Pecan Sandies are cookies that combine the buttery goodness of shortbread with the unique flavor of pecans. Sometimes the inclusion of the pecans is barely noticeable, with the pecans crushed into the batter before it’s baked, and sometimes the pecans are placed right on top of the cookies, becoming quite prominent in their presentation.

Regardless of how they’re made, however, it’s quite obvious that these are some of the most delicious cookies on the planet and are loved by millions of people worldwide. It’s such a beloved cookie that a holiday has been created around it to allow people to celebrate these cookies. This holiday is known as National Pecan Sandies Day, and it falls on the 23rd of June each year.

The History of Pecan Sandies

Unfortunately, at this time, we’re just unable to uncover who created this holiday, but we do have a general idea of where and when the pecan sandy was invented. Since these cookies are basically shortbread cookies, we first have to find out who first invented those types of cookies. According to our research, shortbreads began as biscuit bread that was created from leftover bread dough.

It was called biscuit bread because “biscuit” means “twice cooked.” Eventually, the yeast in this dough would be replaced with butter, and shortbread would be invented. The Scots were the first to make shortbreads sometime during the 12th century. However, they didn’t invent Pecan Sandies. No, that innovation is believed to have been created somewhere in the Middle East.

In 1955, the Keebler Company began to mass-produce and market a variety of shortbread cookies, including plain, pecan, and cashew varieties. Unlike normal shortbread cookies, however, they use palm or soybean oil instead of butter. The Keebler Company has currently registered the brand name “Sandies” that it uses for its shortbread cookie line.

Observing National Pecan Sandies Day

National Pecan Sandies Day is a holiday that’s best observed by making your own Pecan Sandies cookies. Or, you can purchase a store-bought variety, although we highly recommend that you make the effort to make your own.

Homemade just tastes better. While you’re observing this holiday, don’t forget to use the hashtag #NationalPecanSandiesDay to spread the word about this sweet holiday to friends, family members, and everyone on the internet.