Description
These Pecan Sandies are a buttery, crumbly classic cookie with toasted pecans and a hint of vanilla. Perfect for holiday cookie trays, gifting, or just a cozy snack with coffee. This easy recipe requires no mixer and brings nostalgic flavor with every bite. A simple and crowd-pleasing dessert—ideal for quick holiday bakes, homemade gift ideas, and cozy dessert cravings.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
3/4 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup chopped pecans, toasted
2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for topping)
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spread the chopped pecans on a baking sheet and toast for 5–7 minutes. Let them cool completely.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy.
3. Stir in vanilla extract and salt until combined.
4. Gradually mix in the flour. The dough may look crumbly but should hold when pressed.
5. Fold in the toasted pecans until evenly distributed.
6. Scoop 1-tablespoon portions and roll into balls. Flatten each slightly and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
7. Sprinkle granulated sugar over the tops of the cookies.
8. Bake for 14–16 minutes until edges are lightly golden. Cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Notes
Make sure pecans are fully cooled before adding to the dough to avoid melting the butter.
Don’t overbake—sandies should be pale with lightly golden bottoms.
For extra crunch, roll cookies in sugar before flattening instead of just sprinkling.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 16 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 132
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 42mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 13mg
Keywords: pecan sandies, holiday cookies, buttery cookies, easy dessert recipe