10 Shortbread Cookies with Pecans
Buttery Pecan Shortbread Cookies
These classic, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread cookies are enriched with the rich flavor of toasted pecans.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup pecans, finely chopped

Cooking method:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the flour, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the chopped pecans.
- Roll the dough into small balls and flatten slightly on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
- Let cool on a wire rack.
Maple Pecan Shortbread
Introduce a hint of maple syrup to enhance the nutty pecan flavor in this delightful variation.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup pecans, finely chopped
Cooking method:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream together the butter, sugar, and maple syrup until smooth.
- Gradually blend in the flour until just incorporated.
- Fold in the pecans.
- Shape the dough into logs, wrap in plastic, and chill for an hour.
- Slice the logs into rounds and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until edges are golden.
- Cool on a wire rack.
Chocolate-Dipped Pecan Shortbread
For chocolate lovers, these pecan shortbread cookies get a luscious upgrade with a dip in rich chocolate.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
- 8 ounces dark chocolate, melted
Cooking method:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream together the butter and sugar until soft and creamy.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Add the flour and pecans, blending until just incorporated.
- Form dough into rounds and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, until edges are just golden.
- Once cooled, dip each cookie halfway into melted chocolate.
- Place on parchment paper to set.
Lemon Pecan Shortbread
Brighten up your cookie platter with this zesty lemon pecan shortbread.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup pecans, finely chopped
Cooking method:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream together the butter and sugar.
- Mix in the lemon zest.
- Gradually add flour until dough forms.
- Stir in chopped pecans.
- Roll the dough into a log and chill for 30 minutes.
- Slice into rounds and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, until edges are golden.
- Cool before serving.
Spiced Pecan Shortbread
Warm spices elevate the nutty flavor of pecans in these comforting shortbread cookies.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
Cooking method:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream butter and brown sugar together until smooth.
- Add cinnamon and nutmeg to the mixture.
- Gradually mix in flour until just combined.
- Fold in pecans.
- Form dough into balls and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, checking for a golden-brown edge.
- Allow cooling on a wire rack.
Coconut Pecan Shortbread
Add a tropical twist to your cookie experience with the addition of shredded coconut.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut
- 1 cup pecans, finely chopped
Cooking method:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream butter and sugar together until light.
- Mix in vanilla extract.
- Add flour gradually, stirring until just combined.
- Stir in coconut and pecans until evenly distributed.
- Shape dough into small balls.
- Bake on a lined baking sheet for 15-18 minutes.
- Let cool before serving.
Orange Pecan Shortbread
The vibrant taste of orange zest complements the rich pecans in these delightful cookies.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- Zest of 1 orange
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
Cooking method:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream together butter and powdered sugar.
- Mix in the orange zest.
- Gradually add flour, blending until dough forms.
- Incorporate chopped pecans into the mixture.
- Roll dough into a log, wrap in plastic, and chill for an hour.
- Slice into discs and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until edges are golden.
- Cool completely on a wire rack.
Honey Pecan Shortbread
The sweetness of honey paired with pecans makes for a blissful cookie experience.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
Cooking method:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream the butter, honey, and sugar together until fluffy.
- Gradually incorporate the flour until dough forms.
- Add chopped pecans and mix well.
- Roll dough into balls and flatten slightly on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until edges are golden.
- Let cool on a wire rack.
Espresso Pecan Shortbread
Infuse your shortbread with a jolt of espresso for a sophisticated treat.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon instant espresso powder
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup pecans, finely chopped
Cooking method:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream the butter and brown sugar until smooth.
- Dissolve espresso powder in a small amount of hot water and add to the mixture.
- Gradually add flour, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the pecans.
- Shape dough into rounds and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, checking for golden-brown edges.
- Cool on a wire rack before serving.