Savory Butter Pecan Shortbread Delights
Indulge in the rich, buttery goodness of these Savory Butter Pecan Shortbread Delights, the perfect treat for holiday gatherings or cozy afternoons. These delightful cookies, packed with finely ground pecans, provide a velvety texture and a subtly sweet flavor that melts in your mouth. Made with real unsalted butter for a creamy finish, these cookies are not just a dessert; they are a celebration of flavors. Easy to make and even easier to devour, ensure you keep a close eye on them in the oven, as baking times may vary. Each bite is sure to become a cherished memory of the season.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Unsalted Butter
1 cup (Softened at room temperature)
Light Brown Sugar
1/2 cup (Packed)
All-Purpose Flour
2 cups (Sifted)
Ground Pecans
1 cup (Finely ground for texture)
Vanilla Extract
2 teaspoons (Pure extract)
Salt
1 pinch (Add to taste)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking.
2
In a large mixing bowl or a food processor, combine the unsalted butter and light brown sugar. Use an electric mixer or process until the mixture is creamy and well blended.
3
Gradually sift in the flour, then add the ground pecans, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix until a smooth dough forms, being careful not to overmix.
4
Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour. This allows the dough to firm up for easier handling.
5
Once the dough is chilled, take it out of the refrigerator. Using your hands, roll the dough into 1-inch balls.
6
Place the balls onto the prepared cookie sheet, leaving some space between them. Gently flatten each ball to about 1/2-inch thickness using the bottom of a glass dusted with flour, or by using a cookie stamp for a decorative touch.
7
Carefully place the cookie sheet in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 12 to 15 minutes, or until the cookies are set and just beginning to turn golden brown on the bottom. Keep a close watch, as baking times can vary.
8
Once done, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Butter Pecan Shortbread Delights?
They are rich, buttery shortbread cookies packed with finely ground pecans that offer a velvety texture and a subtly sweet flavor.
What ingredients are needed for these cookies?
You will need unsalted butter, light brown sugar, all-purpose flour, ground pecans, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
How long do I need to bake these shortbread cookies?
Bake the cookies for approximately 12 to 15 minutes in a preheated oven.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
Should I use salted or unsalted butter?
This recipe calls for unsalted butter to provide a creamy finish and allow you to control the salt content.
Do I need to chill the dough before baking?
Yes, the dough should be refrigerated for 30 minutes to 1 hour to allow it to firm up for easier handling.
How do I prevent the cookies from sticking to the pan?
Line your cookie sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
What is the best way to mix the butter and sugar?
Use an electric mixer or a food processor to cream the butter and light brown sugar until the mixture is well blended.
How fine should the pecans be ground?
The pecans should be finely ground to ensure a smooth and velvety texture in the shortbread.
How large should I make the dough balls?
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls before placing them on the cookie sheet.
How thick should the cookies be after flattening?
Gently flatten each ball to about 1/2-inch thickness.
How do I flatten the cookie dough balls?
You can use the bottom of a glass dusted with flour or a cookie stamp for a decorative look.
How do I know when the cookies are finished baking?
The cookies are done when they are set and just beginning to turn golden brown on the bottom.
Can I use white sugar instead of brown sugar?
The recipe specifies light brown sugar for its specific flavor and moisture, so using white sugar may change the texture.
What type of vanilla should I use?
Pure vanilla extract is recommended for the best flavor.
Should I sift the flour?
Yes, gradually sifting in the flour helps create a smoother dough.
How should I cool the cookies?
Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
What makes these cookies 'savory'?
The inclusion of ground pecans and a pinch of salt provides a depth of flavor that balances the sweetness.
Are these cookies suitable for holiday gifts?
Yes, they are described as a perfect treat for holiday gatherings and seasonal celebrations.
Can I overmix the dough?
You should mix until a smooth dough forms but be careful not to overmix to maintain the shortbread texture.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 6 main ingredients: butter, brown sugar, flour, pecans, vanilla, and salt.
What if I don't have a food processor?
You can use a large mixing bowl and an electric mixer instead.
Can I use a different type of nut?
While pecans are traditional for this flavor profile, you could experiment with other finely ground nuts like walnuts.
How much butter is used in the recipe?
The recipe requires 1 cup of unsalted butter, softened at room temperature.
How much flour is required?
You will need 2 cups of sifted all-purpose flour.
Is it necessary to pack the brown sugar?
Yes, the recipe specifies 1/2 cup of packed light brown sugar for accurate measurement.
What is the serving size for these cookies?
The specific serving size is not provided, but the dough is rolled into 1-inch balls.
Can these cookies be made ahead of time?
Yes, because they are shortbread, they store well and are easy to make in advance.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include cookies, shortbread, dessert, pecans, butter cookies, holiday baking, and sweet treats.
What is the primary texture of these cookies?
They have a velvety, melt-in-your-mouth texture.