Discover a simple yet delicious Christmas cookie recipe that’s perfect for any time of the year! These buttery, crumbly shortbread cookies boast crispy edges and a satisfying nutty crunch. Just chill, slice, and bake!
Looking for sweet additions to your holiday cookie platters? Consider indulging in my scrumptious homemade Danish butter cookies or the nutty pecan pie bars on a buttery shortbread crust.
Vintage pecan sandies have been a beloved Christmas tradition for generations, but their simplicity has earned them a permanent spot on my baking roster, regardless of the season. These indulgent treats combine the satisfying crunch of pecans with the rich flavors of buttery shortbread, yielding a delightfully crumbly cookie experience. Perfect for the holidays! These bite-sized treats truly stand out for their exceptional qualities.
- Many pecan sandies recipes specify using room-temperature butter. This recipe relies on refrigerated butter being used straight from the chill, eliminating the need to wait for it to soften at room temperature.
- This straightforward cookie recipe eschews frills and fuss for a no-nonsense approach to baking. Since you’ll be rolling the cookie dough into a log for slicing, there’s no need to scoop or portion it in advance. The dough will be ready to refrigerate in mere minutes.
- The delicious nuances of these cookies are truly a delight to my taste buds! The pecans’ rich flavor melds harmoniously with the abundant butter, yielding a subtle butter pecan taste, underscored by a delightful balance of warmth from spices and satisfying crunch. Sandies, akin to meltaways, dissolve effortlessly on the palate, their tender texture evoking a festive cheer reminiscent of the holiday season. These treats pair delightfully well with a warm cup of coffee or soothing brew of tea.
A sandy or sable cookie is a type of shortbread or sugar cookie that typically incorporates pecans into its composition. The sandy-hued dough’s crumbly texture is the origin of this name. Shortbread is typically baked in a single pan and then cut into cookies, whereas sandies are uniquely shaped, similar to sugar cookies. I whip up my pecan sandies in a snap with the convenience of slice-and-bake cookies.
To prepare these indulgent pecan sandies, you’ll require the following ingredients: At your fingertips, or simply stored away!
- Cubed cold butter is essential for this process. Available in both salted and unsalted varieties.
- While both granulated and light brown sugar are suitable options, consider refining the statement for clarity: “Both granulated sugar and light brown sugar can be used.”
- – Ice-cold water, so frigid that you wouldn’t even consider mixing its icy cubes with the cookie dough.
- Use high-quality, genuine vanilla extract to ensure authenticity in your baking process.
- – Cinnamon and salt. Consider adding a pinch of warmth to your cookies by flavouring them with nutmeg, ginger, or the quintessential autumnal blend of pumpkin pie spice.
- Raw, unsalted pecans are my top pick for snacking and baking alike. Chop them up finely.
A classic approach to making sandies yields scrumptious results when taken in a drop-cookie format. However, it’s the slice-and-bake method that truly shines with this particular recipe. By refrigerating the dough and slicing it into cookies, you can achieve a similar result to Pillsbury’s Ready To Bake Sugar Cookies. Simply follow these straightforward steps:
- Combining softened butter and granulated sugar in a harmonious blend, followed by the judicious addition of ice-cold water, pure vanilla extract, flaky sea salt, and warm cinnamon. With the ingredients combined, gradually incorporate the flour while gently folding in the pecans to create a smooth dough.
- Roll the cookie dough into a cylindrical log, approximately two inches in diameter. Securely enclose the log in a layer of plastic wrap and refrigerate the cookie dough for at least one hour.
- Ready to bake? Retrieve your cookie dough and portion it into uniform 12-millimeter thick slices. Cookies are transferred to a parchment-lined baking sheet and baked at 325°F for 15–20 minutes. Following their removal from the baking sheet, allow the pecan sandies to air-cool on a wire rack.
- To add an extra layer of texture and visual appeal, press a single pecan onto the surface of each cookie just prior to baking, allowing its nutty flavor and crunchy texture to elevate the overall snacking experience.
- For those who prefer their cookies sweet and indulgent, a light dusting of powdered sugar adds an extra layer of flavour and texture once the sandies have cooled completely.
- Replace these classic shortbread-like cookies with the rich flavor of chopped walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts for a delightful twist on traditional pecan sandies.
- Once you’ve shaped the dough into a log for refrigeration, you can effortlessly delay baking your cookies for up to 72 hours. You can also store wrapped cookie dough in the freezer for later use. Ready to serve? Thaw in the refrigerator until needed, then slice and bake to perfection.
- Store the pecan sandies in airtight containers and maintain them at room temperature for up to five days.
- These cookies can be frozen for up to two months. Allow to come to room temperature before serving.
Description
Are the epitome of indulgence: rich, buttery, and crumbly shortbread infused with a delightful abundance of nutty pecan crunch. I delight in baking these festive treats during the holiday season, yet they’re equally delightful any time of the year.
- ( sticks) cold butter, cubed
- granulated sugar
- ice water
- vanilla extract
- kosher salt
- ground cinnamon
- all purpose flour
- finely chopped pecans
- With the stand mixer equipped with a paddle attachment, combine the butter and sugar on a moderate pace for approximately one to two minutes, until the mixture is silky smooth.
- Combine the ice water, vanilla, salt, and cinnamon, mixing thoroughly for precisely 30 seconds to ensure a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. Turning the mixer to a low speed, gradually incorporate the flour and toasted pecans into the mixture, ensuring they are thoroughly combined throughout.
- Forming the dough into a cylindrical shape of approximately two inches in diameter, encase it within a layer of plastic wrap for preservation. Store in the refrigerator for a minimum of one hour to allow the contents to chill thoroughly.
- Preheat the oven to 325°F. Arrange a baking sheet with a layer of baking parchment and reserve for use.
- Removing the dough from the refrigerator, slice the log into 1/2-inch thick rounds.
- Preheat your oven to a moderate temperature before placing the prepared baking sheet inside to bake for 15-20 minutes or until it reaches a lightly golden and set consistency.
- Allow the baked goods to transfer to a wire rack and complete their cooling process.
Notes
- Best consumed within 5 days when stored airtight at room temperature.
- Store in an airtight container at a consistent refrigerator temperature below 40°F (4°C) for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature.