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Home Β» Recipes Β» Desserts

Modified: Oct 9, 2024 Β· Published: Mar 9, 2022 by LaKita Β· This post may contain affiliate links.

Pecan Sandies

Jump to Recipe

Pecan Sandies are buttery, nutty, and chewy cookies that are anything but basic and loaded with lots of sweet delicious flavor. Simple to make and incredibly tasty!

If you're craving more amazing recipes with pecans, then be sure to try making a small batch of Maple Pecan Scones or Coconut Sugar Candied Pecans to use as a sweet topping for anything savory.

overhead view of pecan sandies on round white plate

Pecans were always easily accessible to me growing up in Florida. I remember my parent’s property being loaded with multiple pecan trees.

Each pecan season the green pods would begin to show up on the trees. Opening later to reveal the pecans that would eventually fall to the ground and need gathering. The process of picking pecans consisted of racking the leaves and placing the pecans in buckets. It was work, but also just the beginning because the pecans would then need to be shelled and stored to enjoy all year.

Now that I am grown, I have a few trees in my own yard. Unfortunately, the squirrels seem to beat me to the pecans each year once they become available. Regardless, they're still my favorite nut and I love using them in recipes.

One cookie recipe that I have always been fond of that also includes pecans is Pecan Sandies. It is a sweet buttery cookie that is crispy on the outside with a chewy center. The buttery nutty flavor makes these cookies simple to make, but big on flavor. This recipe yields 12 to 15 cookies that are a tablespoon in size. You can make the cookies smaller, or larger if you would like. I also like to sprinkle a few extra pecan chips on top of the cookies prior to baking them in the oven. You definitely want to make this cookie recipe or save it for later.

Jump to:
  • Ingredient Notes
  • Instructions
  • Recipe Tips
  • Storage
  • πŸ“– Recipe
  • More Recipes with Pecans

Ingredient Notes

ingredients needed to make pecan sandies in separate containers on marble surface
  1. Butter - Use salted or unsalted butter whichever you prefer. Try to select a high quality butter to make these cookies creamy and delicious.
  2. Granulated sugar - Only regular or cane sugar is needed to make these cookies.
  3. All-purpose flour - Use unbleached flour or standard bleached if that is all that you have available. I have never tried making this recipe with any other flour or substitute.
  4. Salt - I prefer to use kosher salt for baking. This will help keep the cookies from tasting flat. 
  5. Egg - A single egg yolk helps to bind the cookie ingredients together. Lightly beat it with a fork before combining in the mixture. If allergic, you may use an egg substitute. 
  6. Vanilla extract - Vanilla bean paste in the same unit of measure can be used instead.
  7. Pecans - Use chopped pecans or buy whole pecans and chop them up yourself.

Instructions

Begin the recipe by preheating the oven to 350 degrees F. and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Next use an electric hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed to mix together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

Reduce the speed of the mixer to low and slowly add in the all-purpose flour, salt, and continue mixing until combined. Add in the egg yolk and vanilla extract. Lastly, add in the chopped pecans and mix at low speed just until the ingredients are combined.

cookie dough in mixing bowl with chopped pecans

Scoop the dough using a cookie scoop to form a 1-inch small cookie ball (about 1 tablespoon), place it on the prepared baking sheet.

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cookie dough balls on parchment lined baking sheet

Gently press down to flatten the top and form each cookie.

flattened cookie dough on parchment lined baking sheet

Place the cookie sheet into the oven to bake for about 8 to 10 minutes until the cookies are set and the bottom has lightly browned. Carefully remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before removing them to cool on the rack completely. Enjoy!

close up side view cookie on white plate

Recipe Tips

  • Use parchment paper or a nonstick mat to line the baking sheet to prevent sticking. This also prevents over baking on the bottom of the cookies and makes for easier cleanup.
  • Do not over mix the dough! Mix until combined and then stop. Over mixing will give you tough cookies.
  • It may take a few minutes for cold butter to mix, try removing from the refrigerator prior to making these cookies for easier mixing.
  • Be sure to mix the butter and sugar together until it is light and fluffy. This may take several minutes and works best with a stand mixer.
  • Try using raw pecans for this recipe instead of roasted or salted. However if you prefer those instead, they will also work perfectly fine.

