These delicious cranberry pecan sandies are loaded with the sweet and tart flavors of fresh cranberries and chopped pecans, nestled amongst the buttery goodness of a melt-in-your-mouth shortbread, baked to perfection, and dusted with powdered sugar. The perfect festive cookie recipe to serve during the holidays that everyone will enjoy.
Pecan sandies are one of my favorite cookies, and I make them throughout the year. These classic cookies are nutty with just the right amount of sweetness, and they’re so good with coffee as a snack or even a sweet breakfast. Don’t judge me. LOL. When the holidays roll around, I like to change things up and add cranberries to the mix. Cranberries are a classic holiday flavor, and their tartness combines perfectly with the sweetness and pecan flavor in the sandies. The best part is that these cookies are as easy as they are filled with classic holiday flavor, making them the perfect snack to serve to guests during the season or to bring to your next holiday party.
Cranberry Pecan Sandies
These delicious pecan sandies start with a classic, buttery sandies dough filled with signature chopped pecans. Then, I add the holiday flavor of coarsely chopped fresh cranberries and baked the cookies until the edges just begin to brown. That’s all there is to it! The entire process only takes about 30 minutes from start to finish, and when it’s all said and done I have delicious holiday cookies that have everyone coming back for more.
Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Pecan Sandies Recipe
- The flavor combination of fresh cranberries and pecans, along with a buttery shortbread cookie dough is simply irresistible.
- They practically melt-in-your-mouth. The tartness of the cranberries balances beautifully with the sweetness of the pecan and powdered sugar.
- These cookies are easy to make, they are perfect for any occasion, and the vibrant red of the cranberries adds a festive touch, making them ideal for holiday parties and family gatherings.
Cranberry Pecan Sandies Ingredients
These cookies only take a few simple ingredients to make, and you can find them all in your kitchen. In fact, if you do any amount of holiday baking or cooking at all, you might even have the cranberries, too!
- All purpose flour
- Softened butter
- Powdered sugar
- Water
- Vanilla extract
- Fresh cranberries
- Chopped pecans
How to Make Cranberry Pecan Sandies
Making these cookies is as easy as raiding the pantry for the ingredients. It only takes a few minutes and a few simple steps, and you’ll be all done!
Step 1: Combine the Wet Ingredients
Beat the butter and sugar until combined in a large bowl. Then, add water and vanilla and beat until combined.
Step 2: Add the Flour
Mix in the flour, 1 cup at a time, until combined.
Step 3: Add the Cranberries and Pecans
Stir the cranberries and pecans into the cookie dough.
Step 4: Bake
Scoop out dough with a 1-inch cookie scoop and roll it into balls. Then, place the balls on a prepared baking sheet and flatten slightly with the bottom of a smooth glass. Bake at 325° for 18 to 23 minutes until the edges just start to brown.
Step 5: Cool
Cool the cookies on a wire rack. Then, dust with powdered sugar while warm and enjoy!
Recipe Tips
- Mix the dough until just combined and no further.
- Gently stir the cranberries and pecans into the dough to avoid excess gluten formation.
- Remove the cookies as soon as the edges begin to brown for the perfect texture.
Variations
- Make these any time of year without the cranberries.
- Try adding white chocolate chips for a fun, festive twist.
What to Serve with Cranberry Pecan Sandies
Serve these delicious pecan sandies with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee or tea. For a more adult snack, you can pair them with a dessert wine or mixed drink, as well. Of course, they also make a wonderful addition to a larger holiday spread alongside your other favorite sweets.
Recipe FAQ
Cranberries are in season from mid-September through mid-November.
The main producers of cranberries are Wisconsin, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Washington, and Oregon.
Dried cranberries can be used in place of fresh in cookies and baked goods. However, there is a ¼ cup difference. So if a recipe called for 1 cup of fresh cranberries, you’d use ¾ cups of dried cranberries.
No. There is no need to refrigerated pecan sandies of any kind.
These cookies freeze well and will last for up to 3 months in the freezer.
How to Store Cranberry Pecan Sandies Leftovers
Store these cookies in an airtight container for up to a week at room temperature. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months in an airtight, freezer-safe container in single layers separated by parchment paper. Never refrigerate your cookies, as they’ll dry out.
Try This Delicious Cranberry Pecan Sandies Recipe Today
These cranberry pecan sandies are festive, delicious, and so easy to make. That’s the perfect combination for the holiday season. Try these delicious cookies, and I guarantee you’ll fall in love with their sweet, tart, and nutty flavors. They’re perfect for any holiday gathering or simply to keep on hand throughout the holiday season. Enjoy!
More Delicious Cookie Recipes You’ll Enjoy
These White Chocolate Chip Cookies with Cranberries and Pecans are soft, chewy, and delicious, and are the perfect holiday cookie recipe to add the dessert menu during the holidays.
Cranberry Pecan Sandies
Ingredients
- 4 cups all purpose flour
- 2 cups butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups fresh cranberries, coarsely chopped
- 1½ cup pecans, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325° and line a baking sheet(s) with parchment paper. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar together until combined.
- Add water and vanilla, and beat until combined.
- Mix in flour, one cup at a time.
- Stir in cranberries and pecans.
- Using a 1-inch cookie scoop, roll into a ball, place on the prepared baking dish and flatten slightly with the bottom of a smooth glass.
- Bake for 18-23 minutes, or until the edges just start to brown.
- Remove cookies from the oven and place cookies on a wire rack to cool.
- Dust with powdered sugar while they are still warm.
Notes
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The cranberry sandies— can I use frozen cranberries?
Hi Susan,
Yes, you can. Make sure they are totally defrosted. I hope you enjoy this recipe.:)