Sand Tarts Recipe

Sand tarts always make the cut. This sand tarts recipe is easy and can be mastered by bakers of any skill level. These classic Pennsylvania Dutch cookies are thin and crispy and impossible to resist. Leave them classic with a hint of cinnamon sugar and pecan halves, or make them festive with colored sugars! Of course, they can be adapted to just about any holiday, although they’re most often associated with Christmas and Easter—and a few things about these cookies remain consistent: an incredibly buttery flavor, perfectly crisp texture, and impressively thin appearance.

Ingredients of Sand Tarts Recipe

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups sugar
• 2 large eggs

Toppings 

• 1 large egg beaten
• 1 cups pecan halves
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowl
• Electric mixer or whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Rolling pin
• Cookie cutters (optional)

Making Process

Step 1: Put the butter and sugar together in a large mixing bowl with a heavy-duty electric mixer until the combination becomes creamy, light, and fluffy.

Step 2: Combine eggs, salt, and vanilla in a small bowl and beat them. Gradually incorporate it into the batter. At this point, raise the speed to high and continue beating until the color changes (approximately 2-3 minutes).

Step 3: Add flour slowly, mixing until combined. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight, or up to 2 days.

Step 4: While chilling, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and line the baking sheets with parchment paper. Divide the dough into four equal parts. On a floured, clean surface, and using a floured rolling pin, roll each piece until paper thin, thinner than 3 cm. Cut with a 2 ” cookie cutter and transfer to the prepared baking sheet.

Step 5: In a small bowl, combine cinnamon and sugar for topping.

Step 6: Using the pastry brush, coat the tops of all the cookies with the beaten egg and sprinkle with a little cinnamon sugar mixture. Set half of a pecan atop each cookie.

Step 7: Place in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) and bake for approximately 10-12 minutes, watching closely lest they brown, as they are on the thin side and can burn quickly. Leave the cookies to cool for at least 5 minutes on a baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy.

Storage Tips

Refrigerator: To preserve the freshness of your sand tarts, store them in an airtight container at the refrigerator. They should last for 5 days. 

Freeze: To store for long periods, freeze the cookies. Store them in a freezer-proof container with spaces between them made of parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can be frozen for three months.

Nutrition

• Serving: 1 Cookies
• Calories: 50 kcal 
• Carbohydrates: 6g 
• Cholesterol: 8mg
• Calcium: 3mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Fat: 3g  
• Saturated Fat: 1g 
• Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g 
• Monounsaturated Fat: 1g 
• Trans Fat: 1g 
• Sodium: 25mg 
• Sugar: 3g 
• Protein: 1g 
• Potassium: 10mg 
• Iron: 1mg

FAQ

Where is the origin of the sand tarts?

A: Sand tarts have their origin among the Pennsylvania Dutch, together with whoopie pies or gobs and shoofly pie. In the Pennsylvania Dutch stores and markets of the Amish, you see them dusted with colorful sugar in bright colors during Christmas or Easter.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

A: Yes! It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Make sure to keep it tightly wrapped so that it does not dry out. It will probably be hard to roll after this long, and you may need to warm it up just a little before rolling it.

What can be used instead of confectioners’ sugar?

A: Powdered sugar can also be made at home by mixing normal granulated sugar into fine powder.

Can I put flavor in my sand tarts?

A: Yes! Use almond extract or lemon zest to give sensory flair to your sand tarts.

Conclusion

This sand tarts recipe will surely please the dessert table. With simple ingredients and an easy preparation method, this is suitable for a beginner to an expert alike. Relish the sweet buttery flavor of these cookies topped with your very own choices. Share them with your friends and family and enjoy the joy of home-baked treats.