These Pecan Shortbread Bars are a delightful twist on the classic cookie, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and crunch. There’s something magical about the combination of rich, buttery shortbread and the nutty goodness of pecans.
They are a testament to the beauty of simple ingredients coming together to create something extraordinary. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday gathering or enjoying them with a cup of tea on a quiet afternoon, these bars are bound to be a hit.
Shortbread Pecan Bars
We like to make them every year during the Christmas Season. Right around Thanksgiving time of year, we start our Holiday baking. This is an easy one to make ahead and pop in the freezer. It stays delicious and fresh for a few months.
When ready to serve, we like to add a dusting of powdered sugar. The extra touch of sweetness adds a great flavor and makes this taste like a pecan dainty cookie. Yet, making a pan of bars as cookies is so much easier than hand rolling each ball.
If you prefer traditional pecan cookies, they are perfect to make as individual servings. Pack in lunch boxes and serve as after school snacks.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. So, preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and let’s dive into the world of heavenly Pecan Shortbread.
Irresistible Pecan Shortbread Bars: A Delectable Treat for Any Occasion
Some of the best things are an easy recipe like this.
The Pecan Shortbread Bars described in the provided recipe would have a delicious and harmonious combination of flavors.
Buttery Richness. The base of the bars is a classic buttery shortbread crust, made with a generous amount of butter. This imparts a rich and buttery flavor that is a hallmark of traditional shortbread cookies.
Sweetness. The addition of granulated sugar provides sweetness to the shortbread. The sweetness is balanced to complement the buttery and nutty elements of the bars.
Nutty Crunch. The chopped pecans folded into the dough add a delightful crunch and a distinct nutty flavor. Pecans have a slightly sweet and buttery taste of their own, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the bars.
Vanilla Essence. The pure vanilla extract contributes a subtle but aromatic note, enhancing the sweetness and adding a layer of depth to the flavor.
Hints of Salt. The small amount of salt in the recipe serves to balance the sweetness and enhance the overall flavor, creating a more complex taste experience.
The result is a melt-in-your-mouth texture from the shortbread, complemented by the crunch of pecans and a perfect balance of sweetness.
These Pecan Shortbread Bars are likely to be a delightful treat for those who enjoy the classic combination of butter and nuts in a cookie.
Pecan Shortbread Bars Cookie Recipe
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Kitchen Essentials
Ingredients
- 1 Cup Unsalted Butter softened
- 2/3 Cup Granulated Sugar
- 1 Teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract
- 2 Cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1/4 Teaspoon Salt
- 1 1/2 Cups Pecans chopped, and toasted
- ¼ Cup Powdered Sugar optional for dusting
Instructions
- Add the pecan pieces to a dry skillet and toast over medium heat for 2-3 minutes stirring occasionally. Once toasted, set aside to cool.1 1/2 Cups Pecans
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and set it aside.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving that melt-in-your-mouth texture. Pro Tip. I like to use an electric mixer and let it run on medium speed for 1-2 minutes. You will notice the butter mixture turns a pale yellow color. That is when you know the sugar has dissolved.1 Cup Unsalted Butter, 2/3 Cup Granulated Sugar
- Mix in the vanilla extract, ensuring it’s evenly incorporated into the butter-sugar mixture.1 Teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract
- In a separate bowl, mix the dry ingredients together, all-purpose flour and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the butter-sugar mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.2 Cups All-Purpose Flour, 1/4 Teaspoon Salt
- Gently fold in the chopped pecans, distributing them evenly throughout the dough. The pecans add a delightful crunch and a nutty flavor to the shortbread.
- Press the dough in an even layer into the greased baking pan or spray with nonstick cooking spray. Use the back of a spatula, a spoon, the bottom of a measuring cup or your hands for this step.
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 20 minutes or until the edges are just starting to turn a light brown. Keep an eye on them to avoid over-baking as they will become too dried out and crumble.
- Allow the Pecan Shortbread Bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool. Once cooled, warm to the touch. Cut into 16 squares or bars. Pro Tip. I have found if you cool them completely, they tend to crumble when cut. Therefore, when they are every so slightly warm to the touch, go ahead and cut into cookie squares.
- If you want these to taste like pecan dainties, sometimes called pecan crescents, give the pecan squares a dusting of powdered sugar before serving.¼ Cup Powdered Sugar
Your Own Private Notes
Notes
Recipe Tips for Success
Use High-Quality Ingredients: The simplicity of this recipe means that the quality of your ingredients will shine through. Use fresh, high-quality butter and pecans for the best results. Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the shortbread dough can lead to a tougher texture. Mix until just combined to maintain that tender, crumbly shortbread consistency.Watch the Oven: Baking times can vary, so keep a close eye on the bars in the final minutes to ensure they achieve that perfect golden brown color without becoming overly crispy. Line the Pan: If you line the pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper, it is a breeze to remove the bars as a whole and slice on a flat surface. You can use any kind of nut you like in these bars.
Nutrition
Recipe Tips for Success
Use High-Quality Ingredients: The simplicity of this recipe means that the quality of your ingredients will shine through. Use fresh, high-quality butter and pecans for the best results.
Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the shortbread dough can lead to a tougher texture. Mix until just combined to maintain that tender, crumbly shortbread consistency.
Watch the Oven: Baking times can vary, so keep a close eye on the bars in the final minutes to ensure they achieve that perfect golden brown color without becoming overly crispy.
Line the Pan: If you line the pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper, it is a breeze to remove the bars as a whole and slice on a flat surface.
You can use any kind of nut you like in these bars.
Make Ahead Recipe
We love making these ahead of time and freezing. When company comes over during the Holiday season, it is so easy to take a container out and serve our guests.
Cool Completely. Before storing the bars, make sure they have cooled completely. Storing them while still warm can create excess moisture and compromise their texture.
Once cooled, transfer the bars to an airtight container with a snug-fitting lid. This helps to prevent air and moisture from affecting the texture of the shortbread.
Alternatively, you can wrap the bars individually or in layers with plastic wrap before placing them in an airtight container.
Layering
If you’re stacking the bars in the container, consider placing a piece of parchment paper between layers. This helps prevent the bars from sticking together and maintains their appearance.
Avoid Mixing Flavors
If you’re storing different types of cookies or bars in the same container, be cautious of strong flavors. Some cookies can absorb odors from others, potentially altering their taste.
Room Temperature or Refrigeration
However, Pecan Shortbread Bars are often best stored at room temperature. Keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
If you live in a warm or humid climate, you might want to refrigerate the bars. However, allow them to come to room temperature before serving to restore their original texture.
Freezing
These bars also freeze well. When ready to serve, just let them come to room temperature on the counter. Avoid thawing them in the microwave, as this can affect the texture.
Lastly, dust them with powdered sugar for a delicious finish just before serving.
By following these storage tips, you can enjoy your Pecan Shortbread Bars over an extended period without sacrificing their quality. Remember to label containers with the date to keep track of freshness, and enjoy these delightful treats whenever the mood strikes.
Here are a few other delicious recipes for you to try.
- Pralines and Cream vs Butter Pecan Ice Cream
- Butter Pecan Syrup Recipe: Dunkin Donuts Copycat
- Easy Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk Recipe
- How to Make Quality Homemade Vanilla Extract Recipe
- Kettle Corn vs. Butter Popcorn: Exploring the Difference
- Best Cut Out Sugar Cookies Recipe
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- What is the Secret to Bakery Cookies? The Best Tips
