Quick & Buttery Ina Garten Pecan Sandies Recipe for Beginners

Pecan sandies represent a delightful treat that melts in your mouth with buttery, nutty goodness.

Southern kitchens have long celebrated these crumbly cookies as a beloved classic.

Rich and delicate, they showcase the incredible harmony between pecans and sweet, tender dough.

Bakers appreciate how simple ingredients transform into something truly magical with minimal effort.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of crisp texture and warm, comforting flavors.

The delicate crumb and subtle sweetness make these cookies an irresistible companion to afternoon tea or coffee.

These morsels bring warmth and nostalgia to any gathering, promising pure culinary joy: gather your ingredients and start baking.

What Makes Ina Garten’s Pecan Sandies Irresistibly Crunchy and Nutty

• Elevate Nutty Flavor: These pecan sandies deliver an extraordinary depth of toasted pecan goodness by carefully roasting nuts before grinding them into flour, creating a rich, intense nutty profile that transforms ordinary cookies into gourmet treats.
• Texture Perfection: The combination of finely ground pecan flour and traditional all-purpose flour produces cookies with a delightful crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth texture that's simultaneously delicate and substantial, offering a sophisticated bite every time.
• Effortless Elegance: Despite seeming complicated, this recipe is surprisingly straightforward, making it perfect for home bakers of all skill levels who want to create impressive, bakery-quality cookies without requiring advanced pastry techniques or specialized equipment.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: These pecan sandies work beautifully as an afternoon tea companion, holiday gift, potluck contribution, or simple indulgent dessert that appeals to both children and adults with its comforting, classic flavor profile.

Key Ingredients for Ina Garten’s Pecan Sandies

• Pecans: Rich, nutty flavor that gives these cookies their signature taste. Fresh, high-quality pecans make a big difference in the final result.
• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and texture to the cookies. Unbleached flour works best for a more natural flavor.
• Unsalted Butter, Granulated Sugar: Create a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Room temperature butter blends more smoothly.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warm flavor to the cookies. Pure vanilla extract provides the best taste.
• Kosher Salt, Baking Powder: Enhance flavor and help cookies rise slightly. Use fresh baking powder for best results.

How to Make Ina Garten’s Pecan Sandies

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Ensure the rack is in the center position for even baking.

Step 2: Toast the Pecans

Spread of pecan halves on a baking sheet. Roast in the oven for 5-10 minutes until they release a rich, nutty aroma and turn slightly darker. Remove and let cool completely.

Step 3: Create Pecan Flour

• Pecan flour
• Remaining 1 all-purpose flour
• Salt
• Baking powder

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using an electric mixer, beat butter and sugar for 2 minutes until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale in color.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Add vanilla extract to the butter mixture and blend thoroughly. Gradually incorporate the flour mixture, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.

Step 6: Shape and Bake Cookies

Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Gently press a whole pecan half into the center of each cookie. Bake for 20-25 minutes until edges turn golden brown.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Store in an airtight container for maximum freshness.

Pro Tips for Ina Garten’s Pecan Sandies

• Boost Nutty Flavor: Toast pecans in a dry skillet for 3-4 minutes before chopping to intensify their rich, warm taste.
• Create Perfect Rounds: Roll dough into uniform logs wrapped in parchment paper, then chill for clean, professional-looking slices.
• Prevent Crumbly Texture: Let cookies cool completely on the baking sheet to help them set and maintain structural integrity.
• Customize Sweetness: Dust finished cookies with powdered sugar or drizzle with dark chocolate for personalized flair.
• Store Smart: Keep cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread to maintain softness and prevent drying out.

How to Store Ina Garten’s Pecan Sandies

• Freezer Method: Preserve cookies perfectly in freezer-safe containers. Layer delicate pecan sandies between parchment paper sheets to prevent sticking and crumbling during freezing. Seal tightly in airtight freezer bags, removing excess air to maintain texture and flavor for up to three months.
• Room Temperature Storage: Keep cookies crisp and delicious in sealed ceramic or glass containers away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Place a small piece of bread inside the container to help maintain moisture and prevent cookies from becoming too dry. Consume within 5-7 days for optimal taste and texture.
• Refrigeration Technique: Protect pecan sandies from humidity and potential spoilage by storing in hard-sided containers with tight-fitting lids. Wrap cookies individually in plastic wrap before placing in the refrigerator to prevent absorbing other food odors. Consume within one week for best quality.

