Imagine biting into a Pecan Shortbread cookie, where the buttery richness melts in your mouth, mingling with the nutty crunch of pecans. The aroma wafts through the air, making you feel like you’ve stepped into a cozy bakery, where every morsel is a little piece of heaven.
This delightful treat is perfect for any occasion—whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or simply treating yourself after a long day. I remember the first time I made these cookies; my friends devoured them faster than I could keep up, leaving me with just crumbs and laughter.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Pecan Shortbread is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy bakers.
- The flavor profile combines buttery sweetness with nutty depth that everyone loves.
- Its visual appeal adds elegance to any dessert table, making it a showstopper at gatherings.
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to be gifted or enjoyed as an everyday snack.
I once brought these Pecan Shortbread cookies to a family reunion, and they vanished in minutes! Everyone wanted the secret recipe.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Unsalted Butter: Use room temperature butter for easy mixing and maximum creaminess.
Pecan Nuts: Chop fresh pecans for that perfect nutty crunch.
Granulated Sugar: Sweeten your dough just right to balance the richness.
All-Purpose Flour: The base of our shortbread; sifted for lightness.
Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract brings out incredible flavor depth.
Salt: A pinch enhances all other flavors beautifully.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Pecan Shortbread
Prep Your Oven and Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Gather your ingredients and let them come to room temperature.
Cream Butter and Sugar Together: In a large bowl, combine softened butter and granulated sugar. Beat together until fluffy and light in color—a sign that you’re on the right track!
Add Flour and Salt Gradually: Slowly mix in sifted all-purpose flour and salt. Blend until just incorporated; overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
Incorporate Pecans and Vanilla Extract: Gently fold in chopped pecans and vanilla extract until evenly distributed throughout the dough. Your kitchen will smell heavenly at this point!
Scoop and Shape Dough onto Baking Sheet: Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Space them about two inches apart since they will spread.
Bake Until Golden Brown: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Remove from oven and let cool on the baking sheet for five minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Now you have gorgeous Pecan Shortbread cookies that are sure to impress! Enjoy them warm or store them in an airtight container for later indulgence—if they last that long!
You Must Know
- Pecan shortbread cookies are a delightful blend of nutty flavor and buttery texture.
- They make for a perfect treat with coffee or tea.
- Having been a holiday staple in my family, they carry memories of laughter, warmth, and lots of crumbs!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by creaming your butter and sugar until fluffy, then gradually add flour. This ensures even mixing and a tender shortbread.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap pecans for walnuts or add a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra warmth. A dash of vanilla can elevate the flavors too.
Storing & Reheating
Store your pecan shortbread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. Reheat briefly in the oven for a fresh taste.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use room temperature butter for smoother mixing, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Chill your dough before baking for perfectly shaped cookies that don’t spread too much.
- Always check your cookies at the minimum baking time to avoid overcooking them.
I still remember the first time I baked these pecan shortbread cookies—they disappeared before I could even put them on a plate! Friends raved about them, and I felt like a baking superstar.
FAQ
What makes pecan shortbread different from regular shortbread?
Pecan shortbread adds delightful nutty flavor and crunch to classic buttery shortbread.
Can I freeze pecan shortbread cookies?
Yes, you can freeze the dough or baked cookies for later enjoyment without losing flavor.
How do I know when my pecan shortbread is done baking?
Look for lightly golden edges; they will firm up as they cool on the baking sheet.
Pecan Shortbread Cookies
Pecan Shortbread cookies are a luscious blend of buttery richness and crunchy pecans, perfect for any occasion. With their melt-in-your-mouth texture and irresistible aroma, these cookies are sure to be a hit at gatherings or as a delightful treat for yourself. Easy to make and beautifully elegant, they are an ideal choice for gifting or enjoying with a cup of coffee or tea.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (sifted)
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the room temperature butter and sugar until fluffy.
- Gradually mix in the sifted flour and salt until just combined.
- Fold in the chopped pecans and vanilla extract.
- Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, until edges are lightly golden. Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 115
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: For added flavor, consider replacing pecans with walnuts or incorporating a sprinkle of cinnamon into the dough. Chill your dough before baking for perfectly shaped cookies that won’t spread too much.
