Pecan Sandies are a timeless treat, known for their rich, buttery flavor and delightful crunch of pecans. These cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re enjoying them with a cup of coffee or sharing them at a gathering. With a simple ingredient list and easy-to-follow steps, you’ll have a batch of delicious homemade Pecan Sandies in no time.
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
Directions:
Preheat Your Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking and to ensure easy cleanup.
Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or using a handheld electric mixer on medium speed, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar together. Mix for about 2-5 minutes, until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is crucial for creating a smooth and creamy cookie dough.
Mix in the Dry Ingredients
Reduce the mixer speed to low and gradually add in the all-purpose flour, salt, and vanilla extract. Continue mixing until the ingredients are fully incorporated, forming a dough. The dough should be soft but firm enough to hold its shape.
Add the Pecans
Gently stir in 1 cup of the coarsely chopped pecans, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. Reserve the remaining ½ cup of pecans for coating the cookie dough balls.
Shape the Cookies
Using a 1 ½ tablespoon cookie scoop, measure out portions of the dough and roll them into balls. Roll each dough ball in the reserved chopped pecans, pressing the pecans slightly into the dough to ensure they stick.
Prepare for Baking
Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving enough space between them to allow for even baking. Use the bottom of a glass or a Pyrex measuring cup to press each ball flat, creating a uniform shape.
Bake the Cookies
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 14-16 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned. Be careful not to overbake, as you want the cookies to remain tender in the center.
Cool and Serve
Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step helps the cookies firm up and develop their signature crumbly texture.
Serving and Storage Tips:
Serving Tips:
- Presentation: Pecan Sandies look lovely when served on a decorative plate or a tiered cookie stand. Their golden-brown edges and pecan-studded tops make them a visually appealing treat, perfect for any gathering or special occasion.
- Pairing: These cookies pair exceptionally well with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of cold milk. The buttery richness of the cookies complements the warm flavors of these beverages, making for a satisfying snack or dessert.
- Occasions: Pecan Sandies are versatile and can be served during holidays, at tea parties, or as an everyday treat. Their classic flavor makes them a hit at any event, from casual get-togethers to more formal celebrations.
Storage Tips:
- Room Temperature: Store Pecan Sandies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain the cookies’ freshness and prevent them from becoming stale.
- Refrigeration: If you prefer a slightly firmer texture, you can refrigerate the cookies. Place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.
- Freezing: Pecan Sandies freeze well and can be stored for up to three months. To freeze, place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Thaw the cookies at room temperature before enjoying them.
- Pre-Baking Storage: If you want to prepare the dough in advance, you can refrigerate the dough balls for up to 48 hours before baking. Alternatively, freeze the dough balls on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.
By following these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy your Pecan Sandies Cookies at their best, whether fresh out of the oven or stored for later indulgence!
Variations:
1. Chocolate-Dipped Pecan Sandies:
- Add a touch of decadence by dipping half of each cooled cookie in melted chocolate. You can use dark, milk, or white chocolate, depending on your preference. Let the chocolate set on parchment paper before serving.
2. Spiced Pecan Sandies:
- For a warm, cozy flavor, add ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the cookie dough. These spices complement the buttery richness of the cookies and the nuttiness of the pecans.
3. Pecan Sandies with Coconut:
- Mix in ½ cup of shredded coconut into the dough along with the pecans for an added layer of texture and flavor. The coconut adds a subtle sweetness and a chewy texture that pairs well with the crunchy pecans.
4. Orange Zest Pecan Sandies:
- Add the zest of one orange to the dough for a refreshing citrus twist. The bright flavor of the orange zest contrasts beautifully with the rich, buttery cookie base.
5. Maple Pecan Sandies:
- Replace the granulated sugar with maple sugar or add 2 tablespoons of pure maple syrup to the dough for a hint of maple flavor. This variation pairs wonderfully with the pecans, enhancing their natural sweetness.
6. Brown Butter Pecan Sandies:
- Elevate the flavor by browning the butter before creaming it with the sugars. Brown butter adds a nutty, caramel-like depth to the cookies, making them even more irresistible.
7. Gluten-Free Pecan Sandies:
- Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free. Ensure that your flour blend contains a binding agent like xanthan gum to maintain the cookie’s texture.
8. Vegan Pecan Sandies:
- Make a vegan version by using plant-based butter and replacing the sugars with vegan-friendly options. Ensure the vanilla extract and any added ingredients are also vegan to keep the recipe completely plant-based.
9. Salted Pecan Sandies:
- For a sweet and salty combination, sprinkle a small amount of flaky sea salt on top of the cookies just before baking. The salt enhances the sweetness and richness of the cookies, making each bite even more flavorful.
10. Pecan Sandies with Almonds:
- Replace half of the pecans with chopped almonds for a nutty variation. The combination of pecans and almonds adds complexity to the flavor and a delightful crunch.
These variations offer creative ways to customize Pecan Sandies Cookies to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs, making this classic recipe even more versatile and enjoyable!
FAQs:
1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
- Yes, you can use salted butter if that’s what you have on hand. However, reduce the added salt in the recipe to ¼ teaspoon to avoid an overly salty flavor.
2. How should I store Pecan Sandies to keep them fresh?
- Store Pecan Sandies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to two weeks or freeze them for up to three months.
3. Can I freeze the cookie dough for later use?
- Absolutely! You can freeze the dough balls on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, you can bake them directly from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.
4. Why are my cookies spreading too much during baking?
- If your cookies are spreading too much, the butter might be too warm, or there might be too much butter relative to the flour. Ensure the butter is softened but not melted, and consider chilling the dough before baking to prevent excessive spreading.
5. Can I use other types of nuts in this recipe?
- Yes, you can substitute or combine pecans with other nuts like walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts. Just make sure to chop them coarsely and follow the same steps.
6. What’s the best way to get evenly shaped cookies?
- Using a cookie scoop is the best way to ensure evenly sized cookies. Rolling the dough into balls and flattening them with the bottom of a glass or measuring cup helps create uniform shapes.