The Only Pecan Shortbread Cookies Recipe You’ll Crave All Winter

There’s a certain kind of joy that happens when your kitchen smells like butter, vanilla, and roasted pecans. This pecan shortbread cookies recipe brings exactly that — a quiet kind of cozy that fills the whole house with warmth.

They’re simple, sure, but they taste like a little celebration. Buttery, crumbly edges, toasted nuttiness, and the kind of texture that melts the moment it hits your tongue. No need for mixers with fancy attachments or rare ingredients — just you, a wooden spoon, and a craving for something homemade and heartfelt.

Ingredients (with Cozy Tips)

Here’s what goes into these dreamy bites of winter comfort:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp salt
• ¾ cup finely chopped toasted pecans

Tips for Better Baking:

• Use softened butter. You’ll want it tender, not melty.
• Toast your pecans. Just 6–8 minutes at 350°F — this guide from King Arthur Baking walks you through it.
• Sift the powdered sugar. It gives a smoother dough and lighter crumb.
• Chop pecans finely. Evenly distributed for flavor in every bite.
• Chill the dough. Helps cookies hold their shape and texture.

How to Make Pecan Shortbread Cookies (Step-by-Step)

1. Cream the butter and sugar.

In a large bowl, beat the butter and powdered sugar until soft, light, and creamy.

2. Add the vanilla.

Mix in the vanilla extract and enjoy the first wave of that cozy aroma.

3. Mix the dry ingredients.

Whisk flour and salt, then fold into the butter mixture. The dough will look a little crumbly — that’s perfect.

4. Fold in the pecans.

Add toasted pecans and mix gently. Don’t overwork the dough.

5. Shape and chill.

Form a log or disc, wrap, and chill for 30 minutes.

6. Slice or scoop.

Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Slice or scoop dough and arrange on baking sheet.

7. Bake until golden.

Bake for 14–16 minutes, until the edges just turn golden.

8. Cool and dust.

Cool slightly, then move to a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar if you like.

Flavor Twists to Try

• 🍫 Dip in chocolate.
• 🍁 Maple glaze.
• 🌰 Add cinnamon.
• 🧂 Sea salt sprinkle.

A Shortbread Memory: Baking with Nana

I still remember how Nana never used a timer — she baked by scent. Her kitchen always smelled like butter and toasted pecans in the winter. She had this old wooden stool I’d sit on, elbows on the counter, just waiting for that first warm cookie to cool (even though I always burned my tongue).

This pecan shortbread cookies recipe is my way of keeping her tradition alive — simple, comforting, and baked with love.

More Cookie Magic You’ll Love

If this recipe hits the spot, you’ll love these too:

• Almond Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
• Crispy Peanut Butter Cookie Recipe
• Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies Recipe
• Easy Edible Cookie Dough Recipe
• Lemon Blueberry Cookie Recipe
• Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe Without Brown Sugar

Wrap-Up: Bake a Batch of Bliss

These cookies aren’t fancy — and that’s the best part. They’re buttery, crumbly, just sweet enough, and so satisfying with a cup of tea or coffee.

This pecan shortbread cookies recipe is the kind of thing you make once and keep making forever.

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