Are you ready to fill your kitchen with the sweet aroma of homemade cookies? Pecan Sandies are a beloved classic, offering a delightful crunch and rich, buttery flavor that’s hard to resist. This guide will walk you through the steps to create these delicious treats, ensuring a perfect batch of Pecan Sandies every time. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying your hand at baking for the first time, this recipe is straightforward, foolproof, and sure to impress.
Ingredients: The Foundation of Flavor
To start, gather the following ingredients:
- 2 sticks of unsalted butter (1/2 lb., softened): The base of our cookie, providing a rich and creamy texture.
- 1 cup of vegetable oil: Adds to the softness of the cookie without altering the flavor.
- 1 cup of granulated sugar: For that sweet base every cookie needs.
- 1 cup of confectioner’s sugar (sifted): Offers a smooth texture and additional sweetness.
- 2 large eggs: Acts as a binder, giving the cookies structure.
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract: A hint of vanilla enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.
- 4 cups of all-purpose flour (500 gr.): The main dry ingredient, giving the cookies their form.
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda: Helps the cookies rise slightly, making them soft inside.
- 1 teaspoon of cream of tartar: Works with baking soda to prevent sugar crystals from forming, ensuring a tender cookie.
- 1 teaspoon of salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
- 2 cups of chopped pecans: The star ingredient, providing a nutty flavor and crunchy texture.
- 1/2 cup of granulated sugar (for decoration): Adds a sparkling finish and a slight crunch on top.
Instructions: Crafting Your Cookies
Step 1: Prep and Mix
Preheat your oven to 325 degrees F to ensure it’s ready to go once your dough is prepared. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, vegetable oil, 1 cup of granulated sugar, and the sifted confectioner’s sugar until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This step is crucial for creating a light and fluffy texture in your cookies.
Step 2: Combine and Create
Beat in the eggs one at a time, integrating them fully after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract for that subtle but essential flavor boost. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the creamed mixture, stirring to combine thoroughly. Fold in the chopped pecans, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 3: Shape and Sugar
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, then roll each ball in the remaining granulated sugar to coat. This step not only adds sweetness but also a beautiful, sparkly appearance to the cookies. Arrange the sugared balls on ungreased cookie sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for slight spreading.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake your Pecan Sandies for 10 to 12 minutes, or until you see the edges start to turn a lovely golden color. This is the sign they’re done to perfection – crispy on the outside and wonderfully soft on the inside.
Step 5: Cool and Enjoy
Remove the cookies from the oven and let them sit on the cookie sheets for a minute before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. This resting period allows the cookies to set, making them easier to move without breaking.
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Serving and Storage Tips for Homemade Pecan Sandies
After mastering the art of baking Pecan Sandies, the next steps are serving them at their best and storing them properly to maintain their delightful texture and flavor. Here are some essential tips for serving and storing your freshly baked cookies:
Serving Tips:
- At Their Best: Pecan Sandies taste best when they are slightly warm or at room temperature. If you’ve stored them, consider warming them for a few seconds in the microwave before serving to revive that just-baked taste and texture.
- Presentation Matters: Serve your cookies on a beautiful platter or in a cookie jar for that extra touch of homey elegance. Pairing them with a cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of milk can enhance the overall experience.
- For Special Occasions: Dress up your Pecan Sandies for special events by drizzling them with a simple glaze or melting chocolate. This can add a festive flair and a bit more sweetness.
Storage Tips:
- Cool Completely: Before storing, ensure your cookies are completely cool. Storing them while they are still warm can lead to soggy bottoms and soft cookies due to the steam trapped inside the container.
- Airtight Containers: Store your Pecan Sandies in an airtight container to keep them crispy and fresh. If you’re layering the cookies, consider placing a sheet of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
- Room Temperature Storage: Typically, these cookies will last for about a week at room temperature when stored correctly. Keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to maintain their quality.
- Freezing for Longevity: For long-term storage, Pecan Sandies can be frozen. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to 3 months frozen. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.
- Reviving Cookies: If your cookies have become soft or you just want to crisp them up, you can reheat them in a 300°F oven for 5-10 minutes. Let them cool on a wire rack before serving to ensure they regain their signature crunch.
By following these serving and storage tips, you can ensure that your homemade Pecan Sandies are enjoyed to their fullest potential, whether they’re fresh out of the oven or savored over time.
FAQs
1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter in the recipe?
Yes, you can use salted butter in place of unsalted butter if that’s what you have on hand. However, it’s important to adjust the amount of added salt to compensate for the salt already present in the butter. As a general rule, reduce the added salt by 1/4 teaspoon for each stick of salted butter used.
2. How do I ensure my Pecan Sandies are crispy and not too soft?
To achieve a crispier texture, make sure to cream the butter and sugars together until light and fluffy, but do not overmix the dough once the flour is added. Overmixing can lead to tougher cookies. Also, ensure your cookies are rolled thin enough and fully cooled on a wire rack after baking. If they’re still not as crispy as you’d like, extending the baking time by a couple of minutes can help.
3. Can I add chocolate chips or other mix-ins to the Pecan Sandies dough?
Absolutely! Pecan Sandies are versatile, and adding chocolate chips, white chocolate chunks, or even dried fruit like cranberries can introduce new flavors and textures. Aim for about 1/2 to 3/4 cup of additional mix-ins to ensure the dough still holds together well.
4. My cookies spread too much during baking. What did I do wrong?
There are a few reasons why cookies spread too much in the oven. The dough might have been too warm when it went into the oven, so chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking can help. Also, check that your baking soda and cream of tartar are fresh, as expired leaveners can affect the spread and rise of your cookies. Lastly, placing the dough on cool, not warm, baking sheets between batches can prevent excessive spreading.
Conclusion: A Treat to Remember
Homemade Pecan Sandies are more than just cookies; they’re a warm, welcoming treat that brings joy with every bite. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion, as a gift, or simply to enjoy with your family, this recipe guarantees delicious results. The combination of rich butter, sweet sugars, and crunchy pecans creates a cookie that’s both luxurious and comforting. So, preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to bake your way to cookie bliss with this classic Pecan Sandies recipe.
📖 Recipe
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HOMEMADE PECAN SANDIES
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 48 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Discover the joy of baking with our Homemade Pecan Sandies recipe, a perfect blend of crunchy pecans and buttery sweetness. Ideal for cookie lovers and baking enthusiasts, this simple yet delicious recipe will guide you through making the ultimate Pecan Sandies.
Ingredients
2 sticks unsalted butter (1/2 lb., softened)
1 cup vegetable oil
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup confectioner’s sugar (sifted)
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 cups all-purpose flour (500 gr.)
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 degrees F.
- Cream together butter, vegetable oil, 1 cup granulated sugar, and confectioners’ sugar until smooth.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla.
- Combine flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt; mix into the creamed mixture. Stir in pecans.
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls, then roll in sugar. Place 2 inches apart on cookie sheets.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are golden. Cool on wire racks.
Notes
For a crisper cookie, extend baking time by 1-2 minutes.
Cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to 1 week or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
