Browned Butter Pecan Sandies: Nutty, Buttery, Melt-in-Your-Mouth Cookie Perfection

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Few cookies capture the cozy, nostalgic flavors of the holidays like Pecan Sandies. But this elevated version — Browned Butter Pecan Sandies — takes the classic shortbread cookie to a whole new level. Browning the butter adds a deep caramelized nuttiness that pairs flawlessly with toasted pecans. The result is a cookie that’s buttery, crumbly, aromatic, and absolutely irresistible.

If your favorite cookies are the ones that melt on your tongue, crumble gently with each bite, and make the whole kitchen smell sweet and warm, then these sandies will become a new staple in your home. They’re simple, elegant, and perfect for gifting, snacking, or adding to your holiday cookie trays.

The magic begins with browned butter — golden, fragrant, and rich with toasted milk solids that give the cookies a signature warmth. Combined with powdered sugar for a tender bite and chopped pecans for crunch, these cookies deliver everything a perfect shortbread-inspired treat should.

Whether you’re prepping for the holidays, baking for a potluck, or simply craving a melt-in-your-mouth cookie that feels timeless and comforting, Browned Butter Pecan Sandies are the treat you’ll want to bake on repeat.

Why These Cookies Are Truly Special

Browned Butter = Flavor Explosion

Browning the butter adds depth, warmth, and caramel notes you can’t get anywhere else.

Pecans Add Toasty Richness

Crunchy pecans make every bite nutty, buttery, and perfectly textured.

Shortbread-Inspired Texture

A dreamy combination of tender crumble and crisp edges.

Effortless & Fail-Proof

Mix, chill briefly, scoop, bake — that’s it.

Perfect for Any Season

Holiday cookie trays, fall baking, summer tea parties, or late-night cravings.

Ingredients

Cookies

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, browned and cooled
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 cup chopped pecans, toasted

Finishing

  • Extra powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

  1. Brown the Butter
    In a saucepan, melt the butter and cook over medium heat until golden, nutty-smelling, and browned at the bottom. Remove from heat and cool completely.
  2. Toast the Pecans
    Toast chopped pecans in a dry skillet for 2–3 minutes until fragrant. Let cool.
  3. Mix the Dough
    In a mixing bowl, whisk the cooled browned butter and powdered sugar until smooth. Add vanilla.
  4. Add Dry Ingredients
    Stir in flour, baking powder, and salt until a dough forms. Fold in toasted pecans.
  5. Chill
    Chill dough for 20–30 minutes so it firms slightly for easier scooping.
  6. Shape the Cookies
    Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop dough into balls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Gently flatten each cookie.
  7. Bake
    Bake for 10–12 minutes, until edges are lightly golden.
  8. Finish
    Dust warm cookies with powdered sugar and let cool fully before storing.

Browned Butter Pecan Sandies

A rich, nutty twist on classic pecan sandies made with browned butter, toasted pecans, and a melt-in-your-mouth shortbread texture.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 32 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Holiday
Calories: 160

Ingredients
  

Cookie Dough
  • 1 cup unsalted butter browned and cooled
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 0.5 tsp baking powder
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 1 cup pecans toasted and chopped
Finishing
  • powdered sugar for dusting

Equipment

  • Saucepan
  • Skillet
  • Mixing bowls
  • Baking sheet

Method
 

  1. Brown the butter in a saucepan until golden and nutty, then cool completely.
  2. Toast chopped pecans in a dry skillet for 2–3 minutes.
  3. Whisk cooled browned butter and powdered sugar together until smooth. Add vanilla.
  4. Stir in flour, baking powder, and salt until a dough forms. Fold in pecans.
  5. Chill dough for 20–30 minutes.
  6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and gently flatten.
  7. Bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
  8. Dust warm cookies with powdered sugar and cool before storing.

Notes

For extra flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough.

Tips for the Best Pecan Sandies

  • Do not skip browning the butter — it changes everything.
  • Let the butter cool before mixing, or the dough will be too loose.
  • Toast the pecans to deepen flavor.
  • Chill the dough for perfect shape and texture.
  • Scoop evenly for uniform baking.

Variations

  • Maple Pecan Sandies: Add 1–2 tbsp maple syrup.
  • Chocolate Chip Pecan Sandies: Fold in ½ cup mini chocolate chips.
  • Cinnamon Sugar Sandies: Roll dough in cinnamon sugar before baking.
  • Gluten-Free Version: Substitute cup-for-cup gluten-free flour.

Serving Suggestions

These cookies pair beautifully with:

  • Hot tea
  • Maple cappuccinos
  • Vanilla ice cream
  • Holiday dessert boards

Fun Fact

Shortbread-style cookies like Sandies date back to medieval Scotland, where butter-rich recipes symbolized wealth. Today, they symbolize deliciousness… at any budget.

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