Pecan Sandies

Directions

1. 1
   Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. 2
   Spread the nuts out in one layer on a jelly roll pan and bake them, stirring occasionally, until they are well browned, about 10 to 13 minutes (they will smell toasted and nutty).
3. 3
   Transfer the pan to a wire rack to cool.
4. 4
   In a food processor, grind the nuts with 1/4 cup of the flour.
5. 5
   Set aside.
6. 6
   Using an electric mixer, beat the butter and sugar until creamy and smooth, about 2 minutes.
7. 7
   Add the vanilla and beat well.
8. 8
   Sift together the remaining 1 3/4 cups flour, the salt, and the baking powder, and add it to the dough, mixing until just combined.
9. 9
   Stir in the nut mixture.
10. 10
    Form the dough into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 3 hours.
11. 11
    Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
12. 12
    Roll the dough in between two sheets of waxed paper to 3/16-inch thick.
13. 13
    Using a sharp knife, cut the dough into 1-inch squares, then cut the squares on a diagonal into triangles.
14. 14
    Sprinkle the cookies with the turbinado sugar.
15. 15
    Place them 1-inch apart on ungreased cookie sheets (do not re-roll the scraps).
16. 16
    Prick the cookies with a fork and bake until pale gold all over, about 10 minutes.
17. 17
    Cool on a wire rack.