Sandies, also known as Mexican Wedding Cookies or Russian Tea Cakes, are beloved for their delicate texture, buttery flavor, and irresistible nuttiness. These classic shortbread cookies are a timeless treat that’s perfect for any occasion, from holiday gatherings to afternoon tea parties. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch of these melt-in-your-mouth cookies to enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Sandies are a favorite among cookie lovers for their simplicity and versatility. Not only are they easy to make, but they also offer a delightful combination of flavors and textures. With their sandy texture, buttery richness, and nutty crunch, these cookies are sure to please even the most discerning palates.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus extra for coating
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer or stand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Cooling rack
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Vanilla Extract: Beat in the vanilla extract until well combined.
- Incorporate Flour and Nuts: Gradually add the flour to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined. Stir in the chopped nuts until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Shape Dough: Using your hands or a cookie scoop, shape the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden brown.
- Coat in Powdered Sugar: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. While still warm, gently roll the cookies in powdered sugar until coated evenly. Transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once cooled, serve the Sandies cookies and enjoy their buttery goodness with a cup of coffee or tea.
Notes and Tips
- Variation: For a twist on the classic recipe, you can add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for extra flavor.
- Storage: Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage, up to 3 months.
FAQ
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
While you can use salted butter in a pinch, using unsalted butter allows you to control the amount of salt in the recipe. If using salted butter, you may want to reduce the amount of additional salt added to the dough.
Can I substitute the nuts with something else?
If you have nut allergies or prefer a nut-free option, you can omit the nuts altogether or substitute them with finely chopped seeds, such as sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds.
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the cookie dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking. Alternatively, you can freeze the shaped cookie dough balls on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Pairings
Sandies cookies pair wonderfully with a variety of beverages, including coffee, tea, hot chocolate, or even a glass of milk. Their buttery richness and nutty flavor make them the perfect accompaniment to any cozy afternoon or evening.
Call to Action
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