Sand tarts are a delightful little cookie that will transport you to your grandmother’s kitchen with every bite. These delicate treats have a texture that’s crisp on the outside but tender and crumbly within, melting away as soon as they touch your tongue, leaving behind a whisper of buttery sweetness. homemade Samoas cookie recipe butter pecan cookie recipe The aroma wafting from the oven is enough to make anyone weak at the knees—think warm hugs wrapped in cinnamon sugar.
Every holiday season, my family gathers around the kitchen table for a baking extravaganza, where laughter mingles with flour, and sand tarts take center stage. I can still hear my Aunt Edna proclaiming that her batch would win the “Best Cookie” award at our family gathering—spoiler alert: it did! There’s just something magical about these tiny cookies that brings everyone together, making them perfect for celebrations or just a cozy night in. lemon crinkle cookies recipe. For more inspiration, check out this banana bread cookies recipe recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Sand tarts are incredibly easy to whip up, making them perfect for any skill level
- Their flavor profile balances rich butteriness with a hint of sweetness that’s irresistible
- Visually, these cookies can be adorned with sprinkles or nuts for an appealing touch
- Versatile enough to customize with spices or toppings based on your preferences
Baking sand tarts has always been a hit with friends and family alike; they can’t resist asking for seconds!

Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
All-Purpose Flour: This forms the base of your cookies; use unbleached flour for better flavor.
Unsalted Butter: Freshly softened butter is key for that rich, creamy texture. For more inspiration, check out this peanut butter brownies recipe.
Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness; feel free to experiment with brown sugar for depth.
Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract enhances the flavor beautifully; avoid imitation vanilla if possible.
Cinnamon Sugar Mixture: A blend of cinnamon and sugar gives these cookies their signature topping; mix equal parts for best results.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
Mixing the Dough: In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add in vanilla extract and combine well to create a luscious mixture.
Add the Dry Ingredients: Gradually sift in all-purpose flour while mixing until fully incorporated. The dough will become thick and slightly sticky—this means you’re on the right track!
Chill Your Dough: Wrap your dough in plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. Chilling helps firm up the dough, making it easier to roll out later.
Shape Your Cookies: After chilling, take small pieces of dough and roll them into balls about one inch in diameter. Roll each ball in cinnamon sugar before placing them on prepared baking sheets.
Bake Until Perfectly Golden: Bake in your preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Allow cooling slightly before transferring them to wire racks—this helps keep them crispy yet tender.
Now you’re ready to enjoy these scrumptious sand tarts! Each bite will be full of nostalgia and warmth—a true crowd-pleaser perfect for any occasion!
You Must Know
- Sand Tarts are delightful little cookies that melt in your mouth
- Their buttery, sugary goodness makes them perfect for any occasion
- You can easily customize them with nuts or spices for a unique twist
- The aroma of these cookies baking will fill your kitchen with warmth and joy
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by creaming butter and sugar, then mix in the flour, forming a dough that’s easy to work with. Shape into balls or logs before chilling to enhance flavor and texture.

Add Your Touch
Feel free to get creative! Add vanilla extract for extra depth or sprinkle in some cinnamon for a cozy flavor twist. You can even experiment with nut toppings for added crunch.
Storing & Reheating
Store your Sand Tarts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, keep them in the freezer; just remember to thaw before serving.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To ensure perfect Sand Tarts, chill your dough before baking to enhance flavor and texture
- Avoid overbaking; they should be lightly golden on the edges but still soft in the middle
- Experiment with different nut toppings for delightful variations!
The first time I made Sand Tarts, my friends devoured them within minutes, declaring me the cookie queen of our group! Their smiles were worth every second spent in the kitchen.

FAQ
What are Sand Tarts?
Sand Tarts are buttery cookies that are crumbly and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. chocolate peanut butter cupcakes.
Can I add chocolate chips to Sand Tarts?
Absolutely! Chocolate chips can add a delightful twist to this classic recipe.
How do I know when my Sand Tarts are done?
Look for lightly golden edges; they should remain soft in the center when done.

Sand Tarts
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Sand tarts are delightful, melt-in-your-mouth cookies that evoke memories of cozy family gatherings and sweet holiday traditions. With their crisp exterior and tender, buttery center, these cookies are a must-have for any celebration or just a comforting snack at home. The irresistible aroma of cinnamon sugar wafting from the oven will make your kitchen feel like a warm embrace. Perfect for bakers of all skill levels, sand tarts can be customized with your favorite nuts or spices for a unique twist that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (unbleached)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup cinnamon sugar mixture (equal parts cinnamon and sugar)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually sift in the flour while mixing until fully incorporated; the dough should be thick and slightly sticky.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.
- After chilling, roll small pieces of dough into balls (about one inch in diameter) and coat them in cinnamon sugar before placing them on prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow to cool slightly before transferring to wire racks.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 cookies
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: - For added flavor, consider mixing in some chopped nuts or spices like nutmeg. - Ensure not to overbake; sand tarts should remain soft in the center for that perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture.
