Description
These buttery, crumbly Pecan Shortbread Cookies are packed with toasted pecan flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture. Perfect for holidays, gifting, or teatime indulgence, they come together quickly with pantry staples and keep beautifully for weeks.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup finely chopped pecans
Optional: additional powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
1. In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy (2–3 minutes).
2. Mix in the vanilla extract and salt until combined.
3. Gradually add the flour and beat on low speed until crumbly.
4. Fold in the finely chopped pecans until evenly distributed.
5. Form the dough into a log or disk, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 30 minutes.
6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice dough into 1/4-inch rounds or cut shapes.
7. Bake on parchment-lined sheets for 12–15 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
8. Cool on sheet 5 minutes, transfer to rack, and dust with powdered sugar if desired.
Notes
These cookies freeze beautifully—store in layers with parchment paper.
Toast your pecans first for deeper flavor.
Let the dough chill thoroughly to avoid spreading during baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: shortbread, pecan, holiday cookies