Description
Bien Cuit’s Masala Pecan Sandies are rich, buttery shortbread cookies with a unique twist from fragrant masala spice and toasted pecans. These delicately spiced treats are tender yet crisp, perfect for afternoon tea or a sweet snack. The dough is easy to prepare and can be chilled ahead for convenience before being rolled, cut, and baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 150 gram (1 cup plus 3 tablespoons) all-purpose flour
- 90 gram (1/4 cup plus 3 tablespoons and 1 teaspoon) granulated sugar
- 90 gram (scant 1 cup) toasted, ground pecans
- 5 gram (1 teaspoon) masala spice
- 3 gram (1/2 teaspoon) kosher salt
Wet Ingredients
- 125 gram (1 stick plus 1 tablespoon) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 25 gram (1 1/2) egg yolks
- 1/4 vanilla bean, scraped
Instructions
- Mix Dough: Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl either by hand or using a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment until a dough just begins to form. Transfer the dough onto a work surface and shape it into a rectangle. Wrap the dough with plastic wrap or a reusable alternative, then refrigerate until chilled but still pliable enough to leave an impression when gently poked. Alternatively, chill for up to a couple of days, then let it come to room temperature until soft enough to roll out.
- Roll and Cut: On a lightly floured surface, roll the chilled dough to about ½-inch thickness. Cut the dough into squares approximately 2×2 inches, or smaller if preferred. Arrange the cut cookies evenly spaced on lined baking pans. Refrigerate or freeze until the dough is firm before baking.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Bake the cookies for 10 to 15 minutes, or until they are deeply golden brown all over. Remove from oven and allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking pans until firm. Optionally, dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving.
Notes
- Toasted pecans add a deeper nutty flavor; be sure to toast them lightly before grinding.
- Masala spice can be a blend of cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and other warm spices to add aromatic complexity.
- Chilling the dough before rolling helps maintain the shape and prevents spreading during baking.
- Cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week and freeze well for longer storage.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (about 25 g)
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 65 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg