Oh my goodness, let me tell you about homemade pecan sandies! These cookies are like little bites of heaven, with a buttery flavor that just melts in your mouth. I remember the first time I baked them; the warm, nutty aroma filled my kitchen, and I couldn’t help but sneak a taste straight from the oven! Each cookie has that perfect crumbly texture and a delightful crunch from the pecans. They’re so simple to whip up, and trust me, once you try them, they’ll become a go-to favorite for you and your friends. Get ready to fall in love!
Ingredients for Homemade Pecan Sandies
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making the perfect homemade pecan sandies. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Make sure your butter is at room temperature for easy creaming.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar: This gives the cookies that melt-in-your-mouth sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a lovely depth of flavor—don’t skip this!
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The backbone of your cookie dough, providing structure.
- 1 cup chopped pecans: Chop them into small pieces for the perfect crunch; toasting them first brings out their nutty flavor even more!
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and enhance the flavors.
(Tip: It’s important to measure your ingredients accurately for the best results!)
How to Prepare Homemade Pecan Sandies
Making these delightful homemade pecan sandies is a breeze! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a batch of cookies that will impress everyone.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is crucial because it ensures your cookies bake evenly and achieve that perfect golden color. Trust me, you want that warm oven ready to go!
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. I usually use an electric mixer for this—it makes the job so easy! You want to beat it for about 2-3 minutes; this helps incorporate air, giving your cookies a lovely texture.
Step 3: Add Vanilla and Combine
Next, stir in the vanilla extract. This is my favorite part because the aroma wafts through the kitchen, making everything smell divine! Mix it well until it’s fully incorporated into the butter and sugar mixture.
Step 4: Incorporate Flour and Salt
Now, gradually add in the all-purpose flour and salt. I like to do this in batches, mixing between each addition. This helps keep the dough smooth and prevents any lumps. Mix until just combined; we don’t want to overwork it!
Step 5: Fold in Chopped Pecans
Time to fold in those chopped pecans! Gently mix them into the dough, being careful not to overmix. You want to keep that wonderful texture, so just a few folds will do. The pecans add such a delightful crunch!
Step 6: Shape and Bake
Finally, shape the dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Flatten each ball slightly with your hand—this helps them spread nicely while baking. Pop them in the oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Your kitchen will smell amazing while they bake, so get ready to enjoy!
Tips for Perfect Homemade Pecan Sandies
Want to take your homemade pecan sandies to the next level? Here are a few pro tips that I swear by!
- Chill the Dough: For extra tender cookies, chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps the flavors meld and prevents spreading too much during baking.
- Toast Your Pecans: Toasting the chopped pecans before adding them enhances their flavor and gives your cookies an extra nutty kick!
- Don’t Overmix: When you combine the dry ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies—yikes!
- Check for Doneness: Every oven is different, so keep an eye on your cookies. They should be lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center when you take them out.
With these tips in hand, you’ll be well on your way to baking up a batch of perfectly delightful pecan sandies!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each homemade pecan sandy cookie. Keep in mind, these values are based on typical ingredients and can vary slightly depending on specific brands and measurements.
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
This delightful treat is not only a scrumptious indulgence but also a nice balance of flavors and textures. Enjoy them in moderation, and you’ll be savoring every bite!
FAQ About Homemade Pecan Sandies
I often get asked a few common questions about these delightful cookies, so let’s dive right in!
Can I freeze homemade pecan sandies?
Absolutely! You can freeze these cookies for up to three months. Just make sure to let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container or a freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature for a few hours, and they’ll taste just as fresh as the day you made them!
What can I substitute for butter?
If you don’t have butter on hand, you can use coconut oil or margarine as substitutes. Just keep in mind that coconut oil will give a slight coconut flavor, while margarine might change the texture a bit, making it a little softer.
How do I know when they are done baking?
To check for doneness, look for lightly golden edges on the cookies. They should still feel soft in the center when you take them out, as they’ll continue to firm up while cooling. If they’re browning too quickly, you might want to rotate your baking sheet halfway through.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Homemade pecan sandies are not just cookies; they’re a delightful experience! Here’s why you’re going to love making them:
- Quick and Easy: With just 15 minutes of prep and another 15 for baking, you’ll have warm, buttery cookies in no time. Perfect for when a sweet craving strikes!
- Buttery Flavor: The rich, buttery taste combined with the crunch of pecans creates a cookie that’s simply irresistible. Each bite is a heavenly blend of flavors that’ll have you coming back for more!
- Perfect for Sharing: These cookies make fantastic gifts or party treats! Whether you’re celebrating a holiday or just want to spread some joy, homemade pecan sandies are sure to impress friends and family alike.
Discover the secret to perfect butter pecan cookies and elevate your baking game!
Print
Homemade Pecan Sandies: 6 Reasons You’ll Adore Them
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious homemade pecan sandies cookies with a buttery flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream the softened butter and powdered sugar together.
- Add vanilla extract and mix well.
- Gradually add flour and salt, mixing until combined.
- Fold in the chopped pecans.
- Shape the dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet.
- Flatten each ball slightly with your hand.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow to cool on a wire rack.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- For extra flavor, toast the pecans before adding.
- Adjust baking time based on your oven’s performance.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: pecan sandies, cookies, homemade cookies, dessert
