Grandma Paul's Melt-in-Your-Mouth Sand Tarts
Indulge in the delightful flavors of Grandma Paul's Melt-in-Your-Mouth Sand Tarts—a timeless treat that brings warmth and nostalgia to any kitchen. These buttery, nutty cookies are perfect for sharing with family and friends, especially during the holiday season or any special occasion. The combination of finely chopped pecans and a dusting of confectioners' sugar creates a delectable dessert that's both visually appealing and irresistible. With their soft texture and rich taste, every bite of these sand tarts will remind you of generations of love and tradition baked into each cookie.
36
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
1 cup (softened)
confectioners' sugar
1/2 cup (plus more for coating cookies)
vanilla extract
1 teaspoon
all-purpose flour
1 3/4 cups (plus more for dusting hands)
chopped pecans
1 cup (very small pieces)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 270 degrees F (132 degrees C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer on low speed to cream the softened butter and confectioners' sugar until the mixture is light and smooth. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
3
Once creamed, add the vanilla extract into the mixture and blend until incorporated.
4
Gradually add the all-purpose flour while mixing on low speed, continuing until the dough begins to come together.
5
Using a spatula, fold in the finely chopped pecans until evenly distributed in the dough.
6
Dust your hands with flour to prevent sticking. Take about 1 tablespoon of the dough and shape it into crescent forms. Place the shapes on the prepared cookie sheets about 1 inch apart.
7
Continue to dust your hands with flour as you work to maintain the dough's consistency.
8
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes or until they are lightly golden around the edges.
9
While the cookies are still warm, dust generously with additional confectioners' sugar. Allow the cookies to cool completely on wire racks before storing.
10
Store the cooled cookies in airtight containers to maintain freshness.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Grandma Paul's Melt-in-Your-Mouth Sand Tarts?
They are a buttery, nutty, timeless cookie treat often shared during holidays, known for their soft texture and coating of confectioners' sugar.
What is the required oven temperature for this recipe?
The oven should be preheated to 270 degrees F (132 degrees C).
How many sand tarts does this recipe produce?
This recipe makes approximately 36 servings.
What are the main ingredients needed?
The main ingredients include butter, confectioners' sugar, vanilla extract, all-purpose flour, and finely chopped pecans.
How should the butter be prepared before mixing?
The butter should be softened before being creamed with the sugar.
What type of sugar is used in the dough?
Confectioners' sugar is used both in the dough and for coating the finished cookies.
How long should I cream the butter and sugar together?
You should cream them on low speed for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture is light and smooth.
When do I add the vanilla extract?
Add the vanilla extract after the butter and sugar have been creamed, then blend until incorporated.
How do I incorporate the flour?
Gradually add the all-purpose flour while mixing on low speed until the dough begins to come together.
How should the pecans be prepared?
The pecans should be finely chopped into very small pieces.
How do I add the pecans to the dough?
Use a spatula to fold the chopped pecans into the dough until they are evenly distributed.
What is the best way to prevent the dough from sticking to my hands?
Dust your hands with all-purpose flour before and during the shaping process.
What shape should the cookies be?
The dough should be shaped into small crescent forms.
How much dough should I use for each cookie?
Use approximately 1 tablespoon of dough for each sand tart.
How far apart should the cookies be placed on the baking sheet?
Place the crescent shapes about 1 inch apart on the prepared cookie sheets.
Do I need to line the baking sheets?
Yes, it is recommended to line the baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
How long do the cookies need to bake?
Bake the sand tarts for about 40 minutes.
How can I tell when the cookies are done?
The cookies are finished when they are lightly golden around the edges.
When should I apply the final coating of sugar?
Dust the cookies generously with additional confectioners' sugar while they are still warm.
How should the cookies be cooled?
Allow the cookies to cool completely on wire racks.
What is the best way to store sand tarts?
Store the completely cooled cookies in airtight containers to maintain their freshness.
Are these cookies suitable for holiday baking?
Yes, they are described as a perfect treat for the holiday season or any special occasion.
Can I use a different nut besides pecans?
While the recipe calls for pecans, sand tarts are traditionally made with finely chopped nuts; however, pecans provide the specific flavor profile for this version.
Is this recipe considered easy?
Yes, the recipe is categorized with tags like 'easy cookies' and 'baking'.
What is the recipe category?
This recipe is categorized as a Dessert.
What is the texture of these cookies?
They have a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture that is rich and buttery.
How much flour is required in total?
The recipe requires 1 3/4 cups of all-purpose flour for the dough, plus extra for your hands.
What mixer speed is recommended?
A low speed is recommended for both creaming the butter and adding the flour.
How much vanilla is in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
What makes this a 'family recipe'?
It is described as a nostalgic treat representing generations of love and tradition, specifically associated with 'Grandma Paul'.