There’s something magical about a cookie that combines the perfect balance of sweetness and saltiness, crunchiness and softness. Enter Sweet and Savory Bacon Pecan Sandies—a delightful twist on the classic pecan sandies. Imagine the buttery richness of traditional sandies, now elevated with smoky, crispy bacon and the nutty goodness of pecans. These cookies aren’t just a dessert; they’re an experience.

Whether you’re baking for a holiday party, a potluck, or just because, these cookies will leave everyone asking for more. In this guide, we’ll show you how to make these irresistible treats step by step, with tips, variations, and answers to your most pressing cookie questions.

Why You’ll Love Sweet and Savory Bacon Pecan Sandies

What makes these cookies so special is their unique flavor profile. The combination of salty bacon, sweet sugars, and rich pecans creates a harmony of flavors that’s both comforting and exciting. They’re also incredibly easy to make, so you can whip up a batch whenever the craving strikes.

Perfect for Any Occasion

• Holiday Baking: Add these cookies to your holiday dessert table for a standout treat.
• Everyday Snacking: They’re perfect with a cup of coffee or tea.
• Gifts and Potlucks: These cookies travel well and make excellent edible gifts.

Ingredients for Sweet and Savory Bacon Pecan Sandies

Here’s everything you’ll need to make these cookies:

Ingredient	Amount
Unsalted Butter (softened)	2 sticks (1/2 lb.)
Vegetable Oil	1 cup
Granulated Sugar	1 cup
Confectioner’s Sugar (sifted)	1 cup
Large Eggs	2
Vanilla Extract	1 teaspoon
All-Purpose Flour	4 cups (500 g)
Baking Soda	1 teaspoon
Cream of Tartar	1 teaspoon
Salt	1 teaspoon
Chopped Pecans	2 cups
Granulated Sugar (for decoration)	1/2 cup

Step-by-Step Instructions for Sweet and Savory Bacon Pecan Sandies

Let’s break down the process of making these cookies into easy-to-follow steps.

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

1. Set the Temperature: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). This ensures the cookies bake evenly without browning too quickly.

Step 2: Cream Together the Ingredients

1. Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, vegetable oil, 1 cup granulated sugar, and confectioner’s sugar. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy.
2. Add the Eggs: Incorporate the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
3. Stir in Vanilla: Mix in the vanilla extract for added flavor.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

1. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt.
2. Incorporate into Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, stirring until just combined.

Step 4: Add the Pecans

1. Fold in the Pecans: Gently fold in the chopped pecans, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 5: Shape and Coat the Cookies

1. Shape the Dough: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls.
2. Coat with Sugar: Roll each ball in the extra granulated sugar for a touch of sweetness and a sparkly finish.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

1. Arrange on Baking Sheets: Place the dough balls on ungreased cookie sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
2. Bake: Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

1. Cool the Cookies: Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
2. Serve: Once cooled, enjoy your sweet and savory bacon pecan sandies with a warm beverage or as a stand-alone treat.

Tips for Making the Best Bacon Pecan Sandies

• Use Fresh Pecans: Freshly chopped pecans have the best flavor and texture.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing can result in tough cookies.
• Watch the Oven: Check the cookies a minute or two early to prevent overbaking.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutritional content per cookie (makes about 48 cookies):

Nutrient	Per Cookie
Calories	150 kcal
Protein	2 g
Carbohydrates	12 g
Fat	11 g
Saturated Fat	5 g
Sugar	6 g
Sodium	75 mg

(Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients.)

Why Bacon Works in Cookies

Bacon adds a salty, smoky flavor that complements the sweetness of the sugars and the nuttiness of the pecans. Its crispy texture also provides a satisfying crunch, making these cookies truly unique.

Serving Suggestions

• With Milk or Coffee: These cookies are a perfect pairing for a warm beverage.
• As a Dessert Topping: Crumble the cookies over ice cream or yogurt.
• For Gifting: Package them in decorative tins for an unforgettable homemade gift.

FAQs About Sweet and Savory Bacon Pecan Sandies

1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but reduce the added salt in the recipe to prevent the cookies from being overly salty.

2. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Let it soften slightly before shaping and baking.

3. Can I freeze these cookies?

Yes, you can freeze the baked cookies or the dough balls. If freezing dough, shape it into balls first, then bake directly from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the baking time.

4. Can I substitute other nuts for pecans?

Definitely! Walnuts, almonds, or macadamia nuts would also work well in this recipe.

5. What if I don’t have cream of tartar?

You can substitute it with an equal amount of lemon juice or white vinegar.

6. How should I store these cookies?

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer storage, freeze them in a resealable bag.

Conclusion: A Cookie Worth Sharing

Sweet and Savory Bacon Pecan Sandies are more than just cookies—they’re a celebration of bold flavors and textures. With every bite, you’ll taste the buttery richness, the nutty crunch of pecans, and the smoky-sweet surprise of bacon. They’re perfect for any occasion and easy to make, so why not bake a batch today?

Ready to bake your own batch of sweet and savory magic? Gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy the satisfaction of creating something truly special. Don’t forget to share the joy—these cookies are made for sharing!

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