Description
These Maple Pecan Shortbread Cookies are buttery, sweet, and nutty treats perfect for any occasion. Featuring a delicate crunch from roasted pecans and the rich flavor of maple syrup, these cookies are easy to prepare and baked to golden perfection. Their crisp texture and subtle maple aroma make them an irresistible snack or dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
Butter Mixture
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups cake flour or all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2/3 cup roasted pecans
Instructions
- Prepare butter mixture: In a large bowl, add the unsalted butter and mix with a spatula or an electric mixer until the butter is smooth and creamy, ensuring a consistent texture for the dough.
- Add liquids: Pour in the maple syrup and vanilla extract into the butter mixture, then blend thoroughly to combine all flavors evenly.
- Incorporate dry ingredients: Sift together the flour and salt, then add to the wet mixture. Add the roasted pecans and mix gently until the dough is well combined without overworking.
- Shape the dough: Roll the dough into a log approximately 1.6 inches (4 cm) in diameter to create uniform cookies.
- Chill the dough: Wrap the dough log tightly with parchment paper or plastic wrap. If the log is too long, divide it into two smaller logs and wrap separately. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours until very firm to ensure easy slicing.
- Preheat oven & prepare pans: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and line two baking pans with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Slice the dough: Using a sharp knife, slice the dough log into thin rounds between 1/8 to 1/4 inch (3-5 mm) thick. Arrange these cookie slices on the lined baking pans, spacing them about 1.5 inches apart to allow even baking and spreading.
- Bake cookies: Place the pans in the oven and bake for 18-20 minutes or until the edges of the cookies turn a golden brown color. Rotate the baking sheets halfway through baking for uniform color and texture.
- Cool the cookies: Once baked, transfer the cookies to a cooling rack and let them cool completely to set their shape and crisp texture before serving or storing.
Notes
- Use cake flour for a lighter, more tender texture; all-purpose flour works fine as a substitute.
- Ensure the dough is very firm when slicing to achieve clean, even cookies.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- Feel free to toast the pecans yourself for enhanced flavor.
- Adjust the thickness of slices based on your preferred cookie crunchiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Maple Pecan Shortbread Cookies, Holiday Cookies, Nutty Shortbread, Maple Syrup Cookies, Easy Shortbread Recipe
