Shortbread Pecan Cookies
At Priester's, we know that family is like a pecan cookie - something sweet holding all the nuts together. Impress any nut and cookie lover this holiday season with this delicious shortbread pecan cookie recipe. Shortbread cookies are a tasty holiday classic that only uses three key ingredients to make - butter, sugar, and flour. It's the perfect base recipe to add different flavors to like nuts, chocolate, caramel, and more. You can even roll the dough out and cut the cookies into fun shapes like leaves, flowers, pumpkins, or presents for any occasion.
All of our most popular nuts, candies, and snack mixes are conveniently packed into resealable 1-lb. bags for the whole family's enjoyment. Plus, it helps with stocking up for baking for the holidays. No matter the holiday function, everyone is bound to love any recipe made with Preister's Pecans.
Why You'll Love This Shortbread Pecan Cookie Recipe
Priester's Pecans are loved all over the globe, so these pecan shortbread cookies are sure to be a hit with anyone, anywhere! Not only are they easy to make, but they're also easy to store so you can get ahead on holiday baking. Plus, they make the tastiest gifts.
If you've been searching for holiday baking inspiration, look no further than Priester's Pecans. This pecan shortbread recipe will spark your culinary creativity by using our delicious, farm-fresh nuts as baking ingredients. Your home will smell extra welcoming when Priester's Pecans are in the oven this holiday season!
Ingredients Needed
- ½ Cup Finely Chopped Priester's Pecans:
- For the most flavorful shortbread cookies possible, toast the pecans. When you toast nuts, the natural oils are released, and they take on a nuttier flavor. It may be an extra step, but it is so worth it. Lucky for you Priester's makes learning how to toast nuts easier. It's typically recommended to toast the pecans before adding them to the batter.
- ½ Cup Unsalted Butter:
- Softened butter will make mixing easier.
- ¾ Cup Granulated Sugar
- 1 Cup Plain (All-Purpose) Flour
- Vanilla Extract: For flavor
- Salt: Needed for flavor since you're using unsalted butter.
How To Make Shortbread Pecan Cookies
Step 1: Toast the pecans. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly spritz a baking sheet with cooking spray, take your Extra Small Pecan Pieces Bag and spread them out on the sheet, and bake them for about 5 minutes until they become aromatic. Be sure to watch them carefully so they don't burn!
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar. We recommend using an electric hand mixer for easier combining.
Step 3: Add a dash of salt and vanilla extract to the large mixing bowl with your butter and sugar mixture.
Step 4: Slowly add the flour while mixing.
Step 5: Stir in the cooled toasted pecans.
Step 6: This is where you can get creative with the shape of your cookies. Either begin to roll out your dough and cut it into shapes, create medium-sized balls, or make a shortbread bar. For a shortbread bar, press the dough into a 9×13″ baking pan lined with foil coated with cooking spray. Use your hands to lightly press the dough into an even layer.
Step 7: Bake the cookies for 25 to 30 minutes at 350°F. If you prefer a crunchier pecan cookie, bake them for up to 35 minutes.
Step 8: Cool them completely before storing them.
​​Do I Have To Use Pecans?
While we're biased toward pecans, you don't have to use them for this recipe. That's what makes shortbread cookies the best for family functions. At Priester's, we know all about family and sometimes that means baking eight different batches of cookies so there's something for everyone!
Easily customize the recipe above with any finely chopped and toasted nuts like almonds, walnuts, macadamia nuts, or a mixture of nuts. Not a nut fan? (We think that's nuts, but we get it.) Try dried fruits like dried cranberries, and dates, or the zest of citrus fruits like lemons, limes, or oranges. Or for a classically sweet flavor, use chocolate!
Crunchy Vs. Soft Shortbread
Everyone has different preferences when it comes to the texture of a cookie. But generally, shortbread should be tender and have a slight crisp when you bite into it. If your cookies are damp underneath there may be a problem! No worries though, nothin' a little extra bake time can't fix! The signature shortbread cookie should feel as though it's melting in your mouth. If you prefer a crunchy pecan shortbread cookie recipe, all you have to do is bake them a little longer. Whatever floats your boat!
How To Store Shortbread Cookies
Shortbread cookies are one of the best-stored cookies you can make. They stay perfect at any room temperature and can even be frozen. So, they need to be on your list if you're getting a head start on your holiday baking! If you plan on gifting them or bringing them to a holiday party, it can be helpful to create layers with wax or parchment paper. We can guarantee that these make the perfect treats for holiday celebrations, gift-giving, business events, or everyday snacking!
More Pecan Cookie Recipes You'll Love
'Tis officially approaching that time of year. In honor of the upcoming holiday season, we have put together the most delicious pecan cookie recipes everyone at the family party will be drooling over.
Deciding on the perfect cookie recipe to impress your family and friends can be a little stressful. Let us help alleviate that stress with three delicious pecan cookie recipes. Our Priester's Pecan Ball Cookies are a fun cookie classic everyone will enjoy. For a moist, ooey gooey cookie, our Pecan Cowboy Cookies are unbeatable.
For more traditional Southern recipes for appetizers, breads, chicken, pies, cookies, cakes, salads, seafood, vegetables, pasta, and more visit Priester's Pecan Recipes.