Creative Variations on Ina Garten’s Pecan Sandies

• Chocolate Chip Pecan Sandies: Fold in 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips into the dough for a rich, sweet addition that complements the nutty pecan flavor.
• Spiced Pecan Cookies: Mix in 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg to the flour mixture for a warm, aromatic twist on the classic recipe.
• Maple Glazed Pecan Sandies: After cooling, drizzle the cookies with a simple maple glaze made from powdered sugar and pure maple syrup for an extra layer of sweetness.
• Coconut Pecan Crunch: Sprinkle 1/4 cup of toasted shredded coconut into the dough to add texture and a tropical hint to the traditional pecan sandie.

Ina Garten’s Pecan Sandies: A Nutty, Sweet Treat

Pecan sandies whisper sweet nostalgia through delicate crumbles and nutty richness.

Ina Garten’s signature recipe transforms humble ingredients into memorable moments of culinary delight.

Southern comfort meets sophisticated baking with each carefully crafted cookie.

Toasted pecans provide deep, complex undertones that elevate traditional shortbread techniques.

Sophisticated palates and comfort-seeking souls will discover pure pleasure in these delightful treats.

Connect with this recipe’s magic: savor slowly, share generously, snap a photo, tag #PecanSandies, and spread deliciousness across social media platforms.

Ina Garten Pecan Sandies Recipe

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4.9 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s pecan sandies melt with buttery richness and nutty charm, offering a classic Southern cookie experience. Crumbly, delicate pecans create a sublime texture that whispers comfort with each delightful bite you savor.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ pound butter, room temperature (that’s 2 sticks)
• 1 cup pecan halves

Sugar and Sweeteners:

• ½ cup demerara or turbinado sugar
• 24 whole pecan halves for decoration

Seasonings and Flavor Enhancers:

• ¾ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 350°F (177°C), ensuring an even cooking temperature for optimal results.
2. Distribute pecan halves across a baking sheet in a single layer, then roast for 6-8 minutes until aromatic and lightly bronzed. Remove and allow to cool completely.
3. Utilize a food processor to transform toasted pecans and 1/4 cup flour into a fine, uniform powder. Transfer this pecan flour to a mixing bowl and incorporate remaining all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder, whisking until thoroughly combined.
4. Employ an electric mixer to cream butter and sugar together, continuing for approximately 2-3 minutes until the mixture achieves a light, airy consistency with increased volume.
5. Introduce vanilla extract into the butter mixture, blending smoothly. Gradually fold in the prepared flour mixture, mixing gently until a cohesive dough forms without overworking the ingredients.
6. Craft uniform dough balls measuring roughly 1 inch in diameter, positioning them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Delicately press a whole pecan half into the center of each cookie, creating an elegant visual presentation.
7. Bake the cookies for 22-26 minutes, watching for golden-brown edges as an indicator of doneness. After removing from the oven, allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 4-5 minutes before transferring to a wire cooling rack to reach room temperature.

Notes

• Toasting pecans intensifies their natural sweetness and creates a deeper, more complex flavor profile for these classic cookies.
• Grinding nuts into a fine flour transforms the texture, delivering a delicate, crumbly sensation that literally melts on your tongue.
• Gentle mixing prevents overworking the dough, ensuring tender cookies that crumble perfectly with each bite.
• Freezing these delectable treats maintains their quality for up to a month, making them an ideal make-ahead dessert for spontaneous gatherings.
• Cooling cookies directly on the baking sheet allows them to set properly and reduces the risk of unexpected crumbling.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 139
• Sugar: 3.5 g
• Sodium: 31 mg
• Fat: 9.2 g
• Saturated Fat: 5.7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 14.4 g
• Fiber: 0.6 g
• Protein: 1.4 g
• Cholesterol: 18 mg