🍪 Homemade Pecan Sandies – Buttery, Nutty Cookies That Melt in Your Mouth

There’s something special about baking cookies from scratch—especially when those cookies are rich, crisp-edged, buttery, and packed with toasted pecan flavor. That’s exactly what you get with these Homemade Pecan Sandies, a nostalgic classic that deserves a permanent spot in your cookie jar.

Pecan Sandies are old-fashioned cookies that strike a perfect balance between sweet and savory. Their crumbly, shortbread-like texture combined with the warmth of roasted pecans makes them an ideal companion for afternoon tea, coffee breaks, or festive holiday trays. And best of all, they’re made with simple pantry staples and require no fancy techniques—just good ingredients and love for baking.

Let’s dive into what makes these cookies so irresistible and how you can master them in your own kitchen.

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🧾 Ingredients – Simple, Real, and Wholesome

What sets Pecan Sandies apart from other cookies is their delicate texture and nut-forward flavor. These cookies are rich without being too sweet, and they come together using ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.

Ingredients:

• 2 sticks butter, unsalted (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
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups chopped pecans
• ½ cup granulated sugar (for rolling the dough balls before baking)

📝 Tip: Toasting the pecans before chopping them enhances their nutty flavor. Simply spread on a baking sheet and toast at 325°F for 5–7 minutes, watching closely so they don’t burn.

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🥣 Directions – Step-by-Step Cookie Perfection

These cookies are straightforward, and with a bit of prep and a lot of buttery goodness, you’ll have a big batch ready to enjoy or share.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line your cookie sheets with parchment paper or use ungreased sheets as per tradition.

Step 2: Cream the Butters and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, cream together:

• 2 sticks of softened butter
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup confectioner’s sugar (sifted)

Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for building the base of your cookie dough’s texture.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then add the vanilla extract.

The eggs add richness and help bind the dough, while the vanilla rounds out the sweet, buttery flavor.

Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1 teaspoon salt

Gradually stir this dry mixture into your wet ingredients until well combined. You should have a thick but manageable dough.

Step 5: Add the Pecans

Fold in 2 cups of chopped pecans. Make sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.

The pecans give these cookies their signature crunch and toasty flavor, turning a simple sugar cookie into something rich and nutty.

Step 6: Shape and Sugar

Roll the dough into 1-inch balls using your hands or a cookie scoop. Roll each ball in the reserved ½ cup granulated sugar and place on ungreased cookie sheets about 2 inches apart.

🧁 Pro Tip: For prettier cookies, gently flatten each dough ball just a little with the bottom of a glass.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. The centers should look slightly underdone—they will finish setting as they cool.

Transfer to wire racks and cool completely.

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🕒 Baking Summary

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Bake Time: 10–12 minutes per batch
• Total Time: About 45 minutes
• Yield: 5–6 dozen cookies
• Storage: Up to 1 week in an airtight container

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🍽️ Why Pecan Sandies Work

There’s a reason these cookies have been passed down through generations. They offer:

• Crispy edges + soft centers
• Balanced sweetness (thanks to two sugars)
• Delicate richness from butter + oil
• Nutty flavor and texture from pecans
• A big batch for sharing or gifting

They’re also freezer-friendly and perfect for holiday baking sprees.

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🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 7 days
• Freezer (Dough): Roll into balls and freeze on a tray, then transfer to a bag—bake straight from frozen, adding 1–2 extra minutes
• Freezer (Baked Cookies): Freeze cooled cookies in a sealed bag for up to 3 months

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🥄 Serving Ideas

• With coffee or tea: Perfect for your morning or afternoon break
• As a cookie exchange gift: Pack in a festive tin with a handwritten recipe card
• For holidays: Decorate with powdered sugar or drizzle with white chocolate for an elegant twist
• With ice cream: Use them to make nutty ice cream sandwiches

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🥰 Why You’ll Fall in Love with These Cookies

Homemade Pecan Sandies are a taste of tradition and a celebration of simplicity. They don’t rely on fancy flavors or elaborate techniques—just real butter, toasted pecans, and the kind of care that comes from baking something with your own hands.

They’re the perfect cookie for:

• Holiday gatherings
• Afternoon baking therapy
• Homemade gift baskets
• Sunday baking with kids or grandkids
• Late-night cravings (trust us, they’re amazing with a glass of milk!)

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📌 Final Thoughts

Whether you’re baking for the holidays, prepping for a cookie swap, or just looking for a buttery, nutty cookie to enjoy with your favorite mug of coffee, Homemade Pecan Sandies are the answer. With crisp edges, a tender bite, and a melt-in-your-mouth texture, these cookies are old-fashioned in the best way possible.

They come together quickly, make a big batch, and disappear even faster.

So roll up your sleeves, preheat that oven, and let your kitchen be filled with the irresistible scent of toasted pecans and sweet, buttery dough. Because some recipes—like this one—are worth keeping forever.

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