Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my homemade pecan sandies! These cookies are the epitome of buttery goodness, with each bite delivering a delightful crunch from the toasted pecans. I often whip these up for celebrations, but honestly, they’re perfect for snacking any time of the day. The way the sweet and nutty flavors dance together is just pure joy! Plus, they’re super easy to make, so you don’t have to wait for a special occasion to indulge. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll find yourself reaching for another one (or two!). They’re not just cookies; they’re a warm hug in dessert form. So, let’s get started on making these scrumptious homemade pecan sandies that everyone will love!
Ingredients for 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 and toasted
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
How to Prepare Homemade Pecan Sandies
Alright, let’s dive into making these delicious homemade pecan sandies! It’s a simple process that will fill your kitchen with the most amazing aroma. Follow along, and you’ll have a batch of cookies in no time!
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is crucial because it ensures your cookies bake evenly. So, while you’re mixing, that oven can be getting nice and toasty!
Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and powdered sugar until it’s light and fluffy—this usually takes about 3-4 minutes. Trust me, this step is key for getting that melt-in-your-mouth texture. You can use a hand mixer or a stand mixer; just make sure it’s well combined and airy!
Mix in Vanilla and Dry Ingredients
Next, add in the teaspoon of vanilla extract and give it a good mix. Now, gradually incorporate your flour and salt, mixing just until everything is combined. Don’t overdo it! You want a smooth dough without any lumps, but it should still be a bit thick. It’s that perfect cookie consistency!
Incorporate Toasted Pecans
Now comes the fun part—folding in those toasted pecans! It’s important to mix them in gently, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough. You want bits of crunchy goodness in every bite, so take your time with this step!
Shape and Bake
For shaping, scoop out small portions of dough and roll them into balls—about the size of a tablespoon works great. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Gently flatten each ball a bit with your hand, just enough to give them a nice shape. Bake these beauties for 15-20 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them, as every oven is a little different! Once they’re done, let them cool on a wire rack before you dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for last-minute cravings!
- Rich, buttery flavor with a delightful crunch from the toasted pecans.
- Perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a cozy family gathering or a festive celebration.
- Made with simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
- Versatile enough to customize with your favorite nuts or add-ins.
- They store beautifully, making them a great treat to have on hand.
- Kids and adults alike can’t resist these little bites of joy!
Tips for Success
Let me share some of my favorite tips to ensure your homemade pecan sandies turn out perfectly every time! Trust me, these little tweaks can make a big difference.
- Butter Temperature: Make sure your butter is softened but not melted. This helps achieve that dreamy texture when creaming with the sugar. If you forget to take it out ahead of time, just cut it into small cubes and let it sit out for about 15 minutes.
- Chop and Toast the Pecans: Always toast your pecans before adding them to the dough. This enhances their flavor and adds that lovely crunch! Keep an eye on them while toasting—just a few minutes in a dry skillet or the oven will do the trick.
- Don’t Overmix: When you’re combining the dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, and we definitely don’t want that!
- Experiment with Sweetness: If you’re feeling adventurous, try swapping out the powdered sugar for brown sugar! It adds a deeper flavor and a slight chewiness that’s just divine.
- Chill the Dough: If you have the time, chilling your dough for about 30 minutes can help the flavors meld together and make handling the dough easier. Plus, it can prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
- Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on your cookies towards the end of the baking time. They should be lightly golden at the edges but still soft in the center. They’ll firm up as they cool, so don’t worry if they look a bit underbaked!
- Storage Tips: Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, they freeze beautifully! Just be sure to separate layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to make the best homemade pecan sandies ever! Enjoy the baking process and, of course, the delicious results!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once your homemade pecan sandies are baked and cooled, it’s time to store them properly so they stay fresh and delicious! I like to keep mine in an airtight container at room temperature, where they’ll stay good for up to a week. Just make sure they’re completely cooled before you store them—this helps prevent any moisture from making them soggy.
If you want to keep them longer, these cookies freeze really well! Just layer them in a container with parchment paper in between each layer to prevent sticking. They can last in the freezer for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply let them thaw at room temperature for a little while, and they’ll taste just as fresh as the day you made them.
Now, if you find yourself wanting to warm them up a bit (because who doesn’t love a warm cookie?), you can pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Just be careful not to overdo it, or they can get a bit too soft! Alternatively, you can place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. This will bring back that lovely texture and make your kitchen smell amazing all over again!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s chat about the nutritional info for these delightful homemade pecan sandies! Keep in mind that these values are estimates, but here’s a rough breakdown per cookie:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 2g
These little cookies are a sweet treat, and while they do have some calories, they’re made with love and wholesome ingredients. Enjoy them as part of a balanced diet—you deserve it!
FAQ Section
Here are some of the most common questions I get about my homemade pecan sandies. I hope these answers help you in your baking adventure!
Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?
Absolutely! While pecans are my favorite for this recipe, you can easily swap them out for walnuts, almonds, or even hazelnuts if you prefer. Just make sure to toast them first for that extra flavor kick!
Are these cookies gluten-free?
If you need a gluten-free option, you can try using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. I recommend checking that the blend contains xanthan gum for the best texture. Just keep in mind that the cookies might have a slightly different texture but will still be delicious!
Can I make these cookies vegan?
Yes, you can! Substitute the unsalted butter with a vegan butter or coconut oil, and use a powdered sugar that’s free from bone char. For the egg-free version, you can replace each egg with a flaxseed egg or applesauce. They’ll still turn out tasty!
What if I don’t have powdered sugar?
No worries! You can make your own powdered sugar by blending granulated sugar in a blender or food processor until it’s fine and fluffy. Just keep an eye on it to avoid turning it into syrup!
How should I store these cookies?
Store your homemade pecan sandies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, they freeze beautifully for up to two months. Just remember to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking!
Can I add chocolate chips to the dough?
Oh, yes! Chocolate chips would make a delightful addition. Just fold them in along with the pecans, and you’ll have a delicious twist on the classic cookie!
What’s the best way to tell when the cookies are done baking?
You’ll want to look for those edges to be lightly golden. The centers might look a tad soft, but they’ll firm up as they cool. If they’re browned too much, they might end up a bit dry, so keep an eye on them!
Can I use pre-chopped pecans?
Yes, you can absolutely use pre-chopped pecans for convenience. Just make sure they’re toasted to bring out that nutty flavor, and you’ll be good to go!
Got more questions? Don’t hesitate to ask! I love sharing my tips and tricks to help you make the best homemade pecan sandies ever!
Imprimer
Homemade Pecan Sandies: 7 Steps to Cookie Bliss
- Temps Total: 35 minutes
- Rendement: 24 cookies 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
Homemade pecan sandies are buttery cookies with a delightful crunch from toasted pecans.
Ingrédients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup pecans, chopped and toasted
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, cream the butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
- Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until combined.
- Fold in the toasted pecans.
- Shape the dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet.
- Flatten each ball slightly with your hand.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Cool on a wire rack before serving.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- For added flavor, try using brown sugar instead of powdered sugar.
- Adjust toasted pecans based on your preference.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 20 minutes
- Catégorie: Dessert
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sucre: 3g
- De Sodium: 50mg
- La graisse: 10g
- Graisses Saturées: 4g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 6g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 15g
- La fibre: 1g
- La protéine: 2g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 30mg
Mots-clés: homemade pecan sandies, pecan cookies, sandies recipe
