Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my favorite treat: homemade pecan sandies! These cookies are like little bites of heaven that just melt in your mouth. Seriously, you take a bite and it’s like all your worries melt away too! I remember making these with my grandma every holiday season. We’d spend hours in the kitchen, her laughter mixing with the sweet aroma of butter and pecans. It’s such a comforting memory, and now I love sharing these cookies with my friends and family. Trust me, whether it’s a casual afternoon or a festive gathering, these pecan sandies are always a hit!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up those delightful homemade pecan sandies! Make sure your butter is nice and softened before you start, and chop those pecans finely for the best texture. Here’s the full list:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup pecans, finely chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
These simple ingredients come together to create cookies that are buttery, nutty, and just the right amount of sweet. You’re going to love it!
How to Prepare Homemade Pecan Sandies
Alright, let’s dive into making these scrumptious homemade pecan sandies! The process is super simple, and trust me, you’ll be rewarded with cookies that will make your heart sing. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be enjoying those melt-in-your-mouth cookies in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is key for getting those cookies perfectly baked!
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until it’s light and fluffy. You want to get some air in there!
- Add in the vanilla extract and give it another good mix. The aroma will be amazing!
- Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt, mixing just until everything is combined. Don’t overdo it; we want tender cookies!
- Now, fold in those finely chopped pecans. This is where the magic happens—those nutty bits will add such a lovely crunch!
- Shape the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Leave a little space between them; they’ll spread a bit.
- Bake in your preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they’re lightly golden. Keep an eye on them; you want that perfect color!
- Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Then, dust them with powdered sugar before serving. It’s the finishing touch that makes them feel extra special!
And there you have it! Just follow these steps, and you’ll be on your way to enjoying some heavenly homemade pecan sandies.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Now, let me share why these homemade pecan sandies are going to become your new favorite cookie! They’re not just delicious; they’re also super easy to make and bring a warm, cozy feeling to any occasion. Here are a few reasons to fall in love with this recipe:
- Simple preparation with just a handful of ingredients—perfect for busy days!
- Buttery flavor paired with crunchy pecans that creates the ultimate melt-in-your-mouth experience.
- They make your kitchen smell heavenly while baking—seriously, you’ll be tempted to eat them straight out of the oven!
- Great for sharing with friends and family, or keeping all to yourself (I won’t tell!).
- Perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a holiday gathering, a cozy afternoon with coffee, or just because you deserve a treat!
Honestly, these cookies are so comforting and delicious, you’ll find yourself making them again and again!
Tips for Success
Want to take your homemade pecan sandies to the next level? I’ve got some pro tips that will ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time!
- Chill the dough: If you have a bit of time, consider chilling the dough for about 30 minutes. This helps to firm it up and will give you a nice texture when baked!
- Don’t overmix: Once you add the flour, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies—yikes!
- Use a cookie scoop: For uniform cookies, use a cookie scoop to portion out the dough. This helps them bake evenly, ensuring every bite is just as tasty!
- Watch the baking time: Every oven is a little different, so keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. They should be lightly golden but still soft in the center when you take them out.
- Dust with powdered sugar: For that extra touch of sweetness and a lovely presentation, don’t skip the powdered sugar dusting just before serving!
With these tips, you’ll be a pro at making the best homemade pecan sandies that your friends and family will rave about!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve baked up a batch of those delightful homemade pecan sandies, you’ll want to make sure they stay fresh and delicious! Here’s how to store your cookies properly:
- Airtight container: Store your leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. This keeps them soft and prevents them from drying out. They should stay tasty for about a week—if they last that long!
- Freezing: If you want to keep them longer, you can also freeze the cookies! Just place them in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They’ll be good for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply let them thaw at room temperature.
- Reheating: If you like your cookies warm, you can pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Just be careful not to overheat them—nobody wants a rubbery cookie! A quick warm-up will bring back that fresh-baked feel.
With these storage tips, you can enjoy your homemade pecan sandies over several days or even weeks, keeping the joy of baking alive a little longer!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Hey there! Just a quick note about the nutritional information for these homemade pecan sandies. Keep in mind that the nutrition values can vary quite a bit depending on the specific ingredients and brands you use. So, while I’ve provided estimates for calories, fat, and protein, they might not be spot on for your batch. I always recommend checking the packaging or using a nutrition calculator for the most accurate info. Enjoy those cookies without any worries—just savor every delicious bite!
FAQ Section
Got questions about homemade pecan sandies? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I get, along with my favorite answers:
Can I substitute walnuts for pecans?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of pecans or just want to switch things up, walnuts work wonderfully in this recipe. They’ll give you that same nutty flavor with a slightly different crunch!
How should I store my cookies?
To keep those homemade pecan sandies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This keeps them soft and delicious for about a week. Trust me, they won’t last that long, but it’s good to know!
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes, you can! If you want to save some for later, just shape the dough into balls, freeze them on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to an airtight container. When you’re ready to bake, pop them straight in the oven—no need to thaw!
What if I don’t have powdered sugar?
No worries at all! You can make your own by blending granulated sugar in a blender until it’s fine and fluffy. It’s super easy and works just as well in this recipe!
Can I add chocolate chips or other mix-ins?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative. Chocolate chips, dried fruits, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon can add a fun twist to your pecan sandies. Just make sure not to overload the dough, so it stays nice and tender.
I hope these answers help you on your baking journey! If you have any more questions, feel free to reach out. Happy baking!
Call to Action
Alright, my fellow bakers, I want to hear from you! If you try these homemade pecan sandies (and I really hope you do), please share your thoughts in the comments below. I love hearing how they turn out for you and any little twists you add to the recipe. Did you use walnuts instead of pecans? Or maybe you threw in some chocolate chips? Whatever it is, I’m all ears!
And hey, if you’re totally in love with these cookies—because who wouldn’t be?—don’t keep it to yourself! Share this recipe on your social media and spread the joy of baking. Tag your friends who need a sweet treat in their lives! Let’s make the world a little sweeter, one pecan sandy at a time. Happy baking, everyone!
Print
Homemade Pecan Sandies: 7 Irresistible Cookie Secrets
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious homemade pecan sandies that melt in your mouth.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup pecans, finely chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar.
- Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
- Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until combined.
- Fold in the chopped pecans.
- Shape the dough into small balls and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until lightly golden.
- Allow to cool and dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container for freshness.
- You can substitute walnuts for pecans if desired.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes for a firmer texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: homemade pecan sandies, pecan cookies, easy cookie recipe