Storage

Store the pecan sandies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. These cookies do not have to be kept in the refrigerator. The unbaked cookie dough may be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 30 days.

πŸ“– Recipe

overhead view pecan sandies on white plate

Pecan Sandies

LaKita Anderson
Pecan Sandies are buttery, nutty, and chewy cookies that are anything but basic and loaded with lots of sweet delicious flavor. Simple to make and incredibly tasty.
4.95 from 17 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 10 minutes mins
Resting Time 5 minutes mins
Total Time 20 minutes mins
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • Β½ cup butter, softened
  • Β½ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ΒΌ teaspoon salt
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Β½ cup finely chopped pecans

Instructions
 

  • Begin the recipe by preheating the oven to 350 degrees F. and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Next use an electric hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed to mix together the Β½ cup butter and Β½ cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  • Reduce the speed of the mixer to low and slowly add in the 1 cup all-purpose flour, ΒΌ teaspoon salt, and continue mixing until combined.
  • Add in the 1 large egg yolk and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Lastly, add in the Β½ cup chopped pecans and mix at low speed just until the ingredients are combined.
  • Scoop the dough using a cookie scoop to form a 1-inch small cookie ball (about 1 tablespoon), place it on the prepared baking sheet. Gently press down to flatten the top and form each cookie.
  • Place the cookie sheet into the oven to bake for about 8 to 10 minutes until the cookies are set and the bottom has lightly browned.
  • Carefully remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before removing them to cool on the rack completely. Enjoy!
  • Store the pecan sandies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
Calories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 34gProtein: 4gFat: 23gSaturated Fat: 11gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 71mgSodium: 234mgPotassium: 69mgFiber: 1gSugar: 17gVitamin A: 519IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 18mgIron: 1mg

The provided nutritional information is an estimate per serving. Accuracy is not guaranteed.

Keyword pecan sandies
Tried This Recipe?Leave a comment below or tag @simplylakita on social!

Original post date 07/30/2018. Updated 03/09/2022.

pecan cookies on white plate and marble surface

More Recipes with Pecans

  • Maple Pecan Scones
  • Coconut Sugar Candied Pecans
  • Blueberry Pecan Streusel Coffee Cake
  • Chocolate Delight

Have any comments, questions, or other delicious ways to use these Pecan Sandies? Please share them in the comments below!

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Comments

    4.95 from 17 votes (4 ratings without comment)

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    Recipe Rating




  1. Donna says

    December 11, 2023 at 10:12 pm

    5 stars
    The perfect chewy buttery nutty flavor. We loved them. So easy too!

    Reply
    • LaKita says

      December 18, 2023 at 11:33 pm

      Thank you so much Donna, happy to hear you enjoyed the pecan sandies recipe πŸ™‚

      Reply
  2. Robin says

    August 23, 2022 at 11:14 am

    Seems most cookie recipes require refrigeration for a bit prior to shaping and baking. Is it not necessary with this recipe?
    Thank you. Planning to bake today

    Reply
    • LaKita says

      August 24, 2022 at 12:39 pm

      It is not necessary, you can if you prefer but either way the recipe will work.

      Reply
  3. Millie says

    June 29, 2022 at 8:48 am

    5 stars
    I've used different recipes for pecan sandies, but now I've hit upon the best yet!! Thank you for sharing LaKita. They are so buttery, and crunchy. Do you have any others to share?

    Reply
    • LaKita says

      July 18, 2022 at 10:33 am

      Thank you so much Millie! Be sure to search for more cookie recipes, there are plenty πŸ™‚

      Reply
  4. Moop Brown says

    March 21, 2022 at 5:49 am

    5 stars
    I'm a big fan of pecans, especially in desserts so this recipe is one I definitely need to try making.

    Reply
    • LaKita says

      March 22, 2022 at 11:59 am

      Thank you. Same, love pecans in desserts!!!

      Reply
  5. Chandice says

    March 20, 2022 at 11:51 pm

    5 stars
    My mom and I used to eat pecan sandies growing up… Love this recipe for a non-store-bought version! Thank you so much…

    Reply
    • LaKita says

      March 22, 2022 at 11:59 am

      Thank you so much Chandice, I agree πŸ™‚

      Reply
  6. Sandhya Ramakrishnan says

    March 20, 2022 at 5:23 pm

    5 stars
    One of my favorite ever is pecan sandies and this recipe works so well. Loved the simple flavors and how easy it is to make them as well.

