into the dough. Simply add a teaspoon or two of your favorite spices to the dough mixture for a deliciously aromatic touch.
• Drizzle with Chocolate: For an extra indulgent treat, drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookies or dip them halfway into melted chocolate before allowing them to set. This adds a decadent layer of richness that pairs perfectly with the buttery pecan flavor.

Keto and Low-Carb Versions:

• Keto-Friendly Option: To make keto-friendly Pecan Sandies, substitute almond flour for the all-purpose flour and use a low-carb sweetener such as erythritol or stevia instead of confectioners’ sugar. Additionally, opt for unsalted butter to control the salt content. Adjust the baking time as needed, as almond flour tends to brown more quickly than traditional flour.
• Low-Carb Twist: For a lower-carb version, reduce the amount of flour used in the recipe and increase the proportion of chopped pecans. You can also incorporate a combination of almond flour and coconut flour for a lighter texture while still maintaining the nutty flavor. Be sure to adjust the sweetness to your liking by using a sugar-free sweetener.

In conclusion, Pecan Sandies are a classic cookie recipe that never fails to delight with their irresistible combination of buttery goodness and nutty crunch. Whether enjoyed as an afternoon treat, a holiday indulgence, or a homemade gift for loved ones, these cookies are sure to bring joy to any occasion. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, baking a batch of Pecan Sandies is a delightful way to embrace the joys of homemade goodness. So, roll up your sleeves, preheat your oven, and let the aroma of freshly baked cookies fill your kitchen as you embark on this delicious baking adventure!