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Sand Tarts (Pecan Butter Cookies)

Delicate, buttery cookies dusted in powdered sugar, perfect for holiday gatherings or cookie exchanges.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Holiday
Calories: 90
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cookies
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (room temperature) Use unsalted butter for better control over salt levels.
  • 1/4 cup powdered (confectioners’) sugar
  • 2 cups sifted all-purpose flour Sifting prevents lumps and ensures a lighter texture.
  • 1 cup finely chopped pecans Finely chop to avoid crumbly cookies.
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar, sifted (for coating cookies) Use sifted for a smoother coating.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
  2. In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle, cream the softened butter with 1/4 cup powdered sugar until smooth and slightly lighter in color, about 2-3 minutes.
  3. With the mixer on low, add the sifted flour in two additions. Mix until just incorporated, then add the finely chopped pecans and mix briefly until evenly distributed.
  4. Pinch off pieces of dough and roll into small balls, about the size of a walnut (roughly 1 to 1 1/4 inches). Place them 1-2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
Baking
  1. Bake the cookies for 30 minutes. They should remain pale and feel set and slightly firm to the touch.
  2. As soon as they come out of the oven, roll each hot cookie in the sifted powdered sugar for a full coat. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  3. Once cooled, roll the cookies again in powdered sugar for the traditional snowy finish.
Storage
  1. Store sand tarts in an airtight container layered with parchment paper at room temperature for up to 1 week.
  2. To freeze, place baked, cooled cookies in a single layer until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

Notes

These cookies can be enjoyed with black coffee or Earl Grey tea to contrast the sweetness. For savory-sweet gatherings, serve alongside a hearty main like a sandwich.