Toffee Pecan Sandies Sweet Buttery Perfection

Picture this: buttery, nutty cookies with little pockets of caramel-toffee bliss, melting in your mouth alongside a cup of tea or coffee. Sound like pure heaven? These Toffee Pecan Sandies are a love letter to anyone who adores a delicate, crumbly cookie with a touch of crunch. Inspired by a classic Southern pecan sandie but amped up with sweet little nuggets of toffee, these beauties are perfect for gifting, sharing, or just savoring all to yourself.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Minimal Effort, Maximum Flavor: These cookies come together in just one bowl—no fancy gadgets needed.
• Perfect Balance of Sweet & Nutty: The pecans add crunch, the toffee brings sweetness, and the buttery shortbread base ties it all together.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: The dough can be prepped ahead of time, making them ideal for holiday baking or last-minute cravings.

Ingredients Breakdown

Essentials:

• Unsalted Butter: Room temperature is key for that creamy, easy-to-mix texture. Salted butter works too—just reduce the added salt in the recipe.
• Powdered Sugar: Creates a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture compared to granulated sugar.
• All-Purpose Flour: The base of these cookies. Feel free to experiment with a gluten-free substitute if needed!
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and depth. A little goes a long way.
• Pecans: Toast them first for a warm, nutty flavor. Coarsely chopped is the way to go—chunky but manageable.
• Toffee Bits: The star of the show! Look for pre-packaged toffee bits in the baking aisle or use crushed Heath bars.

Pro Tips:

• For an extra layer of flavor, toast your pecans in a dry skillet for 3-4 minutes before adding them to the dough.
• Opt for European-style butter if you’re feeling fancy; it’s richer and creamier, adding even more decadence.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
2. Mix Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl, cream the butter and powdered sugar together with a hand mixer until light and fluffy—about 2 minutes.
3. Add Vanilla & Flour: Mix in the vanilla extract, then gradually beat in the flour on low speed until just combined. Don’t overmix—shortbread loves to be treated gently!
4. Fold in Pecans & Toffee: Use a rubber spatula or wooden spoon to fold in the chopped pecans and toffee bits until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
5. Shape the Cookies: Roll tablespoon-sized portions of dough into balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart. Slightly flatten each ball with your hand or the bottom of a glass.
6. Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. Keep a close watch; you don’t want them too brown.
7. Cool & Enjoy: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. The toffee will set as they cool, making them even better as time goes on.

Chef’s Tips and Tricks

• Avoid Overmixing: Overworking the dough can yield tough cookies. Mix until just combined for that perfect crumbly texture.
• Chill if Needed: If your dough feels too soft to work with, pop it in the refrigerator for 20 minutes before shaping the cookies.
• Dress Them Up: Dip half of each cooled cookie in melted dark chocolate for a hint of elegance.

Recipe Variations and Serving Suggestions

• Make it Nut-Free: Swap pecans for sunflower seeds or skip them altogether if you prefer.
• Spice it Up: Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, cozy twist.
• Serving Ideas: Pair with vanilla ice cream for an over-the-top dessert, or serve alongside your afternoon coffee for a delightful treat.

FAQs

• Can I freeze the dough? Absolutely! Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before baking.
• How do I store the cookies? Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze for up to 2 months.
• Can I use other nuts? Definitely! Walnuts, almonds, or even macadamia nuts would work beautifully here.

Toffee Pecan Sandies Recipe Card

If you try these Toffee Pecan Sandies, I’d love to hear how they turned out for you! Feel free to leave a comment below or share your cookie masterpiece on social media with #TheKitchensAid. Happy baking!