Recipe: Pecan Sugar Cookies (like Pecan Sandies)

PECAN SUGAR COOKIES

"A bit like old-fashioned pecan sandies, these rich and nutty cookies truly melt in your mouth."

1 cup toasted pecans, finely ground
1/2 pound (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
6 tablespoons granulated or confectioners' sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon kosher salt*
1/4 cup confectioners' sugar, for sprinkling

Place the pecans, butter, sugar, vanilla, flour, and salt in the bowl of a mixer fitted with a paddle and mix until well combined. Roll into one big ball, cover with waxed paper or plastic wrap, and refrigerate until firm, about 1 to 2 hours.

WHEN READY TO BAKE:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a cookie sheet and, if desired, line with parchment paper.

To form the cookies, break off small pieces and roll into 1-inch balls. Place on the prepared cookie sheet and flatten each ball into a flat disk using a wet water glass or your hand.

Transfer the cookies to the oven and bake until they begin to brown, about 14 to 16 minutes. Cool for 2 minutes, remove to a rack, and sprinkle with the confectioners' sugar. Cool the cookie sheet between batches.

*To read a note from AJ in MD about the salt - click here.

Makes about 3-4 dozen cookies
Adapted from source: The Bake Sale Cookbook by Sally Sampson