    Reply
    • LaKita says

      March 22, 2022 at 11:58 am

      Thank you Sandhya! They're a favorite for us as well.

      Reply
  7. Katie Crenshaw says

    March 20, 2022 at 4:31 pm

    5 stars
    I had some fresh pecans that I needed to use, so I tried this recipe. The cookies turned out wonderful! Definitely a recipe I would make again.

    Reply
    • LaKita says

      March 22, 2022 at 11:58 am

      So happy to hear it Katie, thank you!

      Reply
  8. Lori | The Kitchen Whisperer says

    March 20, 2022 at 3:29 am

    5 stars
    I love pecan sandies and these are crazy good! Just a few ingredients and a whole lot of deliciousness!

    Reply
    • LaKita says

      March 22, 2022 at 11:58 am

      Thank you Lori, love a cookie with few ingredients πŸ˜‰

      Reply
  9. Loreto and Nicoletta says

    March 19, 2022 at 11:43 pm

    5 stars
    These look wonderful. Love the flavor of pecans. That must have been amazing having pecans in your back yard. These are so easy with very simple few ingredients.
    Well done!πŸ˜‹πŸ₯°

    Reply
    • LaKita says

      March 22, 2022 at 11:57 am

      Thank you so much! It really was amazing never having to buy pecans πŸ™‚

      Reply
  10. Jessica says

    March 19, 2022 at 3:29 pm

    My grandmother used to serve these to me when I was a child. Preparing these was so nostalgic. They tasted even better than I remembered and were simple to prepare. Thanks so much <3

    Reply
    • LaKita says

      March 22, 2022 at 11:57 am

      Thank you Jessica, they're definitely a classic!

      Reply
  11. Megs says

    March 18, 2022 at 7:44 pm

    5 stars
    So easy and delicious! The kids dipped them in chocolate and have already asked for me to make them again. Thanks for a great recipe.

    Reply
    • LaKita says

      March 22, 2022 at 11:56 am

      Thank you Megs. Dipping them in chocolate sounds amazing!!

      Reply
  12. Heidy says

    March 18, 2022 at 5:39 am

    5 stars
    Wow! These Pecan Sandies were awesome! I almost ate the entire batch in a few days! I loved the flavor, and the hubby did too! Great recipe! Highly recommend!

    Reply
    • LaKita says

      March 22, 2022 at 11:56 am

      Thank you so much Heidy! They definitely don't last long in my house either.

      Reply
  13. Natalie says

    March 18, 2022 at 4:45 am

    5 stars
    Oh yum! I love pecans. I haven't tried adding them in cookies yet. I'm going to bake these cookies today. Can't wait.

    Reply
    • LaKita says

      March 22, 2022 at 11:55 am

      Thank you Natalie! Hope you enjoy them.

      Reply
    • Terry chappell says

      June 07, 2023 at 11:41 pm

      5 stars
      Are you looking for a Melt in your mouth Pecan Sandies? Well no more I just made this,easy to follow recipe. A southern boy living in Colorado. I did not have to adjust the recipe for high altitude (6200).Thank you Ms Lakita.I would give you 10 🌟.

      Reply
      • LaKita says

        June 23, 2023 at 8:52 am

        Thank you so much Terry!! So happy to hear the cookie recipe worked well for you, especially at high altitude πŸ™‚

        Reply
  14. Carol Pasternak says

    January 07, 2021 at 12:21 am

    5 stars
    These cookies are delicious and easy to make. Not sure why I chose this over all the others but I'm glad I did. This recipe did not include rolling into a log and refrigerating over night or dusting with powder like other recipes. These cookies are now my husbands favorite, replacing white chocolate chip macadamia nut cookies. Glad I received an assortment basket of nuts for Christmas which included pecans. Will continue to use this recipe in the future. Thank you!

    Reply
    • LaKita says

      January 08, 2021 at 9:04 am

      Thank you Carol! Happy to hear you made and enjoyed this cookie recipe!

      Reply
Head shot bio photo of LaKita in an orange shirt.

Hi, I'm LaKita. I'm a Lifelong home cook and self-taught baker. I've been sharing modern comfort food through food blogging, recipe development, and photography since 2013.

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