Indulge in the classic, buttery decadence of Butter Pecan Shortbread Cookies, a melt-in-your-mouth treat that's as delightful to bake as it is to eat. This recipe combines rich unsalted butter, a hint of vanilla, and toasted pecans for a nutty crunch that perfectly complements the tender, crumbly texture of shortbread. With just 15 minutes of prep time and a straightforward slice-and-bake technique, these cookies are ideal for holiday gatherings, gift-giving, or whenever a craving strikes. The toasted pecans add a warm, aromatic depth, while the simplicity of pantry staples ensures these cookies remain a timeless favorite. Perfectly golden in just 20 minutes, these buttery pecan delights will leave your kitchen smelling heavenly and your taste buds satisfied. Plus, they store beautifully for up to a week, making them a make-ahead marvel for any occasion!
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream the unsalted butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the creamed butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined.
Fold in the chopped toasted pecans with a spatula until evenly distributed in the dough.
Divide the dough in half, and shape each portion into a log about 2 inches (5 cm) in diameter. Wrap the logs tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until firm.
Once the dough is chilled, slice the logs into 1/4-inch (0.6 cm) thick rounds and arrange them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of space between each cookie.
Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Be careful not to overbake.
Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
Calories |
3807 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 282.0 g | 362% | |
| Saturated Fat | 121.1 g | 606% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 500 mg | 167% | |
| Sodium | 1219 mg | 53% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 306.4 g | 111% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 19.9 g | 71% | |
| Total Sugars | 93.9 g | ||
| Protein | 41.3 g | 83% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 172 mg | 13% | |
| Iron | 15.1 mg | 84% | |
| Potassium | 844 mg | 18% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.