Classic Toasted Pecan Shortbread Cookies

Serves 4 · 25 min prep · 22 min cook

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 cup pecans, toasted and finely chopped
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar for dusting

Instructions

1. 1Preheat the oven to 325°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Spread the pecans in a single layer on a dry skillet over medium heat and toast, stirring often, until fragrant and a shade darker, about 5 to 7 minutes; cool completely then chop finely.
2. 2In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with the powdered sugar until the mixture is pale, fluffy, and fully combined, about 2 to 3 minutes on medium speed. Scrape down the bowl, add the vanilla, and mix just until incorporated.
3. 3Add the flour and salt to the butter mixture and mix on low speed until a soft, cohesive dough forms and no dry streaks remain. Fold in the cooled toasted chopped pecans until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
4. 4Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently pat it into a smooth disk about 1/2 inch thick. Using a round cookie cutter or the rim of a glass, cut out circles and transfer them to the prepared sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
5. 5Gather the scraps, gently re-roll, and cut additional cookies until all the dough is used. Chill the cut cookies on the sheets in the refrigerator for 15 minutes so they hold their shape while baking.
6. 6Bake one sheet at a time on the middle rack for 18 to 22 minutes, rotating halfway, until the edges are just turning light golden and the centers look set but still pale. The cookies should feel firm to a light touch.
7. 7Remove the sheets from the oven and immediately dust the warm cookies lightly with granulated sugar if desired. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes so they firm up.
8. 8Transfer the shortbread to a wire rack to cool completely. Store in an airtight container at room temperature; the toasted pecan flavor deepens after a few hours.