Pecan Sandies are a delightful treat that perfectly blends the rich, buttery texture of a classic shortbread cookie with the crunch and flavor of pecans. These homemade cookies are easy to make and offer a comforting, melt-in-your-mouth experience with each bite. Whether you’re craving something sweet for afternoon tea or preparing a batch for a special occasion, these cookies are guaranteed to impress.
The dough is simple to prepare, mixing butter, vegetable oil, and a combination of sugars to create a smooth, rich base. After adding eggs and vanilla, the dry ingredients are mixed in, and the chopped pecans are folded into the dough for that perfect nutty crunch. Rolling the dough into balls and coating them in sugar before baking gives the cookies a lovely sweetness and a golden crispiness on the edges. The result is a batch of cookies that are just the right balance of soft and crunchy, with a sweet, nutty flavor that everyone will love.
Ingredients (Makes 24 cookies):
• 2 sticks unsalted butter (1/2 lb.), softened
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup confectioners’ sugar (sifted)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 cups all-purpose flour (500 g)
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups chopped pecans
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for decoration)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 325°F.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter, vegetable oil, 1 cup granulated sugar, and sifted confectioners’ sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, and then stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt. Gradually stir the dry mixture into the creamed mixture until well combined.
- Fold in the chopped pecans.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and roll each ball in the remaining granulated sugar.
- Place the cookie dough balls about 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheets.
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
- Remove the cookies from the sheets and cool on wire racks.
Nutritional Insights & Dietary Considerations:
These Pecan Sandies are a rich and indulgent treat. While they offer a delightful blend of butter and sugar, they should be enjoyed in moderation due to their higher calorie and fat content. The addition of pecans provides a good source of healthy fats, making these cookies a better choice than many other sweets. However, they are not suitable for those on a low-sugar, low-fat, or gluten-free diet.
Sharing and Commenting is Caring:
Did you enjoy these homemade pecan sandies? We’d love to hear your feedback! Drop a comment below and share any tweaks or tips you’ve made to the recipe. If you’ve made these delicious cookies, feel free to share them with friends and family—sharing great recipes helps everyone enjoy the simple joys of baking!