Name: Homemade Pecan Sandies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 1 large egg; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 1/2 cups finely chopped pecans

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If you’ve ever wondered how to capture that perfect blend of nutty crunch, buttery crumb, and just a touch of sweetness in a single bite, you’re in for a treat with these Homemade Pecan Sandies! This beloved classic cookie is everything you want on a cozy afternoon or as a memorable homemade gift. Trust me, after one batch, you’ll want to keep a stash in your cookie jar year-round—each bite is like a warm hug sprinkled with pecan magic.

Homemade Pecan Sandies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

It doesn’t take anything fancy to make Homemade Pecan Sandies, just honest pantry staples that shine brilliantly with a little kitchen love. Every ingredient plays a starring role, whether it’s creating that tender texture, building depth of flavor, or adding irresistible crunch.

Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): The secret to melt-in-your-mouth richness and classic shortbread taste.
Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Gives these cookies their perfect edge of sweetness and caramelization.
Powdered sugar (1/2 cup): Adds extra tenderness and that signature sandy texture.
Large egg (1): Binds everything together for just the right amount of chew.
Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Rounds out the flavors and elevates the pecan notes.
All-purpose flour (2 cups): The foundation that holds these cookies together without making them heavy.
Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Ensures a light lift so each sandie isn’t too dense.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and highlights the nutty pecans.
Finely chopped pecans (1 1/2 cups): The undisputed stars for that deep, toasty flavor and delightful crunch.

How to Make Homemade Pecan Sandies

Step 1: Prep and Toast (Optional but Recommended!)

If you want to unlock even more flavor, toast your chopped pecans first. Spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 5–7 minutes, shaking once, until fragrant. Let them cool completely before adding to your dough. Trust me—this tiny extra step makes Homemade Pecan Sandies even more unforgettable.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar. Beat on medium speed for 2–3 minutes until the mixture is pale, fluffy, and creamy. This is when the magic begins—it’s what helps your cookies stay tender with that classic sandy bite.

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until completely incorporated. This adds richness, helps bind the dough, and gives those subtle, cozy undertones that make Homemade Pecan Sandies taste like something extra special.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients, beating on low speed. The dough will come together and be just a little crumbly—don’t worry, that’s exactly what you want!

Step 5: Stir in the Pecans

Gently stir in your finely chopped pecans, distributing them throughout the dough. Every cookie should have plenty of those delicious toasted bits, so take a moment to fold them in evenly.

Step 6: Shape and Flatten

Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll each one into a ball. Line them up on your parchment-lined baking sheets, spaced about two inches apart. Use your fingers or the bottom of a glass to gently flatten each cookie just a bit—this helps them bake into that iconic sandie shape.

Step 7: Bake and Cool

Bake in your preheated 350°F oven for 12 to 15 minutes, just until the edges start to take on a light golden color. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re set but still wonderfully tender inside.

How to Serve Homemade Pecan Sandies

Garnishes

To add a little extra pizzazz, dust your Homemade Pecan Sandies with a sprinkle of powdered sugar once they’re cool, or nestle a pecan half right on top before baking for an elegant look. Both twists make the cookies feel even more special, perfect for gifting or holiday trays.

Side Dishes

These cookies shine beautifully next to a warm mug of coffee, spiced chai, or even a glass of cold milk. For a wow-worthy dessert plate, pair them alongside chocolate-dipped strawberries or vanilla ice cream. The nutty, buttery flavor of Homemade Pecan Sandies brings out the best in so many cozy sips and treats.

Creative Ways to Present

Think outside the (cookie) box! Stack your Homemade Pecan Sandies in mason jars with festive ribbons for a ready-to-gift treat, or arrange them in a vintage tin lined with parchment for a nostalgic touch. I also love tucking a few into lunchboxes or crumbling them over fruit parfaits—delightful in every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any extra Homemade Pecan Sandies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’re at their buttery best for up to a week, staying crisp around the edges and wonderfully tender in the center.

Freezing

Pecan Sandies are freezer-friendly superstars! Bake and cool completely, then store them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. You can even freeze the unbaked dough balls, ready to bake fresh cookies on demand.

Reheating

Want to refresh your Homemade Pecan Sandies? Simply warm a few cookies in a 300°F oven for 3–4 minutes. They’ll taste as if you just pulled them from the oven, with revived crunch and aroma that’s hard to resist.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter?

Absolutely, but skip the added salt in the recipe to avoid making your Homemade Pecan Sandies too salty. The flavor will still be delicious—just a touch different from the classic.

Do I have to chill the dough?

No chilling required! The beauty of this recipe is that you can go straight from mixing to baking without delay. If your kitchen is especially warm, a brief chill can help, but it’s not necessary.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, a good measure-for-measure gluten-free flour blend works well in place of regular flour. The texture is slightly different but still scrumptious. Just be sure to check all other ingredients for gluten if needed.

What’s the best way to chop pecans?

A quick pulse in a food processor makes pecans finely and evenly chopped, saving you time. If you prefer rustic, chunkier bites, a sharp knife and cutting board work just as well. Either way, you’ll enjoy pecan goodness in every bite.

Are these cookies good for gifting?

Homemade Pecan Sandies are a fantastic gift! Their rustic look and rich flavor make them irresistibly shareable, and they hold up beautifully in gift boxes or bags for days. Add a handwritten note and you’ve got a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a cookie that’s truly timeless, you can’t go wrong with Homemade Pecan Sandies. Every bite is packed with buttery nostalgia and nutty warmth, perfect to share or savor all to yourself. I hope you give this recipe a try and watch these simple ingredients transform into something extraordinary!

Homemade Pecan Sandies Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 18 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 36 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Homemade Pecan Sandies are buttery, nutty, and perfect for any occasion. With a delicate crunch and rich flavor, these cookies are sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

For the cookies:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 large egg
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups finely chopped pecans

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Cream the butter and sugars: In a large bowl, cream together softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
Add egg and vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
Mix the dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and mix until a soft dough forms. Stir in chopped pecans.
Shape and bake: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll into balls, and place on prepared baking sheets. Flatten slightly and bake for 12–15 minutes until lightly golden.
Cool and enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.