Pecan Cookies--Mary Wallace Jarrell

Simple Cooking for the Epicure by Jean Hamilton Campbell and Gloria Kameran

New York. The Viking Press. 1949

p. 139

Sometimes known as the best cookies in the world—also the easiest to make: no rolling, no ice boxing. However, they are very messy!!!

1 cup softened butter (or margarine)

½ cup powdered sugar

2 cups of flower

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 cup chopped pecans

extra powdered sugar for rolling

Mix all ingredients together and form into flattened balls about the size of walnuts. Cook in oven at 350 degrees F for 25 to 30 minutes. They should look slightly golden brown. Remove from oven and allow to cool on racks for about 10 minutes.

Then put about 2 cups of 10X sugar into a one gallon or so can with a lid. Then put the cookies in the can and shake gently enough that the cookies do not break into pieces. Remove from container and put back on racks to cool. Allow to cool and cure (overnight if possible) before packing. Messiness prevention: Put the racks on jelly roll pans so the powdered sugar does not spill on the counter.  

According to the cook book, these cookies are “the easiest cookies in the world”. I’m not sure that is true. However, once a system is developed, it gets easier. Here are some suggestions. They keep and pack well. They are messy to make and to eat. I suggest leaning over the sink or holding the plate under your chin.

History: Mary, my mother, made these many times as a child. They went to church for coffee hour and in Christmas packages for teachers and friends. They were definitely a favorite.

When our girls arrived, I wanted to do something as a special tradition. I named them Santa Clause cookies and we baked them together. Mom, Dad, and daughters made them together for Santa. What Joanna and Luminita may not know is that as soon as "The Night Before Christmas" was read, girls tucked in and kissed, presents placed, stockings filled, and sleigh bells jingled very loudly, dad and Mom dutifully hurried to eat Santa's cookies and drink his milk.

They are still a favorite. More recently, if I want to send someone a special gift that says I love you better than something store bought, I make a batch and send them.