Name: Pecan Sandies Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; ¼ cup granulated sugar; ⅓ cup packed light brown sugar; 2 cups all-purpose flour; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 ½ cups coarsely chopped pecans (reserve ½ cup for rolling)

Jump to Recipe

If you love buttery, nutty cookies with a melt-in-your-mouth texture, then you’re in for an absolute treat! This Pecan Sandies Cookies Recipe is the perfect marriage of rich, toasty pecans and tender, golden shortbread. Each bite is nostalgic and comforting, whether you’re nibbling one with a mug of coffee or serving a plateful at your next gathering. Once you try this classic Southern favorite, it’s bound to become a staple in your cookie repertoire!

Pecan Sandies Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the many delights of this Pecan Sandies Cookies Recipe is how simple the ingredients are. Each one serves a crucial role, coming together to form cookies that are crisp at the edges and soft in the middle, packed with flavor and irresistible crunch.

Unsalted Butter (1 cup, softened): The backbone of this recipe, giving richness and a beautifully tender crumb. Make sure it’s room temperature so the dough creams perfectly.
Granulated Sugar (¼ cup): Adds sweetness and helps with that classic sandy texture.
Packed Light Brown Sugar (⅓ cup): Brings a hint of caramel and depth to the cookie’s flavor.
All-Purpose Flour (2 cups): Provides structure so your cookies hold together but stay melt-in-the-mouth tender.
Salt (½ teaspoon): Just the right amount of salt lifts the sweetness and amplifies the pecan’s flavor.
Vanilla Extract (1 ½ teaspoons): Finishes everything with a cozy, aromatic note.
Coarsely Chopped Pecans (1 ½ cups, divided): Star of the show! Toasty, chunky pecans give these cookies their signature character; save half a cup for rolling your dough balls for extra crunch.

How to Make Pecan Sandies Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Get Your Oven and Baking Sheet Ready

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to guarantee easy removal and clean-up. It’s always amazing how a bit of prep sets you up for baking bliss!

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or a large bowl with a handheld electric mixer), beat together your softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar on medium speed. This should take 2–5 minutes and the mix will look pale and fluffy — perfect for making your Pecan Sandies Cookies Recipe irresistibly tender.

Step 3: Add Flour, Salt, and Vanilla

Reduce the mixer speed to low. Add in your flour, salt, and vanilla extract. Let the mixer run until it just comes together — don’t overmix. The dough might look a bit crumbly, but it will hold when pressed.

Step 4: Stir in the Pecans

Switch your mixer to the stir or lowest setting. Add the coarsely chopped pecans, reserving about half a cup for rolling. Mix until the pecans are evenly distributed in the dough.

Step 5: Shape and Roll the Dough

Scoop out the dough using a 1 ½ tablespoon cookie scoop. Roll each bit into a ball between your hands, then give it a quick roll in the reserved chopped pecans so the exterior gets a crunchy coat.

Step 6: Flatten the Cookies

Place your pecan-coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet with a bit of space between them. Gently press each ball flat with the bottom of a glass or a Pyrex measuring cup — you want them even, about half an inch thick.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide them into the preheated oven and bake for 14–16 minutes. The cookies should look lightly browned at the edges but still pale in the center — that’s when they’ll have the best texture and flavor.

Step 8: Cool Before Devouring

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This time gives them a chance to firm up and develop that classic sandy crumb that defines the best Pecan Sandies Cookies Recipe.

How to Serve Pecan Sandies Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

Dust your cookies with a sprinkle of powdered sugar, or try a light drizzle of melted chocolate for a sweet, decorative touch. A whole toasted pecan placed on top just before baking also looks stunning and hints at the deliciousness inside.

Side Dishes

While these cookies are fabulous solo, they shine alongside a chilled glass of milk, a steaming mug of hot chocolate, or even a cup of coffee or tea. For a Southern-style dessert platter, pair them with fresh fruit and a couple of squares of dark chocolate.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack cookies in a rustic bakery box tied with a ribbon for a charming gift, or serve them on a tiered stand next to an array of different cookies at a party. Want to get fancy? Layer them in a glass jar, alternating with other nutty treats, for an eye-catching cookie bar display!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Pecan Sandies Cookies Recipe will stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for about 4–5 days. Slip a slice of bread in with them to absorb moisture if you want to keep them extra crisp.

Freezing

These cookies are perfect make-ahead treats. Place the cooled cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container in single layers (with parchment between each layer) and freeze for up to 2 months. You can also freeze the unbaked dough balls, then simply thaw, roll in pecans, flatten, and bake when ready.

Reheating

To refresh frozen or stored cookies, pop them in a 300°F oven for 3–5 minutes. It revives their crisp edges and brings back that freshly-baked aroma — the next best thing to baking them from scratch!

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, you can swap in salted butter for this Pecan Sandies Cookies Recipe; just reduce the added salt by half to avoid an overly salty cookie.

Are there any alternatives to pecans?

If you’re not a pecan fan or have allergies, try walnuts, hazelnuts, or even almonds. Just chop them coarsely and use them in exactly the same way!

What’s the best way to chop the pecans?

A quick rough chop with a chef’s knife is all you need. Don’t go too fine — you want some larger pieces for texture and that signature nutty crunch in every bite.

Can I make the dough in advance?

Absolutely! The dough for this Pecan Sandies Cookies Recipe can be made up to two days ahead. Wrap it tightly and refrigerate until ready to bake. Let it sit at room temperature until just soft enough to scoop.

Why do my cookies sometimes spread too much?

Over-softened butter can cause extra spreading. Try chilling your dough balls for 15 minutes before baking for taller, thicker cookies with that classic sandy texture.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a foolproof classic that always delights, look no further than this Pecan Sandies Cookies Recipe. Every bite is golden, buttery, and packed with pecan goodness! Whip up a batch, serve it to friends or family, and watch how these sweet treats bring smiles and happy sighs. Happy baking!

Pecan Sandies Cookies Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 29 reviews

Author: Mariam
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: About 2 dozen cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Delight in the buttery, nutty goodness of these Pecan Sandies Cookies. With a crisp exterior and a tender crumb, these cookies are perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Cookie Dough:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
¼ cup granulated sugar
⅓ cup packed light brown sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon salt
1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
1 ½ cups coarsely chopped pecans (reserve ½ cup for rolling)

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixer, cream butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Add Dry Ingredients: Mix in flour, salt, and vanilla extract until fully combined.
Add Pecans: Stir in chopped pecans, reserving some for rolling.
Form Dough Balls: Scoop dough, roll into balls, and coat with reserved pecans.
Bake: Place on baking sheet, flatten, and bake for 14-16 minutes.
Cool: Cool on sheet before transferring to a wire rack.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American