Pecan Sandies

Pecan Sandies have been a part of my family’s traditional Christmas baking for as long as I can remember. I love how filling the house with baking scents bring back such good memories of Christmas past.

The Christmas season was a very special time during my childhood. How thankful I am that I had a mother and grandmother who loved the holidays as much as I did. For many years throughout my childhood the whole family would gather at my Grandma and Grandpa’s house on Christmas Eve and stay the night so we could all open gifts together in the morning and spend the day together. Often, we would spend a couple of nights at grandma and grandpa’s, even though we all lived in the same town. I think the adults enjoyed the holiday together just as much as the children.

I can’t count how many years I sneaked downstairs in the middle of the night to sit in front of the big picture window and watch the snow. Behind me would be a gorgeous tree that my grandma had decorated and draped perfectly with tinsel and the house was silent. And because we were all together, the room was filled to the brim with packages. Our stockings would always be filled with the funnest things and a mandarin orange of course.

And then the food. Oh the smells, and every type of cookie, candy, pie, and traditional Christmas item you can imagine.  I used to tell my grandpa that I wanted us all to buy a huge house so we could all live together forever. After packages and breakfast it wasn’t unusual to see one or two napping here and there, others playing cards, people milling around in the kitchen. I loved the peace that came with having us all together.

Times have changed of course, as they must. People have passed on, moved away, grown up. How can I complain that times have changed though when I was blessed with so many years with the people I loved so dearly and such wonderful memories?

I cherish the times I can bring back family memories even with just a simple afternoon of baking.

Vegan & Gluten Free Pecan Sandies

1 1/2 Cups Dairy Free Butter

4 1/2 Cups Mama’s Almond All Purpose Gluten Free Flour

2/3 Cup Sugar

2 teaspoons Pure Vanilla Extract

2 Cups Pecans, finely chopped

1 teaspoon Xanthan Gum

1 1/2 Cups Powdered Sugar

Preheat oven to 325°. In an electric mixer add the dairy free butter and sugar. Beat until thoroughly combined and fluffy, scraping down once. Add about half of the flour and the vanilla, beat until thoroughly combined. Add the remaining flour, xanthan gum, and pecans. Mix thoroughly. Take spoonfuls of dough and roll in a ball, place on parchment lined baking sheet and bake for 17-20 minutes. Measure the powdered sugar into a medium bowl and roll the cookies while warm until coated. Cool on wire rack. Before storing, sift with another layer of powdered sugar. Store in an airtight container.