Delve into the world of heavenly sweetness with our exquisite Butter Pecan Shortbread Cookies recipe. These delectable treats are a symphony of flavors, combining the rich nuttiness of pecans with the buttery goodness of shortbread, creating a melt-in-your-mouth sensation that will leave you craving for more. Whether you’re enjoying them with a cup of tea, sharing them with loved ones, or indulging in a moment of self-care, these cookies are sure to bring joy to your taste buds and warmth to your heart. Join us on a culinary journey as we uncover the secrets behind creating these irresistible Butter Pecan Shortbread Cookies.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup butter (2 sticks), melted
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 Tablespoon molasses
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 cups flour
- 4 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped pecans, toasted
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Wet Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, molasses, and almond extract. Mix until well combined.
- Add the Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour, cornstarch, and salt to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
- Incorporate Pecans: Fold in the chopped pecans until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Shape the Cookies: Using a spoon or cookie scoop, portion out the dough and roll it into balls. Place the balls onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie.
- Flatten the Cookies: Using the bottom of a glass or your fingertips, gently flatten each cookie to your desired thickness.
- Bake: Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve and enjoy!
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Toasted Pecans: Toasting the pecans before adding them to the cookie dough enhances their flavor and adds a delightful crunch to the cookies. Simply spread the chopped pecans on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until fragrant and lightly golden.
- Almond Extract Substitute: If you don’t have almond extract on hand, you can substitute it with vanilla extract or any other flavored extract of your choice.
- Chocolate Drizzle: For an extra touch of indulgence, drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookies and allow it to set before serving.
Keto and Low Carb Versions:
- Keto-Friendly: To make a keto-friendly version of these cookies, substitute almond flour for the all-purpose flour and use a low-carb sweetener such as erythritol or stevia instead of brown sugar. You can also use melted coconut oil or ghee instead of butter.
- Low Carb Option: Reduce the amount of flour used in the recipe and add extra chopped pecans for a lower carb content. You can also experiment with almond flour or coconut flour to further reduce the carb count.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I freeze the cookie dough? A: Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough for later use. Simply shape the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and freeze until firm. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a resealable plastic bag or airtight container and store in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to bake, simply thaw the dough in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
Q: Can I make these cookies ahead of time? A: Yes, these cookies can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. You can also freeze the baked cookies for longer storage.
Q: Can I customize these cookies with other nuts? A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different nuts such as walnuts, almonds, or macadamia nuts to create your own unique flavor combinations.
In conclusion, our Butter Pecan Shortbread Cookies are a delightful indulgence that’s perfect for any occasion. With their buttery richness, nutty flavor, and melt-in-your-mouth texture, these cookies are sure to become a favorite among family and friends. Whether you’re enjoying them as a sweet treat with your morning coffee or sharing them as a homemade gift, these cookies are guaranteed to bring joy to your taste buds and warmth to your heart. So why wait? Whip up a batch of these irresistible Butter Pecan Shortbread Cookies today and savor the deliciousness with every bite!
