Description
These buttery pecan shortbread cookies are rich, crumbly, and packed with toasted nut flavor. Perfect for cozy winter baking, tea time, or cookie exchanges. A nostalgic, melt-in-your-mouth treat you’ll want to make on repeat.
Ingredients
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1 cup unsalted butter, softened
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½ cup powdered sugar
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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½ tsp salt
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¾ cup toasted pecans, finely chopped
Instructions
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Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat softened butter with powdered sugar until light and fluffy (2–3 minutes).
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Add vanilla: Stir in vanilla extract until combined.
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Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk flour and salt. Gradually add to butter mixture.
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Fold in pecans: Add toasted pecans and mix until dough comes together (slightly crumbly is okay).
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Chill dough: Shape into a log or disc, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 30 minutes.
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Preheat oven: Set to 325°F (165°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Shape cookies: Slice dough into ¼-inch rounds or scoop and flatten into discs.
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Bake: Place on prepared sheet and bake for 14–16 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden.
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Cool & serve: Let cool 5 minutes on pan, then transfer to rack. Optional: dust with powdered sugar.
Notes
Toast your pecans for a deeper, nuttier flavor — about 6–8 minutes at 350°F.
Use softened, not melted butter for the best texture.
Chilling the dough prevents spreading and gives that perfect crumb.
Dust with powdered sugar after cooling for a snowy finish.
Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week (or freeze the dough for later!).
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Classic Cookies
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 55 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
Keywords: pecan shortbread cookies recipe, shortbread cookies, holiday cookies, buttery cookies, classic cookies, nutty cookies, cozy baking