Pecan Sandies

Buttery, nutty, and incredibly delicious, these Pecan Sandies are the perfect treat for any occasion. Whether it’s a family gathering, a Christmas cookie exchange, or a simple snack, these cookies are sure to impress. Their rich flavor and delightful texture make them a standout choice that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple to Make: With just a few ingredients and straightforward steps, even beginner bakers can whip up these cookies effortlessly.
• Versatile Treat: These cookies can be enjoyed on their own or dressed up with chocolate chips or drizzled chocolate for an added twist.
• Perfect for Sharing: Ideal for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or cookie exchanges, making it easy to share the joy of baking.
• Customizable Ingredients: You can easily adjust the nuts or add spices to suit your taste preferences.
• Deliciously Nutty Flavor: The combination of pecans and buttery goodness creates a unique flavor that is hard to resist.

Tools and Preparation

To bake these delightful Pecan Sandies, you’ll need some essential tools in your kitchen. Having the right equipment makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or electric hand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Baking sheet
• Wax paper
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or electric hand mixer: These tools save time and effort when creaming butter and sugars together, ensuring a fluffy texture.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients efficiently without any mess.
• Baking sheet: A good quality baking sheet ensures even cooking and prevents sticking.
• Cooling rack: This allows cookies to cool evenly after baking, maintaining their texture.

Ingredients

To make delicious Pecan Sandies, gather the following ingredients:

For the Cookies

• 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup light brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• ¾ cup chopped pecans
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon salt

How to Make Pecan Sandies

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl using a stand mixer with paddle attachment or an electric hand mixer with beaters attached, cream together:
1. 1 cup unsalted butter,
2. ½ cup granulated sugar,
3. ¼ cup light brown sugar.

Mix until fluffy and fully blended; this should take about 5 to 7 minutes. The mixture will turn a pale yellow color.

Step 2: Add Egg and Vanilla

Next, beat in:
1. 1 large egg until well blended (about 1 minute).
2. Add in 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract.

Step 3: Incorporate Pecans

Gently fold in:
– ¾ cup chopped pecans until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 4: Mix in Flour and Salt

Carefully mix in:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour,
– ¼ teaspoon salt.

Be sure not to overmix; just combine until no flour is visible.

Step 5: Shape the Dough

Remove the dough from the mixer:
– Roll it into a log shape,
– Cover with wax paper,
– Refrigerate for at least 4 hours (you can also refrigerate overnight).

Step 6: Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to:
– 350°F/177°C, ensuring it’s ready for baking.

Step 7: Slice Dough

After refrigeration:
– Remove dough from the fridge,
– Discard wax paper,
– Slice cookie dough into ½ inch slices.

Step 8: Bake Cookies

Place sliced cookies on an ungreased baking sheet:
– Bake in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes until they are golden brown.

Step 9: Cool Down

Remove from oven:
– Let cool slightly,
– Transfer cookies to a cooling rack to finish cooling completely before serving.

Enjoy your freshly baked Pecan Sandies!

How to Serve Pecan Sandies

Pecan Sandies are versatile cookies that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you want a simple snack or a delightful dessert, these cookies can enhance any occasion.

With Coffee

• Pair your Pecan Sandies with a hot cup of coffee for a classic combination. The buttery flavor complements the rich coffee taste beautifully.

As Dessert Topping

• Crumble Pecan Sandies over ice cream to add texture and flavor. This makes for a deliciously crunchy dessert that everyone will love.

With Fresh Fruit

• Serve Pecan Sandies alongside fresh fruit like berries or sliced apples. The sweetness of the cookies pairs well with the tartness of the fruit.

In Gift Baskets

• These cookies make a lovely addition to gift baskets. Wrap them nicely to share your homemade treats with friends and family during special occasions.

How to Perfect Pecan Sandies

To ensure your Pecan Sandies turn out perfectly every time, follow these simple tips.

• Use room temperature butter: Softened butter mixes better and creates a fluffier dough, resulting in lighter cookies.
• Chill the dough: Refrigerating the dough helps the flavors meld together and prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
• Measure flour correctly: Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off to avoid dense cookies caused by too much flour.
• Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies while they bake; they should be golden but still soft in the center when you take them out.
• Store properly: Keep your Pecan Sandies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness for days.

Best Side Dishes for Pecan Sandies

Pecan Sandies can be paired with various side dishes that enhance their flavor and texture. Here are some great options:

1. Milk: A classic pairing that balances the sweetness of the cookies, perfect for dipping.
2. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fresh fruits, then serve with Pecan Sandies for a delightful contrast.
3. Cheese Platter: Offer a selection of cheeses alongside the cookies for an interesting sweet and savory combination.
4. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad can complement the richness of Pecan Sandies and cleanse the palate.
5. Chocolate Dipping Sauce: Melted chocolate can add an indulgent touch when drizzled over or served alongside the cookies.
6. Nut Mix: A bowl of mixed nuts provides crunchiness, enhancing the nutty flavor already present in the Pecan Sandies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking Pecan Sandies can be a delightful experience, but a few common mistakes can lead to less-than-perfect cookies.

• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Precision is key in baking. Use a kitchen scale for best results and ensure you level off dry ingredients.
• Skipping the chilling step: Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading. Don’t rush this step; refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for optimal texture.
• Overmixing the dough: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until combined to keep your Pecan Sandies tender and crumbly.
• Ignoring oven temperature: Every oven is different. Always preheat your oven and consider using an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking temperatures.
• Not using fresh ingredients: Old flour or expired baking soda/powder can ruin your cookies. Check expiration dates and use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Pecan Sandies in an airtight container.
• They will last up to one week in the refrigerator.

Freezing Pecan Sandies

• Wrap individual cookies tightly in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to three months.

Reheating Pecan Sandies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (177°C), place cookies on a baking sheet, and heat for about 5 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Heat a non-stick pan over low heat, then add cookies for about 1-2 minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Pecan Sandies.

How do I make gluten-free Pecan Sandies?

You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking. Make sure it contains xanthan gum for better structure.

Can I add chocolate chips to Pecan Sandies?

Absolutely! Adding chocolate chips enhances the flavor profile. Simply fold them in along with the chopped pecans.

What are some variations of Pecan Sandies?

Consider adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, or try incorporating maple syrup instead of sugar for a unique twist on classic Pecan Sandies.

How long do Pecan Sandies last?

When stored properly, Pecan Sandies can last up to one week at room temperature or even longer if frozen.

Final Thoughts

Pecan Sandies are a wonderfully versatile cookie that combines buttery richness with nutty flavor. These cookies are perfect for any occasion, from holiday gatherings to casual snacks. Feel free to customize them with nuts, chocolate, or spices to make them uniquely yours!