Pecan Sandies are a classic and delicious shortbread-style cookie, often made with chopped pecans for a rich, nutty flavor. Here’s a simple recipe for making them:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
- Optional: extra powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together until smooth and creamy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Vanilla: Mix in the vanilla extract until well combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour and salt to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overwork the dough.
- Add Pecans: Stir in the chopped pecans until evenly distributed.
- Shape the Dough: Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 tablespoon each, and place them onto the prepared baking sheet. You can also flatten them slightly with the back of a spoon or your fingers if you prefer a flatter cookie.
- Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are just beginning to turn golden brown. The centers should still be soft.
- Cool and Dust: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. If desired, dust the cooled cookies with additional powdered sugar for a sweet finish.
Enjoy these melt-in-your-mouth pecan sandies with a cup of tea or coffee!