Delicate buttery pecan shortbread (Printable format)

Tender, buttery shortbread enriched with pecans and coated in powdered sugar for a sweet finish.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Dry Ingredients

01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/4 teaspoon salt

→ Nuts

03 - 1 cup finely chopped pecans

→ Creaming Mixture

04 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
05 - 1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus additional for rolling
06 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
02 - Whisk together flour and salt in a medium bowl; set aside.
03 - In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with 1/2 cup powdered sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
04 - Mix in the vanilla extract until fully combined.
05 - Gradually blend the flour mixture into the butter mixture, mixing just until incorporated.
06 - Carefully fold the finely chopped pecans into the dough.
07 - Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll into balls, and arrange on prepared baking sheets about 1 inch apart.
08 - Bake for 14 to 16 minutes, or until the bottoms turn lightly golden and the tops are set without significant browning.
09 - Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then roll each warm cookie in additional powdered sugar to coat.
10 - Cool cookies completely on a wire rack, then roll again in powdered sugar for a snowy finish.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • They melt like butter clouds in your mouth, and nobody can stop at just one.
  • The whole kitchen fills with this cozy, toasted pecan aroma that makes people ask what you're baking before they even walk through the door.
02 -
  • Don't brown these cookies—the pale, almost underbaked look is exactly right, and pulling them out when you think they need another minute is what keeps them tender and melt-in-your-mouth soft.
  • The timing of the first sugar roll matters; coat them while they're still warm so the sugar adheres and creates that gorgeous snowy finish that holds together.
03 -
  • Toast your pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring often, then let them cool completely before chopping—this adds a depth of flavor that makes people ask what your secret ingredient is.
  • Roll the cookies in powdered sugar one final time right before serving them; the fresh coating looks pristine and reminds people of fresh snow.
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