Are you craving a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookie that's perfect with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk? Then look no further! This Pecan Sandies recipe, inspired by the beloved Pioneer Woman, is a delightful treat that's surprisingly easy to make. These delicate cookies are a perfect blend of nutty pecans and sweet, buttery goodness – a true homemade cooking masterpiece. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting your culinary journey, this easy recipe is guaranteed to impress. It's the perfect addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas or simply a delicious snack any time of day.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup pecan halves, coarsely chopped
Instructions:
Get Started:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. This will prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze!
Cream Together:
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. A stand mixer works great, but a hand mixer will do just fine. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect texture.
Add Wet Ingredients:
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. Make sure there are no streaks of egg remaining.
Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
Gradually Combine Wet and Dry:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
Add the Pecans:
- Stir in the chopped pecans.
Shape the Cookies:
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
Flatten the Cookies:
- Gently flatten each ball with a fork, making a criss-cross pattern. This is what gives the Pecan Sandies their signature look.
Bake to Perfection:
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on them as ovens vary.
Cool and Enjoy:
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for the Best Pecan Sandies:
- Softened Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is truly softened. This will ensure that it creams properly with the sugar, resulting in a lighter and fluffier cookie.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the dough will develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): For even better results, you can chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This will help prevent the cookies from spreading too much.
Variations:
- Chocolate Pecan Sandies: Add ½ cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips to the dough.
- Spiced Pecan Sandies: Add ½ teaspoon of cinnamon and ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg to the dough.
- Other Nuts: Substitute the pecans with walnuts, almonds, or a mix of your favorite nuts.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Sugar: 8g
- Protein: 2g
These delicious Pecan Sandies are perfect for any occasion – from casual get-togethers to holiday gatherings. Their simple elegance and irresistible flavor make them a true crowd-pleaser. Enjoy!