Homemade Pecan Sandies

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Golden, buttery, and rich with toasted pecans, these Homemade Pecan Sandies melt in your mouth with every bite. They’re the kind of cookie that tastes like a cozy afternoon feels: simple, warm, and unforgettable. With crisp edges and a tender, crumbly center, they’re a nostalgic favorite for good reason.

Whether you’re baking for the holidays, a cookie exchange, or just a weekday treat, these sandies are always a crowd-pleaser. Their rich nutty flavor comes from finely chopped pecans, while their unique texture is a result of a buttery shortbread-style dough that doesn’t require any leavening agents. Best of all, they’re incredibly easy to make with ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.

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What Makes Pecan Sandies So Irresistible?

The magic of pecan sandies lies in their simplicity. There’s no frosting or filling—just rich, nutty dough baked into tender cookies with a delicate crunch. The absence of eggs gives them that signature shortbread texture. Add to that the toasty aroma of pecans in every bite, and you’ve got a cookie that’s elegant in its minimalism.

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Ingredients for the Homemade Pecan Sandies

• Unsalted Butter – The base of any good sandie. Softened butter provides richness and helps the cookies hold their shape.
• Powdered Sugar – Gives the dough a smoother texture than granulated sugar and contributes to the melt-in-your-mouth feel.
• Vanilla Extract – Adds a warm depth of flavor that pairs perfectly with pecans.
• All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure. No need for baking soda or powder—this is a shortbread-style cookie.
• Salt – A pinch enhances the buttery flavor and balances the sweetness.
• Finely Chopped Pecans – The star of the show. Chop them finely for a consistent bite, and toast them if you want even more depth.

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How To Make the Homemade Pecan Sandies

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Start by beating the softened butter and powdered sugar together in a large bowl until light and fluffy. This incorporates air and sets the foundation for a tender cookie.

Step 2: Add the Vanilla

Mix in the vanilla extract until fully combined. It’ll infuse the dough with warm, aromatic flavor.

Step 3: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients

Add in the flour and salt. Mix on low speed just until the dough begins to form. Avoid over-mixing to preserve the delicate crumb.

Step 4: Fold in the Pecans

Stir in the finely chopped pecans by hand, ensuring even distribution throughout the dough.

Step 5: Shape and Chill

Roll the dough into 1-inch balls or shape into a log and slice into rounds. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and chill for 30 minutes. This helps the cookies hold their shape.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

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Serving and Storing Homemade Pecan Sandies

These cookies shine on a festive dessert platter or as an everyday indulgence with a warm drink. Serve them with afternoon tea, holiday eggnog, or a tall glass of cold milk.

To store, place cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, they freeze beautifully—just thaw before serving. Their texture and flavor remain delightful even after freezing.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep the cookies from spreading too much?

Chilling the dough before baking is key. It solidifies the butter, reducing spread and helping the cookies maintain their shape.

Can I toast the pecans beforehand?

Absolutely. Toasting the pecans enhances their nutty flavor. Just let them cool before mixing into the dough.

Are these cookies very sweet?

No, they have a balanced sweetness thanks to powdered sugar. If you prefer a sweeter bite, you could dust them with extra sugar post-bake.

Can I substitute walnuts for pecans?

Yes! Walnuts work well too, though the flavor and texture will vary slightly.

Do I need to use a mixer?

While a mixer makes the process easier, especially when creaming the butter and sugar, you can mix everything by hand with a bit of elbow grease.

How many cookies does this recipe yield?

About 24 small cookies, depending on size. Doubling the recipe is easy if you need a larger batch.

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Want More Cookie Ideas with a Twist?

If you love these pecan sandies, you’ll probably enjoy these other favorites:

• Whipped Shortbread Cookies for a light, buttery melt-in-your-mouth experience.
• Paula Deen’s 5 Minute Fudge if you’re craving ultra-fast chocolate bliss.
• Apple Enchiladas – A Sweet and Comforting Treat for a fruity twist on dessert.
• Coconut Snowballs for a tropical, festive nibble.
• Indulgent Kentucky Butter Cake if you want to go full-on decadent.

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Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you toast the pecans? Try adding cinnamon? Swap in walnuts?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other bake smarter.

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