If you’re a fan of nutty, buttery cookies, then you’re in for a treat with these Homemade Pecan Sandies. These cookies are the perfect blend of crispiness and rich, nutty flavor, making them an ideal snack or dessert for any occasion. Follow this easy recipe to create your own batch of these delightful cookies at home.
Ingredients:
- 2 sticks butter, unsalted (1/2 lb., softened)
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup confectioner’s sugar (sifted)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups all-purpose flour (500 gr.)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for decoration)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325 degrees F to ensure it’s at the right temperature when you’re ready to bake.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, vegetable oil, 1 cup granulated sugar, and confectioner’s sugar until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
3. Add the Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract for a hint of flavor.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt. Gradually stir this dry mixture into the creamed mixture until fully blended. Mix in the chopped pecans for that signature nutty taste.
5. Roll and Coat the Dough: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Roll each ball in the remaining 1/2 cup of granulated sugar to coat them lightly.
6. Arrange and Bake: Place the sugar-coated dough balls 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheets. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges of the cookies are golden brown.
7. Cool the Cookies: Remove the cookies from the oven and transfer them to wire racks to cool completely. This will help them firm up and achieve the perfect texture.
Serving and Storage Tips:
Serving:
- Enjoy Fresh: These cookies are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven when they’re still slightly warm and extra buttery.
- With a Beverage: Pair these sandies with a glass of cold milk, a hot cup of coffee, or tea for a delightful snack time.
Storage:
- Room Temperature: Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. This will keep them crisp and flavorful.
- Freezing: To enjoy the cookies later, freeze the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Variations:
1. Chocolate Chip Pecan Sandies
- Description: Enhance the classic pecan sandies with the rich, indulgent flavor of chocolate. Adding chocolate chips creates a delightful contrast to the nutty pecans.
- Details: Fold 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips into the dough along with the chopped pecans. Roll the dough balls in sugar as directed, and bake as usual.
2. Cinnamon Sugar Pecan Sandies
- Description: Infuse the cookies with a warm, spiced flavor by incorporating cinnamon. This variation adds a cozy, comforting touch to the nutty cookies.
- Details: Add 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon to the dough mixture. Roll the dough balls in a blend of 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 2 teaspoons cinnamon before baking for extra flavor.
3. Maple Pecan Sandies
- Description: Replace granulated sugar with maple syrup for a subtly sweet and maple-flavored cookie. This variation adds a unique, rich sweetness.
- Details: Substitute 1/2 cup of granulated sugar with 1/2 cup pure maple syrup. Reduce the vegetable oil to 1/4 cup to adjust for the added liquid. Proceed with the recipe as directed.
4. Coconut Pecan Sandies
- Description: Add shredded coconut to the dough for a tropical twist. This variation pairs well with the pecans for a chewy, nutty treat.
- Details: Mix 1 cup of shredded coconut into the dough along with the pecans. The coconut adds a chewy texture and subtle flavor that complements the pecans.
5. Orange Pecan Sandies
- Description: Infuse the cookies with a bright citrus flavor by adding orange zest. This variation adds a refreshing and zesty contrast to the rich pecans.
- Details: Add the zest of one large orange to the dough. The citrus zest provides a refreshing flavor that enhances the overall cookie experience.
6. Toffee Pecan Sandies
- Description: Incorporate toffee bits into the dough for a sweet, caramelized crunch. This variation adds extra texture and flavor to the cookies.
- Details: Stir 1 cup of toffee bits into the dough along with the pecans. The toffee bits melt slightly during baking, adding a delicious caramel flavor and crunchy texture.
7. Cranberry Pecan Sandies
- Description: Add dried cranberries for a tangy, sweet twist. This variation provides a burst of flavor and color, making the cookies even more festive.
- Details: Mix 1 cup of dried cranberries into the dough along with the pecans. The cranberries add a chewy texture and a tart contrast to the sweetness of the cookie.
8. Pumpkin Spice Pecan Sandies
- Description: Infuse the cookies with fall flavors by adding pumpkin spice. This variation is perfect for autumn or holiday gatherings.
- Details: Add 2 teaspoons of pumpkin spice to the dough mixture. You may want to reduce the sugar slightly if you prefer a less sweet cookie.
9. Peanut Butter Pecan Sandies
- Description: Combine the nutty flavors of pecans and peanut butter for a rich, indulgent cookie. This variation adds depth and creaminess.
- Details: Replace 1/4 cup of the vegetable oil with 1/4 cup of creamy peanut butter. Mix well into the dough along with the pecans.
10. Sea Salt Caramel Pecan Sandies
- Description: Top the cookies with a sprinkle of sea salt and drizzle with caramel sauce for an extra decadent treat. This variation adds a salty-sweet contrast.
- Details: After baking, drizzle the cookies with caramel sauce and sprinkle lightly with sea salt. The caramel adds a rich, sweet layer, while the sea salt enhances the overall flavor.
11. Almond Pecan Sandies
- Description: Blend the flavors of almonds and pecans for a nutty and crunchy cookie. Almonds add an extra layer of nuttiness and texture.
- Details: Substitute 1 cup of the pecans with chopped almonds. You can also add 1 teaspoon of almond extract to enhance the almond flavor.
12. Espresso Pecan Sandies
- Description: Infuse the cookies with a bold coffee flavor using espresso powder. This variation is perfect for coffee lovers.
- Details: Dissolve 2 tablespoons of espresso powder in 2 tablespoons of hot water and mix it into the dough. The espresso powder adds a rich coffee flavor that pairs well with the pecans.
13. Spiced Rum Pecan Sandies
- Description: Add a hint of spiced rum to the dough for a warm, aromatic twist. This variation is ideal for a festive treat.
- Details: Substitute 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract with 1 tablespoon of spiced rum. Ensure the rum is well incorporated into the dough.
14. Raspberry Pecan Sandies
- Description: Incorporate freeze-dried raspberries for a tart and fruity contrast. This variation adds a pop of color and flavor.
- Details: Crush 1/2 cup of freeze-dried raspberries and fold them into the dough along with the pecans. The raspberries provide a tangy flavor and a splash of color.
FAQs:
1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted? Yes, you can use salted butter, but reduce the added salt in the recipe to 1/2 teaspoon to balance the flavors.
2. Can I substitute another type of nut for pecans? Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds make great substitutes for pecans in this recipe.
3. How do I make the cookies chewier? For chewier cookies, slightly underbake them by reducing the baking time by a minute or two.
4. Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
5. What if I don’t have cream of tartar? You can substitute 2 teaspoons of lemon juice or vinegar for the cream of tartar.
6. Can I make these cookies gluten-free? Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum.
7. How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much? Chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking to help prevent excessive spreading.
8. Can I add dried fruit to the dough? Yes, dried cranberries or raisins make a delicious addition to the dough.
9. How do I make the cookies more festive? Add colored sugar or sprinkles to the dough balls before baking for a festive touch.
10. What’s the best way to soften butter quickly? Cut the butter into small pieces and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave it for a few seconds, but be careful not to melt it.
These Homemade Pecan Sandies are a delightful treat that brings together the rich flavors of butter and pecans in a perfectly crispy cookie. Whether you’re enjoying them with a cup of coffee in the morning or sharing them with friends and family, they’re sure to be a hit. Try out the variations and enjoy these delicious cookies anytime you crave a sweet and nutty treat. Happy baking!