Print

Pecan Sandies Recipe: Easy Homemade Classic Crumbly Cookies

pecan sandies recipe - featured image

These pecan sandies are classic, crumbly cookies with a rich, buttery flavor and toasted pecans in every bite. Simple to make with pantry staples, they’re perfect for any occasion and guaranteed to please a crowd.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup (60g) powdered sugar
  • 1/4 cup (50g) light brown sugar
  • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (110g) pecans, chopped and toasted
  • 23 tablespoons coarse sugar for rolling (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread pecan halves on a baking sheet and bake for 7–9 minutes, stirring halfway, until fragrant and golden. Let cool, then chop roughly.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, beat unsalted butter, powdered sugar, and light brown sugar on medium speed for 2–3 minutes until light and fluffy.
  3. Beat in vanilla extract until just combined.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Gradually add to the wet ingredients, mixing on low until almost incorporated. If the dough feels too dry, add 1 tablespoon milk or water at a time.
  5. Stir in the chopped, toasted pecans until evenly distributed. The dough will be slightly crumbly but should hold its shape when pressed.
  6. Scoop or roll tablespoon-sized balls of dough and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, 2 inches apart. Gently flatten each ball slightly. Sprinkle tops with coarse sugar if desired.
  7. Chill the tray in the fridge for 15–20 minutes (optional, but recommended).
  8. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 14–16 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden and centers look set.
  9. Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Toast pecans for best flavor. If dough is too crumbly, add a teaspoon of milk. Chilling dough helps cookies hold their shape. For gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and chill dough longer. Cookies can be frozen before or after baking. Rustic shapes add homemade charm.

Nutrition

Keywords: pecan sandies, classic cookies, crumbly cookies, holiday cookies, buttery cookies, easy cookie recipe, homemade cookies, nut cookies, pecan cookies