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–+ servings

Homemade Pecan Sandies Recipe

These golden shortbread cookies are the perfect treat for dessert lovers, featuring a satisfying crunch, buttery richness, and nutty flavor from toasted pecans.
Their crumbly texture pairs beautifully with milk, tea, or even as a topping for ice cream.
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Active Time 15 minutes
Course Dessert, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 30 2-inch pieces

Equipment

  • 1-quart stainless steel saucier
  • Parchment paper
  • Baking sheet

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup pecan pieces toasted
  • 1 1/4 sticks unsalted butter
  • 3/4 cup + 2 tablespoons white sugar
  • 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 large egg yolk

Cashew Shortbread Variation:

  • Replace the pecans with an equal amount of cashews.

Vanilla Bean Shortbread Variation:

  • Omit pecans. Add seeds from 1 vanilla bean rubbed into the sugar.

Gluten-Free Variation:

  • Replace flour with 2/3 cup tapioca starch and 2/3 cup oat flour.

Instructions
 

  • Prep the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and position the rack in the middle. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Mix Dry Ingredients: Sift the flour into a bowl. Chop toasted pecans and toss with the flour.
  • Brown the Butter: In a small saucier, melt butter over medium-low heat. Stir constantly until the butter hisses, the solids turn golden, and the mixture smells nutty. Pour into a bowl and cool to about 75°F (1 hour at room temperature or 25 minutes in the fridge).
  • Combine Ingredients: Stir sugars, vanilla, salt, and baking soda into the cooled butter. Add the egg yolk, then mix in the pecan-flour mixture to create a sandy dough.
  • Shape the Cookies: Scoop 1-tablespoon portions onto the baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart. Flatten into 3/4-inch thick discs.
  • Bake: Bake for 15 minutes, until the edges are golden brown. Cool on the baking sheet.
  • Store: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 weeks at room temperature.

Notes

  • Ensure butter is fully cooled to prevent greasy dough.
  • For a richer flavor, serve cookies with a warm beverage or crumble over desserts.
Keyword buttery pecan cookies, classic cookie recipes, dessert recipes, easy dessert recipes, pecan cookies recipe, shortbread cookie recipe
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