Oh my goodness, let me tell you about homemade pecan sandies! These cookies are the ultimate treat – buttery, melt-in-your-mouth deliciousness, with crunchy bits of pecans that make every bite a little celebration. I remember the first time I baked these; the sweet, nutty aroma filled my kitchen, and I couldn’t wait to share them with my family. They disappeared in minutes! They’re perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy afternoon with tea or a festive gathering. Trust me, once you try making these, they’ll become a staple in your cookie repertoire. You’ll love how simple they are to whip up!
Ingredients for Homemade Pecan Sandies
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened – This is the key to that rich, buttery flavor!
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar – It adds just the right sweetness and helps create that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – This forms the base of the cookies, giving them structure.
- 1 cup chopped pecans – The star of the show! These give the cookies a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – A splash of vanilla enhances all the flavors beautifully.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt – Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and bring everything together.
How to Prepare Homemade Pecan Sandies
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important because it ensures that your cookies bake evenly and get that perfect golden edge. While the oven warms up, you can focus on preparing the dough, so it’s a win-win!
Creaming the Butter and Sugar
Now, let’s get to the fun part! In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until it’s smooth and fluffy. You can use an electric mixer for this, but a good old-fashioned wooden spoon works just fine too. The goal is to blend them until it’s light in color and has a nice creamy texture. This step is crucial for achieving that melt-in-your-mouth quality, so take your time!
Adding Ingredients
Once your butter and sugar are looking good, it’s time to add in the vanilla extract. Mix that in well! Then, gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt. I like to do this in parts, so it blends easily without flying everywhere. After everything is combined, fold in those chopped pecans. This is where the magic happens – those nutty bites will give your cookies such a delightful crunch!
Shaping and Baking
Next up, let’s shape your dough! Scoop out small amounts and roll them into balls, about 1 inch in size. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, giving them a bit of space. Gently flatten each ball with your hand – this helps them bake evenly. Pop them in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges turn a lovely light golden brown. Just watch carefully, as you don’t want to overbake!
Cooling the Cookies
Once they’re out of the oven, allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This cooling step is key because it helps them firm up a bit. Trust me, the wait will be worth it when you take that first bite of these buttery, pecan-filled delights!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to whip up, perfect for busy days.
- Buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s simply irresistible.
- Chopped pecans add a delightful crunch and flavor.
- Great for any occasion, from casual gatherings to festive celebrations.
- Only requires a few simple ingredients you likely already have!
Tips for Success
Getting the best results with your homemade pecan sandies is all about a few key tricks! Here are some of my favorites to ensure you nail this recipe every time:
- Softened Butter is a Must: Make sure your butter is truly softened, not just slightly warm. It should be easy to press your finger into it. This helps create that light, fluffy texture when creaming with the sugar.
- Chop Pecans Just Right: Don’t go too fine with the pecans! You want some nice chunks for that delightful crunch. A rough chop is perfect!
- Don’t Overmix: When adding the flour and pecans, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, and we definitely want tender, buttery bites!
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to play around with the vanilla! Try adding a little almond extract for a different twist, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon for warmth.
- Keep an Eye on Baking Time: Every oven is different, so start checking your cookies at the 15-minute mark. They should be lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center.
- Cool Completely: Letting your cookies cool on a wire rack is crucial. If you skip this, they might end up too soft or even break when you try to handle them!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be well on your way to creating the most delicious homemade pecan sandies that everyone will rave about!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
When it comes to storing your homemade pecan sandies, keeping them fresh and delicious is easy! First, make sure the cookies are completely cool before you store them. Place them in an airtight container; this helps keep them soft and prevents them from drying out. I usually layer them with parchment paper to avoid sticking, just in case they’re a bit on the gooey side.
These cookies can last up to a week at room temperature, but if you want to keep them longer, you can pop them in the freezer! Just wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay good for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them overnight in the fridge.
Now, if you want to warm them up for that fresh-baked taste, here’s my favorite method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), and place the cookies on a baking sheet for about 5-7 minutes. This brings back their lovely softness and makes the pecans even more fragrant! You can also use a microwave, but be careful – just a few seconds will do, or they might get too soft and lose that delightful crunch. Trust me, a little warmth goes a long way in bringing back that buttery goodness!
Nutritional Information
When you’re indulging in homemade pecan sandies, it’s nice to know what you’re treating yourself to! Here’s a breakdown of the typical nutritional values per cookie:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 10g
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Fiber: 1g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific brands of ingredients you use. Enjoy these cookies guilt-free, knowing they’re made with love and wholesome ingredients!
FAQ Section
Can I use salted butter instead?
Absolutely, you can use salted butter if that’s what you have on hand! Just keep in mind that it will add a bit of extra saltiness to your cookies, so you might want to reduce the added salt in the recipe to about an eighth of a teaspoon. It’ll still give you that buttery flavor we all love!
How do I know when the cookies are done?
Great question! You’ll want to keep an eye on those edges. The cookies are done when the edges are lightly golden brown but the centers might still look a tad soft. They’ll firm up as they cool, so don’t worry if they seem a bit underbaked at first! Just be sure to remove them promptly from the oven to avoid overbaking.
Can I freeze homemade pecan sandies?
Yes, you can definitely freeze these delightful cookies! Just make sure they’re completely cool before wrapping each cookie individually in plastic wrap or placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, let them thaw overnight in the fridge or pop them in the oven for a quick warm-up. They’ll taste like they just came out of the oven!
What can I serve with these cookies?
Homemade pecan sandies pair beautifully with a warm cup of tea or coffee – the flavors complement each other perfectly! If you’re feeling indulgent, serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzle some caramel sauce over them for an extra treat. They’re versatile enough to enjoy with just about anything sweet!
Share Your Thoughts
I absolutely love hearing from you, so don’t be shy! If you try out this homemade pecan sandies recipe, please leave a comment below. I’d love to know how they turned out for you and any yummy twists you added. Did you use a different nut or maybe try some fun spices? Share your experiences and tips!
Also, if you enjoyed these cookies as much as I do, a rating would mean the world to me! It’s always great to know that these little buttery delights are bringing joy to your kitchen. So go ahead, drop your thoughts, and let’s spread the love for homemade pecan sandies!
Z nadrukami
Homemade Pecan Sandies: 5 Tips for the Perfect Batch
- Całkowity Czas: 35 minutes
- Ustępować: 24 cookies 1x
- Dieta: Wegańskie
Opis
Homemade pecan sandies are buttery cookies filled with chopped pecans. They are perfect for any occasion.
Składniki
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instrukcje
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream together the butter and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Add in the vanilla extract and mix well.
- Gradually add the flour and salt to the mixture.
- Fold in the chopped pecans.
- Form the dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet.
- Flatten each ball slightly with your hand.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let the cookies cool on a wire rack before serving.
Uwagi
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- These cookies can be frozen for later use.
- Czas Przygotowania: 15 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 20 minutes
- Kategoria: Dessert
- Sposób: Baking
- Kuchnia: American
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 cookie
- Kalorie: 150
- Cukier: 5g
- Sód: 50mg
- Kwasy: 10g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 3g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 7g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 15g
- Włókno: 1g
- Białko: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Słowa kluczowe: homemade pecan sandies, pecan cookies, buttery cookies
