Butter Pecan Shortbread Cookies

If you love buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookies with a rich, nutty crunch, these Butter Pecan Shortbread Cookies are your new favorite treat. These classic cookies are simple to make, yet bursting with toasted pecan flavor and delicate buttery sweetness. Perfect with a cup of tea or coffee, or as a thoughtful gift during the holidays.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Simple & Elegant – Just a few ingredients for a truly indulgent result
Buttery & Nutty – Toasted pecans and rich butter in every bite
Perfect Texture – Crumbly, tender shortbread that melts in your mouth
Freezer-Friendly – Great for make-ahead baking or storing extras
Great for Gifting – A charming, crowd-pleasing addition to any cookie tin

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 cup pecans, chopped and toasted

Optional for Garnish:

• Extra chopped pecans
• A light dusting of powdered sugar
• Chocolate drizzle

Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowl
• Electric mixer or hand whisk
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper or silicone mat
• Cooling rack
• Sharp knife or cookie scoop

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Toast the Pecans
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C)
Spread chopped pecans on a baking sheet and toast for 6–8 minutes until fragrant
Let cool completely before adding to the dough

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a mixing bowl, beat softened butter with powdered sugar until smooth and creamy (about 2–3 minutes)
Add vanilla extract and mix to combine

Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients
In the same bowl, add flour and salt
Mix on low speed or with a spatula until the dough starts to come together
Fold in the cooled, toasted pecans until evenly distributed

Step 4: Shape the Dough
Divide the dough into two portions
Roll each into a log about 1½ inches thick, or flatten into a disk
Wrap in plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour (or freeze for 30 minutes)

Step 5: Slice and Bake
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
Slice the dough into ¼-inch thick rounds and place on a lined baking sheet
Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges just begin to turn golden
Let cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely

Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once cooled, dust lightly with powdered sugar, or drizzle with melted chocolate if desired
Serve with tea, coffee, or as part of a dessert platter

Tips for Perfect Shortbread
Use Room Temperature Butter – Makes creaming easier and creates a tender crumb
Toast the Pecans – Intensifies their flavor and adds crunch
Chill the Dough – Prevents spreading and keeps shape during baking
Don’t Overbake – Remove when edges are just turning golden for the best texture
Slice Evenly – Uniform cookies bake more consistently

Serving Suggestions
With Afternoon Tea – A classic pairing
On Holiday Platters – A beautiful addition to any cookie assortment
With Vanilla Ice Cream – For a crunchy and creamy dessert
As a Gift – Wrap in parchment and tie with twine for an elegant edible gift

How to Store & Freeze
Storing:
Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week

Freezing Dough:
Freeze shaped dough logs for up to 2 months. Thaw slightly before slicing and baking

Freezing Baked Cookies:
Freeze cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature

Reheating (Optional):
To bring back a fresh-baked feel, warm in a 300°F oven for 3–5 minutes

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use brown sugar instead of powdered sugar?
Powdered sugar gives a tender texture. Brown sugar adds a chewy texture—great for variation, but not traditional shortbread

2. Can I use walnuts instead of pecans?
Yes! Walnuts or almonds also work well

3. Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend

4. Do I need to toast the pecans?
Toasting is highly recommended for deeper flavor, but raw pecans can be used in a pinch

5. Can I shape them into cut-outs?
Yes! Roll out chilled dough and cut with cookie cutters—just chill again before baking

Final Thoughts
These Butter Pecan Shortbread Cookies are a simple yet luxurious treat with a satisfying crunch and buttery melt-in-your-mouth texture. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just treating yourself, these cookies are guaranteed to please.

Try them today and let us know your favorite way to enjoy them—classic, chocolate-drizzled, or dusted with powdered sugar!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Chilling Time: 1 hour
Baking Time: 15 minutes
Cuisine: American / European-inspired

Nutritional Information (Per Cookie):
Calories: 160 | Protein: 2g | Carbohydrates: 12g | Fat: 12g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 60mg

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