Are you craving a sweet treat that's both incredibly easy to make and utterly irresistible? Look no further! These pecan sandies are the epitome of simple homemade cooking, delivering a delightful combination of buttery, crunchy, and nutty goodness in every bite. Perfect for a cozy evening, holiday gatherings, or simply satisfying a sudden craving, this recipe is your new go-to for delicious dishes and quick dinner ideas (even if it's dessert!). Prepare to be amazed by how simple it is to create these delectable pecan cookies from scratch!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup pecan halves, roughly chopped
Instructions:
Step 1: Creaming the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This is crucial for achieving that tender crumbly texture that makes pecan sandies so special. Use an electric mixer for best results, but a good old-fashioned hand mixer works too!
Step 2: Adding Wet Ingredients
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. The mixture might look a little curdled, but don't worry; it will come together beautifully.
Step 3: Incorporating Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough cookies.
Step 4: Stirring in Pecans
Gently fold in the chopped pecans. Avoid over-mixing at this stage to prevent the pecans from breaking down too much.
Step 5: Chilling the Dough
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step allows the flavors to meld and makes the dough easier to handle, preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
Step 6: Shaping and Baking
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Gently flatten each ball with a fork, creating a criss-cross pattern.
Step 7: Baking the Cookies
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on them as ovens vary, and you don't want them to burn.
Step 8: Cooling and Enjoying
Let the pecan sandies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, enjoy these delightful cookies with a glass of milk or your favorite beverage!
Tips and Variations:
- Softened Butter is Key: Ensure your butter is truly softened; this will create a smoother, more easily workable dough.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing develops gluten, leading to tough cookies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Adjust Baking Time: Ovens vary, so keep an eye on your cookies and adjust baking time as needed.
- Add a Touch of Spice: For a warm, autumnal twist, add ½ teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough.
- Use Different Nuts: Substitute pecans with walnuts, almonds, or a mix of your favorite nuts.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
Calories: 120-150, Fat: 7-9g, Carbohydrates: 15-20g, Protein: 1-2g
These values are estimates and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
These pecan sandies are a perfect example of healthy meals being delicious and easy to make. Enjoy the simple pleasure of homemade baking and share these treats with loved ones! They’re the perfect addition to any gathering, a thoughtful homemade gift, or a well-deserved reward at the end of a long day.