Old-School Pecan Dandy Do’s – The Retro Cookie That Tastes Like Childhood
Before fancy bakery cookies and gourmet desserts, there were Pecan Dandy Do’s — simple, crunchy, sweet little cookies that showed up at church socials, holiday tins, and grandma’s cookie jar.
They’re buttery, lightly crisp, and loaded with toasted pecans, with that unmistakable old-fashioned flavor that comes from basic pantry ingredients done right. No frosting, no fillings — just a humble cookie that somehow keeps you reaching for one more.
If you love vintage recipes that feel familiar and comforting, these belong on your baking list.
Old-School Pecan Dandy Do’s
Ingredients
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½ cup unsalted butter, softened
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½ cup brown sugar (packed)
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1 large egg
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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1¼ cups all-purpose flour
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½ tsp baking soda
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¼ tsp salt
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1 cup finely chopped pecans
Instructions
1) Preheat
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2) Cream Butter & Sugar
In a bowl, beat butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3) Add Egg & Vanilla
Beat in egg and vanilla until fully combined.
4) Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and salt.
Gradually mix into wet ingredients until a soft dough forms.
5) Fold in Pecans
Stir in chopped pecans evenly.
6) Shape & Bake
Drop rounded teaspoons of dough onto the baking sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart.
Bake 10–12 minutes, until edges are lightly golden.
7) Cool
Cool on the pan 2 minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool completely.
Why These Cookies Still Work
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Brown sugar gives deep, caramel flavor
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Pecans add crunch and warmth
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No over-sweet frosting — just pure cookie flavor
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Simple dough that never goes out of style
Tips for Perfect Pecan Dandy Do’s
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Finely chop pecans so cookies hold together
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Don’t overbake — they crisp as they cool
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Use room-temperature butter for best texture
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Toast pecans first for extra flavor (optional)
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Store airtight to keep them crisp
Easy Variations
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Extra crunch: roll dough balls in chopped pecans before baking
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Holiday twist: add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg
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Buttery snap: replace 2 tbsp flour with cornstarch
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Chewy version: bake 1–2 minutes less
FAQ – Old-School Pecan Dandy Do’s
What are Pecan Dandy Do’s?
They’re classic Southern-style pecan cookies — simple, crisp, and nut-forward.
Are these soft or crunchy?
They’re lightly crisp with a tender center that firms up as they cool.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes. Refrigerate dough up to 48 hours before baking.
How long do they keep?
Store airtight at room temperature up to 1 week.
