Mrs. Sarner'S Oatmeal Sand Tarts
Tender, buttery oatmeal sand tarts with crunchy pecans and a hint of vanilla, perfect for cookie lovers and suitable for holidays or teatime treats.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream the powdered sugar and butter together.
- Add flour, quick oats, pecans, vanilla or almond extract, and a pinch of salt; mix until well combined.
- Roll the dough into small balls and place them on a cookie sheet.
- Press each ball with a fork to flatten slightly.
- Bake in a moderate oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8 to 10 minutes until lightly golden.
- While still warm, roll the cookies in powdered sugar.
- Allow to cool and then roll in powdered sugar again if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a nuttier flavor, toast the pecans before adding them to the dough. If you don't have quick oats, rolled oats can be used, but the texture may be slightly different. Consider substituting half of the butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free version. You might also try adding a pinch of cinnamon for an extra layer of flavor. These cookies can be rolled in different toppings like crushed nuts or cocoa powder for variety.
Serving Suggestions
These delightful sand tarts are perfect for holiday gatherings or afternoon tea. Serve them alongside The Party Salad for a refreshing contrast or pair them with Homemade Strawberry Split Ice Cream for a sweet treat. For a festive touch, consider drizzling melted chocolate over the cookies or serving them with a dollop of whipped cream.
Storage & Reheating
Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator, where they can last for up to two weeks. If you want to enjoy them warm, briefly reheat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mrs. Sarner'S Oatmeal Sand Tarts contains roughly 233 calories, with 3g protein, 34g carbohydrates, and 8g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to three days before baking. Alternatively, you can freeze the formed dough balls and bake them straight from the freezer. Just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time for perfectly fresh cookies.
What can I use instead of pecans?
If you prefer, you can substitute the pecans with walnuts, almonds, or even sunflower seeds for a nut-free option. Each will bring a unique flavor and texture, making this recipe versatile and accommodating to various dietary needs.
How can I make these cookies more festive?
To make these sand tarts more festive, consider adding colored sprinkles to the powdered sugar before rolling the cookies in it. You can also incorporate seasonal spices like nutmeg or ginger for a holiday twist. Adding a drizzle of white chocolate on top can elevate their appearance and flavor as well.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).