Homemade Pecan Sandies offer a delightful twist on a classic cookie, marrying the rich flavors of butter and pecans with a sweet, crumbly texture that melts in your mouth. These cookies are a wonderful treat for any occasion, be it a cozy afternoon tea, a festive holiday gathering, or simply as a comforting snack. The process of making Pecan Sandies from scratch is a rewarding endeavor, allowing for a level of freshness and quality that store-bought versions simply can't match. Let's delve into the art of baking these irresistible cookies.
Ingredients
- 2 sticks unsalted butter (½ 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 pecans (chopped)
- ½ cup granulated sugar (for decoration)
Preparation
Step 1: Begin by preheating your oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). This ensures that the oven reaches the correct temperature for baking the cookies to perfection.
Step 2: In a large mixing 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. The creaming process is crucial for creating a light and tender cookie.
Step 3: Beat in the eggs one at a time, fully incorporating each before adding the next. Then, stir in the vanilla extract for that subtle but essential flavor depth.
Step 4: In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt. Gradually stir this dry mixture into the creamed mixture to form the cookie dough. The addition of cream of tartar helps in giving the cookies their distinctive crumbly texture.
Step 5: Mix in the chopped pecans until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. The pecans not only add a delightful crunch but also a nutty richness to the cookies.
Step 6: Shape the dough into 1-inch balls, and then roll each ball in the remaining granulated sugar to coat. This sugar coating will give the cookies a sparkling appearance and a slight crunch on the outside.
Step 7: Place the sugared dough balls 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheets. This spacing allows the cookies enough room to spread slightly while baking.
Step 8: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are golden. This short baking time is key to achieving that perfect tender texture inside while ensuring the cookies are cooked through.
Step 9: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool slightly on the cookie sheets before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. Cooling on the racks helps prevent the cookies from becoming soggy.
COOKING Note
Keep a close eye on the cookies during the final minutes of baking, as the edges can quickly turn from golden to overdone. The perfect Pecan Sandie should be lightly golden around the edges with a soft center.
Serving Suggestions
Pecan Sandies are best enjoyed at room temperature, where their full flavor and texture can be appreciated. They are perfect for serving with coffee or tea, packing into lunchboxes, or as a delightful dessert after a meal.
Tips
- For an extra flavor boost, toast the pecans lightly before adding them to the dough.
- Ensure the butter is softened but not melted to achieve the right dough consistency.
- Experiment with adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a seasonal twist.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: 30-32 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 150-200 calories per cookie (depending on size).
- Protein: About 2 grams per cookie.
- Sodium: Approximately 80-100 mg per cookie.
Homemade Pecan Sandies are a testament to the simple pleasure of baking from scratch. With their rich, nutty flavor and tender, crumbly texture, these cookies are sure to become a beloved treat among friends and family. The process of making them is as satisfying as the result, offering a wonderful way to create lasting memories in the kitchen. Whether for a special occasion or a simple joy, Pecan Sandies are a timeless classic that pleases palates across all ages.
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