Butter Pecan Shortbread Cookies Recipe
If you’re craving a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth treat with just the right amount of nutty crunch, then these Butter Pecan Shortbread Cookies are the perfect answer. Each cookie is a delightful little bite of rich, tender shortbread studded with toasted pecans that bring warmth and texture to every nibble. Whether you’re sharing them over tea or sneaking a few from the cookie jar, these cookies offer that cozy comfort and indulgence you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is brilliantly simple, relying on a handful of pantry staples that come together to create a cookie that’s both delicate and richly flavored. Each ingredient is crucial—whether it’s the butter that gives the shortbread its signature tenderness, or the toasted pecans that add that irresistible crunch and warm aroma.
- Unsalted butter: Softened to room temperature, it provides the creamy base and classic shortbread texture.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create that tender crumb we all love in shortbread cookies.
- All-purpose flour: The main structure of the cookie, giving it just the right chewiness.
- Cornstarch: Helps tenderize the dough, ensuring a melt-in-your-mouth finish.
- Pecans: Chopped and toasted to bring a toasty flavor, depth, and satisfying crunch.
- Vanilla extract: Lifts all the flavors with its warm, inviting aroma.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the nutty notes of the pecans.
How to Make Butter Pecan Shortbread Cookies
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pans
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking. This simple prep sets you up for perfect cookies every time.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes with an electric mixer. This step is essential because it aerates the dough, helping your cookies achieve that tender, crumbly texture.
Step 3: Mix in the Vanilla Extract
Add in the vanilla extract and blend it in gently. This step infuses the dough with a warm, sweet aroma that makes the Butter Pecan Shortbread Cookies smell and taste incredibly inviting.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
Whisk together the flour, cornstarch, and salt in a separate bowl. Making sure these ingredients are well-mixed before adding them to the wet ingredients helps distribute the leavening evenly and improves the cookie’s texture.
Step 5: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the flour mixture to the creamed butter and sugar, mixing just until the dough comes together. Being gentle here avoids overworking the dough, which could result in tougher cookies.
Step 6: Fold in the Toasted Pecans
Carefully fold in the toasted, chopped pecans using a rubber spatula. Toasting the pecans beforehand deepens their flavor and makes them delightfully crunchy in the finished cookies, taking your Butter Pecan Shortbread Cookies to the next level.
Step 7: Chill and Shape the Dough
Divide the dough into two equal portions, shaping each into a log about 1.5 inches in diameter. Wrap the logs tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step firms up the dough, making it easier to slice cleanly and ensuring your cookies hold their shape while baking.
Step 8: Slice and Arrange the Cookies
Once chilled, slice the dough logs into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Place the slices on your prepared baking sheet, leaving enough space between each cookie to allow for gentle spreading during baking.
Step 9: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the edges are just turning golden. Keep a close eye near the end to avoid overbaking; you want that delicate shortbread color that signals tender, buttery goodness.
Step 10: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling step helps the cookies set up properly so you can enjoy that perfect crumbly texture.
How to Serve Butter Pecan Shortbread Cookies
Garnishes
For a touch of elegance, dust your Butter Pecan Shortbread Cookies with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar right before serving. If you’re feeling adventurous, a drizzle of melted dark chocolate or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt brings out the pecan’s nutty undertones beautifully.
Side Dishes
These cookies are absolutely delightful paired with a cup of hot tea, fresh coffee, or even a creamy glass of milk. They also make a charming accompaniment to a cheese board featuring mild, creamy cheeses like Brie or mascarpone, creating a delightful sweet-and-savory bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Impress guests by arranging your Butter Pecan Shortbread Cookies in a decorative tin or layering them in a clear jar tied with a rustic ribbon as a thoughtful homemade gift. For a festive twist, sandwich two cookies together with a smear of caramel or chocolate ganache for irresistible little cookie sandwiches.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These cookies keep beautifully at room temperature in an airtight container for up to one week. To maintain their crisp, buttery texture, avoid exposing them to humidity or airtight conditions longer than necessary.
Freezing
Butter Pecan Shortbread Cookies freeze wonderfully. After baking and cooling, layer them between sheets of parchment paper in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to three months, allowing you to enjoy that buttery perfection anytime.
Reheating
If you want to refresh slightly frozen cookies, let them thaw at room temperature. For an extra just-out-of-the-oven warmth, pop them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5 minutes. This will revive their buttery aroma and crisp exterior without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I substitute pecans with another nut?
Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds make great alternatives, each imparting their own unique flavor and texture. Just make sure to toast the nuts to bring out their full nutty aroma before folding them into the dough.
What makes these cookies different from regular shortbread?
The addition of chopped toasted pecans adds a rich, nutty crunch that contrasts beautifully with the melt-in-your-mouth shortbread base. Plus, a touch of cornstarch in the flour blend gives these cookies an extra tender, delicate crumb.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
The recipe uses all-purpose flour, so traditional Butter Pecan Shortbread Cookies are not gluten-free. However, you can experiment with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking and see how the texture turns out—just be mindful that results might vary slightly.
How long does it take to chill the dough?
Chilling for at least 30 minutes is important to firm up the dough for easy slicing and to prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking. If you’re short on time, you can chill for 20 minutes, but the texture might not be quite as perfect.
Can I make smaller or bigger cookies?
Yes! Just keep in mind that smaller cookies will bake faster and might be crisper, while larger ones need a longer baking time and will be softer inside. Adjust the baking time accordingly, and always watch closely near the end.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly comforting and satisfying about homemade Butter Pecan Shortbread Cookies. Their tender texture, buttery richness, and toasted nutty notes make them an instant favorite for any occasion. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this recipe a try—once you taste these cookies fresh from the oven, I’m sure they’ll become a beloved treat in your kitchen too.
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Butter Pecan Shortbread Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Butter Pecan Shortbread Cookies are rich, buttery, and crumbly cookies loaded with toasted pecans for a delightful crunch. These classic cookies combine the buttery smoothness of shortbread with the warm, nutty flavor of pecans, making them perfect for tea time or holiday treats.
Ingredients
Butter Pecan Shortbread Cookies Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 cup pecans, chopped and toasted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure the cookies bake evenly and don’t stick.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Vanilla: Mix in the vanilla extract thoroughly to infuse the dough with a warm, aromatic flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and salt to create an even mixture.
- Mix Dry with Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, mixing gently until just combined to keep the dough tender.
- Fold in Pecans: Gently fold the chopped, toasted pecans into the dough using a rubber spatula, ensuring even distribution without overmixing.
- Form Dough Logs: Divide the dough into two equal portions, shaping each into a log approximately 1.5 inches in diameter. Wrap each log tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
- Slice Cookies: Once chilled, unwrap the dough logs and slice them into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Place the slices onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving enough space for spreading.
- Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the edges turn a light golden color, indicating they’re perfectly baked.
- Cool Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, which helps them set to the perfect texture.
Notes
- To toast pecans, spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes until fragrant and lightly browned.
- Wrapping and chilling the dough logs before slicing helps maintain the cookie shape and makes slicing easier.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- For added flavor, consider sprinkling a little coarse sugar on top before baking.
- Use parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and help with even baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (approx. 20g)
- Calories: 110 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 1.5g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Butter Pecan Shortbread Cookies, pecan cookies, shortbread recipe, buttery cookies, nutty cookies, holiday cookies, easy baking
