Crisp and buttery then rolled in powdered sugar, these classic pecan sandies have always reminded me of snowballs which is why I love them for the holidays.
The holidays have always served to be a bittersweet time for me, filled with memories of traditions from what feels like another life. So much so, that those traditions at one point became an instrument of my own sadness.
If there is anything this year has taught me- and it has taught me many things- it's that traditions are our security. They connect us to the past, our loved ones who are no longer here with us, and bring us together to remind us what is truly important in life- family.
There is a different feeling this season and it isn't sadness or despair, despite the setbacks we have all faced this year. As cliché as it may sound to say around this time, there is a feeling of hope pulsing through the air. Neighbors have gone to great lengths putting out their best holiday displays, staying connected with one another, and regular check-ins of 'hi, how are you?'. We may be apart but I've also never felt more connected.
“Tradition is a guide and not a jailer.” ― W. Somerset Maugham
Harkening back to my earlier sentiments, traditions were just memories I held dear in my heart. While writing this post I started to think about my own traditions and as Maugham so accurately wrote, my traditions did become my jailer- trapping me in a past life that I longed for again but knew I could never get back. In a way, I believe it kept me from truly enjoying many holiday seasons past, but this year I've realized that I do have unintentional traditions that I've created with own family- putting up the Christmas tree at night listening to my daughter's winter playlist, making a new ornament each year, and baking cookies for kind and generous neighbors.
That brings us to today's recipe- Pecan Sandies.
How apropo that these little snowball like cookies were made right before Winter Storm Gail hit the North East and what a delightful treat they made for sweet friends who came by to help shovel the snow.
You may recognize these as Mexican Wedding Cookies or Snowball Cookies- they are like the store-bought kind but better and rolled in powdered sugar. The recipe itself couldn't be easier with just a handful of pantry ingredients and they quite literally melt in your mouth. You can always swap the nuts you are using for walnuts or hazelnuts even. Just don't forget that extra sprinkling of powdered sugar at the end.
More Christmas Traditions to Savor
Italian Style Cream Puffs - Intricate but not complicated, these Italian Style Cream Puffs are worth every bit of effort this holiday season. We complete ours with a light yet decadent Ricotta Cream and Amaretto filling.
Italian Butter Cookies - Soft, buttery cookies are sandwiched together with raspberry jam then dipped in chocolate and sprinkles for the classic, bakery favorite we all grew up loving!
Struffoli (Italian Honey Balls) - Crisply fried dough balls are bound together with warm honey then piled high and topped with cherries and sprinkles.
Pecan Sandies
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 dozen cookies 1x
Ingredients
- 1 stick butter
- 2 tablespoons shortening
- 3/4 cup confectioner's sugar, plus more for coating the cookies
- 1 tablespoon vanilla
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 egg
- 2 cups AP flour
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a stand mixer with paddle attachment, whip together butter, shortening, and sugar.
- Add vanilla, water, egg, and flour. Mix until a soft dough comes together. Add chopped pecans and mix again just until incorporated.
- Scoop a teaspoon amount of dough on prepared baking sheets and flatten slightly.
- Bake for about 8-10 minutes, just until the cookies are slightly golden.
- In small bowl with powdered sugar (½ cup worth), dip and coat the cookies while they are still warm. Serve and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
angiesrecipes says
They look super yummy! Have a great baking season 🙂
Catherine Pappas says
Thank you dear Angie. xo
Cristina Petrini says
A tradition that has always existed as Santa Claus hihihi cookies
Catherine Pappas says
Love these sweet traditions. xo
Heather says
Those look so good! I can't wait to make them for the kids!
Catherine Pappas says
Thank you Heather. I hope you all enjoy them. xo
Melissa Cushing says
I am snagging this recipe for sure as my mom absolutely love Pecan Sandies. They are her favorite cookie and I do not think she has ever had them homemade and I would love to make them and send her a big box full 🙂
Catherine Pappas says
That is wonderful. I am sure she will appreciate homemade cookies. Thank you and I hope she enjoys them. xo
Lisa says
I’ve never heard of pecan sandies but these look divine. I’ll try making them for Christmas.
Catherine Pappas says
I hope that you and yours enjoy these cookies for Christmas. Thank you for visiting. xo
Dan "Jay" Reyes says
I like pecans and this foodie pictures makes me hungry!
Catherine Pappas says
Thank you Dan. I like pecans too. They are up there as one of my favorites.
Garf says
That looks so good. Thanks for sharing the recipe. I love pecans.
Dutton Ranch Vest says
Excellent article. Very interesting to read. I really love to read such a nice article. Thanks! keep rocking.
Kaz Dee says
These look absolutely delicious! I think they are a lovely homemade gift idea too. Kaz
Tina Basu says
This looks super easy and so delicious. I have to try this out.