If you love buttery, nutty, and melt-in-your-mouth cookies, then this Pecan Sandies recipe is for you! These classic shortbread-style cookies are rich, crisp, and loaded with toasted pecans, making them the perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you enjoy them with coffee, tea, or as a holiday favorite, these cookies are simple to make and irresistibly delicious.
🍪 Why You’ll Love These Pecan Sandies
✅ Crisp, buttery texture with a rich pecan flavor
✅ Easy to make with simple ingredients
✅ Perfect for gifting, holidays, or everyday treats
✅ Freezer-friendly and stores well
Table of Contents

🛒 Ingredients for Pecan Sandies
To make these homemade Pecan Sandies, gather the following ingredients:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional but enhances the flavor)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup toasted pecans, chopped
- 2 tablespoons milk (if needed for moisture)
- Extra powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
🔪 How to Make Pecan Sandies
Step 1: Toast the Pecans
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread chopped pecans on a baking sheet and toast for 5-7 minutes until fragrant. Let them cool.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
ream together butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar in a large mixing bowl until the mixture becomes light and airy. Add vanilla and almond extracts and mix well.
Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients
Slowly mix in flour and salt until just combined. Stir in toasted pecans. If the dough is too crumbly, add 1-2 tablespoons of milk to bring it together.
Step 4: Shape the Cookies
Roll dough into 1-inch balls and slightly flatten them. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet about 2 inches apart.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 12-15 minutes, or until edges turn golden brown.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to rest on the baking sheet for five minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar for extra sweetness.
🍽️ Serving & Storage Tips
- Serving: Enjoy warm with a glass of milk, tea, or coffee.
- storage: keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to seven days.
- For longer storage, freeze unbaked cookie dough balls for as long as three months.. Bake directly from frozen, adding 2 extra minutes to the baking time.


Pecan Sandies
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 20
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional but enhances the flavor)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup toasted pecans, chopped
- 2 tablespoons milk (if needed for moisture)
- Extra powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Toast the Pecans
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread chopped pecans on a baking sheet and toast for 5-7 minutes until fragrant. Let them cool.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
- ream together butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar in a large mixing bowl until the mixture becomes light and airy. Add vanilla and almond extracts and mix well.
Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients
- Slowly mix in flour and salt until just combined. Stir in toasted pecans. If the dough is too crumbly, add 1-2 tablespoons of milk to bring it together.
Step 4: Shape the Cookies
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls and slightly flatten them. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet about 2 inches apart.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 12-15 minutes, or until edges turn golden brown.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy
- Allow the cookies to rest on the baking sheet for five minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar for extra sweetness.
Notes
- Serving: Enjoy warm with a glass of milk, tea, or coffee.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked cookie dough balls for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 2 extra minutes to the baking time.
Keywords: Pecan Sandies, butter cookies, shortbread, homemade cookies, pecan cookies
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
1. Would pecan halves work as a substitute for chopped pecans?
Yes! Simply chop them into small pieces before adding them to the dough.
2. Why are my cookies too crumbly?
Pecan Sandies have a shortbread-like texture. If they are too dry, add a little milk to help bind the dough.
3. Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! The dough can be made 2-3 days in advance and stored in the fridge.