Ina Garten Pecan Sandies Recipe

Buttery, crumbly, and packed with toasted pecans, these cookies are everything a pecan sandie should be.

Ina Garten’s recipe keeps them from being too dry while still getting that signature shortbread-like texture.

Toasting the pecans beforehand deepens their flavor and makes a huge difference in the final cookie.

I always chop the pecans a little unevenly so some pieces stay chunky, adding a nice contrast in texture.

Rolling the dough in sugar before baking gives them a crisp, slightly caramelized edge. So yum!

How to Make Ina Garten Pecan Sandies

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Ingredients

• 1 cup Pecan Halves
• 2 cups All-Purpose Flour
• 3/4 tsp Salt
• 1/2 tsp Baking Powder
• 2 sticks Butter (room temp)
• 1/2 cup Demerara Sugar
• 2 tsp Pure Vanilla Extract
• 24 Whole Pecan Halves

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Place 1 cup of pecan halves on a sheet pan and toast them for 5 to 10 minutes.

Let them cool.

Step 2:

In a bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 3/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder.

Mix well.

Step 3:

In another bowl, cream together 2 sticks of room-temperature butter and 1/2 cup of demerara sugar.

Add 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract and beat until combined.

Step 4:

Slowly add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture.

Fold in the toasted pecans.

Step 5:

Form the dough into walnut-sized balls, place on a baking sheet, and press 1 pecan half on each.

Step 6:

Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 to 25 minutes, until golden brown.

Enjoy your pecan sandies!

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

Let the Dough Chill

Chill the dough in the fridge for about 30 minutes before shaping to help prevent the cookies from spreading and to make the dough easier to handle.

Use a Cookie Scoop

Consider using a cookie scoop to portion out the dough evenly, ensuring that each cookie bakes uniformly in terms of shape and size.

Toast the Pecans

Toast the pecans carefully to enhance their flavor, but watch closely to avoid burning, as this can happen quite quickly in the oven.

Experiment with Flavors

Feel free to experiment by adding a bit of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for an interesting twist that pairs well with the nutty flavor.

Store in an Airtight Container

To keep the pecan sandies fresh and maintain their texture, store them in an airtight container, where they can last for up to a week.

What to Serve with Ina Garten Pecan Sandies

Hot Coffee or Tea

Pecan Sandies pair wonderfully with a hot beverage like coffee or tea.

The warmth of the drink complements the nuttiness and richness of the cookies, making it a cozy combination.

You can enjoy a cup of freshly brewed black coffee or go for an herbal tea if you prefer something caffeine-free.

Ice Cream

If you’re feeling adventurous, try serving Pecan Sandies with a scoop of vanilla or butter pecan ice cream.

The cold and creamy texture of the ice cream contrasts beautifully with the crumbly cookies.

This pairing is great for a sweet treat after a summer meal or any special occasion.

Fruit Compote

Try something a bit different and serve Pecan Sandies with a side of fruit compote.

A warm apple or berry compote adds a fresh and fruity component to the dish.

Its slight tartness offsets the sweetness of the cookies!

Cheese Plate

For an unexpected twist, alongside your Pecan Sandies, arrange a cheese plate with mild cheeses like Brie or Camembert.

The softness of the cheese with the crunch of the cookies creates a pleasing contrast.

You can add some grapes or figs to the plate if you’re feeling extra fancy!

Variations and Substitutions

Butter Alternatives

If you need a non-dairy option, try using margarine or a plant-based butter.

These can offer a similar texture and flavor.

Make sure to choose unsalted versions to control the saltiness of the dough.

Sugar Options

Swap out granulated sugar with coconut sugar or brown sugar for a deeper flavor.

Each adds a unique taste which pairs wonderfully with the pecans.

Remember to mix until fully dissolved for the best texture!

Flour Choices

Experiment with almond flour for a nutty twist.

It can complement the pecan flavor nicely.

Just note, adjustments in liquid might be necessary.

Nut Additions

Feel free to add chopped pistachios or walnuts for a mix of flavors.

Each nut brings its unique crunch and taste.

This variation works great with a blend of sugars, too!

Spice It Up

Experiment by adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to your dough.

These spices enhance the warm, earthy tones already present.

You’ll find they add an aromatic complexity that’s simply lovely.

How to Store Leftover Pecan Sandies

To keep your pecan sandies fresh and delicious, storing them properly is key.

First, you’ll want to wait until the cookies have cooled completely before storing them.

Cooling helps prevent unwanted moisture buildup, which can make your cookies soggy.

Airtight Containers

Use an airtight container for storing these cookies at room temperature.

This will preserve their crunchy texture for up to three weeks.

I always try to avoid overcrowding them, so they stay in perfect shape.

Layering with Care

Place the cookies in layers separated by parchment or wax paper.

This prevents them from sticking to each other and keeps them looking great.

It’s a small step, but it makes a big difference in maintaining the cookies’ quality.

Freezing for Longer Storage

If you anticipate not eating all the cookies soon, freezing them is an excellent option.

Wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap, and then place them together in a freezer-safe bag.

They can last up to three months in the freezer, retaining their delicious taste.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not Toasting the Pecans

You might want to skip toasting the pecans, but it’s essential for maximum flavor.

Toast them at the correct temperature to bring out their nutty aroma, enhancing the cookies.

Overmixing the Dough

Stick to mixing the dough just until the ingredients come together.

Overmixing can result in dense cookies, instead of the desired light and crumbly texture.

Keeping the mixing short will help maintain that perfect texture everyone loves.

Skipping the Chilling Step

Chilling the dough for a while prevents the cookies from spreading too much in the oven.

If you skip this step, the final result will not be as good, with cookies losing their shape.

Remember to let the dough rest in the fridge before baking for the best outcome.