Sand Tarts
These cookies have been around for years and are often called Sand Tarts, Cocoons, Mexican Wedding Cookies or Crescents. Recipe adapted from Louis Mahoney, The Richmond News Leader
Ingredients:
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 1 cup butter, unsalted, softened
- 2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Grind in a food processor until fine crumbs:
- 1 cup pecans , chopped
- Using a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, mix together until light and fluffy:
- 1 cup butter, unsalted , softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- Mix in until combined the ground pecans plus:
- 2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/8 tsp salt
- Scoop up a tablespoon size amount of dough and roll into small balls, or shape into crescents.
- Do not overwork the dough or pack too tightly or the cookie will be tough.
- Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Bake for 20 minutes until lightly golden.
- Remove from oven and place baking sheet on cooling rack for 1 minute.
- Roll warm cookies in:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- Place cookies on cooling rack to cool completely.
Prep Time:
15 min
Cook Time:
20 min
Inactive Time:
30 min cooling time
Difficulty:
Intermediate
Servings:
40
Serving Size:
1 cookie
Serving Suggestions: Also great with walnuts and almonds.

Hi! My name is Laura Bashar, recipe developer, graphic designer, photographer, food writer, wife & mom of three living in San Diego, CA. I'm on a mission to get families back at the dinner table by sharing over 400 recipes here on my blog!

