Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these homemade pecan sandies! They’re like little bites of heaven, with a buttery flavor that melts in your mouth and a delightful crunch from the pecans. I remember the first time I made them; the smell filled my kitchen and took me straight back to my grandma’s house. She always had a tin of these cookies waiting for us after school, and each bite was pure joy. Trust me, there’s something incredibly special about the combination of that rich, buttery taste and the satisfying crunch. Once you try these, you’ll find it hard to stop at just one!
Ingredients for Homemade Pecan Sandies
Gather these simple yet essential ingredients to whip up a batch of the most delightful homemade pecan sandies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Make sure your butter is nice and soft for easy creaming—this really helps achieve that perfect texture. I love using freshly chopped pecans for that extra crunch, but if you’re in a pinch, pre-chopped ones will do just fine. Trust me, these ingredients come together to create cookies that are truly irresistible!
How to Prepare Homemade Pecan Sandies
Making these homemade pecan sandies is a delightful process that fills your kitchen with warmth and tantalizing aromas. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a batch of scrumptious cookies in no time!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first—let’s get that oven preheating to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial for even baking, and trust me, you want these cookies to bake perfectly. While the oven warms up, you can get everything else ready!
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, take your softened butter and powdered sugar, and cream them together until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. I usually use a hand mixer for this, but a whisk works too if you’re feeling strong! This step is where the magic begins, so really get in there until it’s well combined.
Step 3: Add Vanilla Extract
Now, it’s time to add that delicious vanilla extract. Pour it in and mix until it’s fully incorporated. The aroma will be heavenly and will just hint at the deliciousness to come!
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
Next, gradually add in the flour, salt, and chopped pecans. I like to do this in parts, mixing gently until just combined. You don’t want to over-mix here; just blend until you can’t see any dry flour. This helps keep your cookies tender and crunchy!
Step 5: Shape and Flatten Dough
Now comes the fun part! Take small portions of dough and roll them into balls, placing them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Once they’re all on the sheet, flatten each ball slightly with a fork. This gives them that classic sandies look and helps them bake evenly!
Step 6: Bake the Cookies
Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on them—they’re done when they’re lightly golden around the edges. You don’t want to overlook them, or they’ll lose that beautiful color!
Step 7: Cooling Time
Finally, once they’re out of the oven, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This cooling process is key; it allows them to firm up just right, giving you that perfect crunch when you take a bite. Enjoy the anticipation while they cool—you won’t regret it!
Nutritional Information for Homemade Pecan Sandies
Now, let’s take a closer look at the estimated nutritional values for each homemade pecan sandie. These little delights are absolutely worth every bite, but it’s good to know what you’re indulging in!
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 15g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 2g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the exact ingredients you use. But hey, with cookies this tasty, a little indulgence is totally worth it! Enjoy every crumb and savor the buttery goodness!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to whip up—perfect for busy days!
- Rich, buttery flavor with a delightful crunch from the pecans.
- Made with simple ingredients you probably already have at home.
- Perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself (I won’t judge!).
- These cookies freeze beautifully, so you can enjoy them anytime.
Tips for Success with Homemade Pecan Sandies
Here are some handy tips to ensure your homemade pecan sandies turn out perfectly every time:
- Use Room Temperature Butter: Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature. This helps it cream better with the sugar, resulting in a light and fluffy dough.
- Chill the Dough: If you have time, chill the dough for about 30 minutes before shaping. This makes it easier to handle and helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tougher cookies, and we want that melt-in-your-mouth texture!
- Check for Doneness: 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. They’ll firm up as they cool.
- Experiment with Pecans: Try toasting your pecans lightly before adding them to the dough for a deeper flavor. Just be careful not to burn them!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve indulged in your delicious homemade pecan sandies, you’ll want to store the leftovers properly to keep that wonderful flavor and texture intact. Place any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for about a week, but I bet they won’t last that long!
If you want to enjoy them later, these cookies freeze beautifully! Just wrap each cookie in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply take them out of the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes. No need to reheat—just dive in and enjoy that buttery goodness all over again!
FAQ About Homemade Pecan Sandies
I know you’ve got questions about these delicious homemade pecan sandies, so let’s dive right in!
Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?
Absolutely! While pecans give these cookies their classic flavor, you can swap in walnuts or almonds if you prefer. Just make sure to chop them up nicely!
How do I know when my cookies are done baking?
You’ll want to keep an eye on them as they bake. They should be lightly golden around the edges and still soft in the center. They’ll firm up a bit as they cool, so don’t worry if they seem a little soft when you take them out.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can! Just prepare the dough and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. It can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, just slice and bake straight from the fridge or let it thaw first if frozen.
What’s the best way to store leftover cookies?
Keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If they last that long! For longer storage, freeze them, and they’ll be just as delicious when you’re ready to enjoy them again.
Can I add chocolate chips?
Of course! Feel free to toss in some chocolate chips for an extra treat. They’ll add a wonderful contrast to the buttery flavor of the cookies. Enjoy experimenting!
Homemade Pecan Sandies: 7 Irresistible Bites of Joy
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious homemade pecan sandies cookies with a buttery flavor and a crunchy texture.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream the butter and powdered sugar together.
- Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
- Gradually add the flour, salt, and chopped pecans.
- Shape the dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet.
- Flatten each ball slightly with a fork.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until lightly golden.
- Let cool on a wire rack before serving.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- These cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Use finely chopped pecans for a different texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: homemade pecan sandies, pecan cookies, sandies recipe
