Description
These pecan shortbread cookies are buttery, crumbly, and packed with rich, nutty flavor in every bite. Perfect for holidays, coffee breaks, or edible gifts, they’re an easy recipe that never goes out of style. Whether you’re looking for quick breakfast ideas, a cozy snack, or something elegant for your dessert table, this easy cookie recipe checks every box. Made with pantry staples and chopped pecans, these cookies come together fast with zero fuss—just classic, irresistible goodness.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup chopped pecans, toasted
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with the granulated and brown sugar until fluffy and pale, about 2–3 minutes.
3. Stir in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Gradually add to the butter mixture, mixing just until combined.
5. Fold in the chopped pecans gently with a spatula.
6. Scoop out 1.5 tablespoon-sized portions and roll into balls. Place on the baking sheet and flatten slightly.
7. Bake for 12–14 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
8. Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week or freeze for longer storage.
Notes
Toasting the pecans before adding them brings out their full flavor and makes a huge difference.
Don’t overmix the dough—stop as soon as everything comes together to keep the texture light.
These cookies taste even better the next day as the buttery and nutty flavors deepen.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: pecan shortbread, easy cookie recipe, holiday cookies, nut cookies, buttery shortbread