These Caramel Pecan Sandies are the ultimate melt-in-your-mouth shortbread cookies, packed with toasty pecans, rich caramel swirls, and a sprinkle of sea salt. The buttery, nutty flavor pairs beautifully with coffee or warm spiced tea, making them a perfect treat for slow, cozy moments. Packaged in a gold-trimmed cookie tin with a “Mom’s Sweet Escape” label and paired with a small jar of salted caramel sauce, this luxurious yet homey cookie gift is as comforting as a warm hug!
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Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon maple or caramel extract (optional)
- ¾ cup finely chopped toasted pecans
- ¼ cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Flaky sea salt (for garnish)
For Serving & Gifting:
- Gold-trimmed cookie tin
- Small jar of salted caramel sauce
Preparation Tips
- Toast the pecans first: Toasting enhances their nutty flavor—bake them at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, then cool before chopping.
- Don’t overmix the dough: Mix just until combined to keep the cookies tender and crumbly.
- Chill before slicing: If making slice-and-bake style, roll the dough into a log, chill for 1 hour, then slice into rounds before baking.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make the Dough
In a large bowl, cream together butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in vanilla extract and caramel or maple extract if using.
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Gradually mix into the butter mixture until a dough forms. Fold in chopped toasted pecans until evenly distributed.
Step 2: Swirl in Caramel
Drizzle the caramel sauce over the dough and gently fold it in, creating visible swirls rather than fully mixing it in.
Step 3: Chill and Shape
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for 30 minutes. Roll out to ¼-inch thickness and cut into rounds, or shape into a log for slice-and-bake cookies.
Step 4: Bake the Cookies
Place cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 325°F (163°C) for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let cool completely.
Step 5: Garnish and Present
Once cooled, sprinkle each cookie with flaky sea salt for a perfect salty-sweet balance.
Step 6: Package for Gifting
Arrange cookies in a gold-trimmed tin labeled “Mom’s Sweet Escape” and include a small jar of salted caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
Make-Ahead & Storage
Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If making ahead, freeze unbaked dough for up to 3 months and bake fresh when needed.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy these Caramel Pecan Sandies with a hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or spiced cider. For extra indulgence, dip them in salted caramel sauce or drizzle with extra caramel before serving.
Conclusion
These Caramel Pecan Sandies are a buttery, nutty, caramel-infused delight, perfect for gifting or indulging in a cozy moment. With golden caramel swirls, flaky sea salt, and toasted pecans, they feel like a luxurious yet homey treat. Try them out and explore more elegant, comforting recipes on Cozy Cadence to make every bite feel like a warm hug!
