I opened the bottle of your vanilla extract last weekend to bake some cookies and the difference in taste is extraordinary." – Judy

Pecan Sandies

What’s not to like about freshly baked cookies! Some cookies lose their edge fairly quickly, and are best devoured within a day or two.

Anything based on shortbread, however, ages very nicely. I learned this at an early age as my great aunt, Oolie MacGugan (yep, that was her real name), made traditional Scottish shortbread, which was cut in simple rectangular bars and aged for a couple of weeks before it was served.

I admit I have a weakness for buttery, “short” cookies, and I’m also rather fond of pecans. But when I looked online for the perfect Pecan Sandie, I discovered that we were of two very different schools of thought. So I created my own version, which I think is delicious. I think you will agree.

Pecan Sandies

Print Recipe

Ingredients

Scale

3 cubes (1-1/2 cups) unsalted butter, very soft

1/2 teaspoon salt

5 tablespoons of plantation white sugar (large crystal) or maple sugar

2 teaspoons Vanilla Bean Paste

plus additional sugar to sprinkle on cookies

3 cups unbleached flour

1–1/2 toasted pecan pieces, coarsely chopped

Instructions

Heat oven to 295 – 305 degrees F. Grease cookie sheets or use parchment if preferred.

Blend the softened butter, salt and sugar together until well blended and butter is very soft and pliable. Add vanilla paste and blend well.

Add flour, blending in well using a fork. Add pecan pieces and mix thoroughly.

Drop batter by medium spoonfuls onto cookie sheets. Press down on each cookie with the back of a wooden spoon or spatula until they are fairly rounded.

Bake until edges become lightly browned, about 15 – 18 minutes. Cool on rack. Makes about 40 cookies.

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Patricia Rain

Patricia Rain is an author, educator, culinary historian, and owner of The Vanilla Company (www.vanillaqueen.com), a socially conscious, product-driven information and education site dedicated to the promotion of pure, natural vanilla, and the support of vanilla farmers worldwide. She also does culinary presentations for food professionals, cooking schools, trade shows, food fairs, and private groups, and is a regular radio and TV guest.

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