Suzanne's Pecan Fingers (Sandies)

30 servings Prep: 15 m Cook: 45 m Total: 1 h Beginner
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Suzanne's Pecan Fingers (Sandies)
An old family recipe from Fayetteville NC that was graciously shared. These buttery pecan sandies are memory maker cookies - excellent for Christmas gift giving and sharing with friends and family. The pecans and powdered sugar coating make them melt-in-your-mouth perfect. A great party snack that keeps well.

Ingredients

30 servings
  • 1 stick butter (8 tablespoons)
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 cup pecans, chopped
  • 1 cup sifted all-purpose flour
  • powdered sugar for rolling

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees F.
  2. Cream together the butter and granulated sugar; add the vanilla.
  3. Combine with the flour and pecans, mixing until well incorporated.
  4. Roll into quarter-size balls (about 1 inch). Place on a lightly greased cookie sheet.
  5. Bake 35 to 45 minutes until lightly browned on the bottom.
  6. While still warm, roll cookies in powdered sugar. Let cool completely, then roll a second time in powdered sugar for a nice coating.
  7. Store in an airtight container. Also keeps well in a Ziploc bag stored in your refrigerator.

Common Problems and Solutions

Q: Why are my cookies spreading too much?

A: Make sure your butter is at room temperature (not melted) when creaming with the sugar. Also, the dough should be slightly chilled before rolling into balls if your kitchen is warm.

Q: Can I roll them in powdered sugar just once?

A: You can, but rolling twice gives that signature thick powdered sugar coating that makes sandies so special. The first roll while warm helps the sugar adhere, and the second roll adds the beautiful finish.

Tips and Techniques

For extra flavor, toast the pecans lightly in a dry skillet for 3-4 minutes before chopping and adding to the dough. This brings out their natural oils and enhances the nutty taste. Make sure to cool the pecans completely before mixing into the dough.

Ingredient Substitutions

  • pecans: walnuts or almonds
  • all-purpose flour: 1:1 gluten-free flour blend

Equipment Needed

  • electric mixer or hand mixer
  • cookie sheet
  • mixing bowls

Historical Context

Pecan sandies are a treasured Southern cookie tradition, taking advantage of the abundant pecan harvests throughout the South. These melt-in-your-mouth cookies have been passed down through generations as a Christmas and special occasion treat.