Buttery and crisp, these pecan shortbread cookies combine just 5 simple ingredients in just 35 minutes to make a cookie that tastes anything but simple!
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There’s something magical about the simplicity of shortbread cookies, and the buttery toasted pecans in this version instantly elevate them to a treat you’ll want to make over and over again. These pecan shortbread cookies are melt-in-your-mouth delicious, with a delicate crumb and rich nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with your morning coffee or as a dessert with a cozy cup of tea or Homemade Hot Chocolate by the fire at night. Trust me, your kitchen will smell like pure heaven while these bake!
Here for the love of pecans? These Candied Pecans are definitely for you!
If you’re looking for a gift idea for neighbors, friends, and family, a holiday (or any special occasion) cookie box is always a crowd-pleaser! I have tons of easy cookie recipes on my site, like my Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies, Soft Sugar Cookies, and Red Velvet Cookies. Make a few kinds of cookies, pack an assortment in a cookie tin, and wrap it up with a bow. Then, all you have to do is deliver them to your loved ones for a thoughtful gift that everyone will love!
Let’s dive in!
What You Need to Make Pecan Shortbread Cookies
- Butter – butter is the heart of any shortbread! I use salted butter in this recipe, but if you only have unsalted on hand, add ½ teaspoon of salt to the dough when you add the flour. Make sure your butter is softened and at room temperature before starting the dough.
- Light brown sugar – using light brown sugar adds a subtle molasses flavor that deepens the cookies’ complexity without overpowering the other flavors.
- All-purpose flour – the foundational ingredient, flour provides structure while keeping the cookies tender and crumbly.
- Vanilla extract – vanilla is a classic flavor enhancer that adds warmth and depth to the recipe.
- Pecans – toasty, buttery, and slightly sweet, chopped pecans add a delightful crunch and nutty goodness to the cookies.
FAQs
Without leavening agents like baking powder or soda but lots of butter, shortbread cookies have a dense, crumbly texture that makes them melt in your mouth!
Yes! The cookie dough can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days in advance. Take the cookie dough out of the fridge for a bit while the oven is preheating to make sure the cookies still spread while baking.
Sure! Nuts like almonds and walnuts work, or you could use a combination of them! Just be sure to chop them into smaller pieces so they can be evenly mixed into the dough. You could also remove the nuts completely and add in a pinch of lemon or orange zest to the dough to spice things up.
Let the cookies cool completely before storing them in a covered container for up to 5 days.
Yes! Put the baked cookies into a freezer-safe container and freeze them for 2-3 months. Allow them to come to room temperature and warm them in the microwave or a low-temperature oven before serving if desired.
More Cookie Recipes You’ll Love!
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Easy Pecan Shortbread Cookies
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 salted sticks butter, softened
- ½ cup light brown sugar
- ½ cup chopped pecans
- 2 teaspoons real vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325℉. In the bowl of a mixer, combine butter, brown sugar, and vanilla for about 90 seconds over medium speed, scraping down the sides of the bowl halfway through.
- Turn mixer to low speed and slowly add flour, periodically scraping down the sides of the bowl, until just combined.
- Add pecans. Turn mixer to medium speed until just combined. Do not over-mix to prevent tough cookies!
- On a greased baking sheet, roll 1 inch balls of dough and place each ball about an inch apart.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, until cookies are just starting to turn brown around the edges and are firm to the touch.
Video
Notes
- Don’t have salted butter? Use unsalted + ½ teaspoon salt.
- Store shortbread for up to 5 days in an airtight container once cooled completely!
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
This are insanely good!!
Totally agree! ๐
Grace