Brown Butter Pecan Shortbread Cookies
Indulge in the delicious flavors of fall with these Brown Butter Pecan Shortbread Cookies! Crisp, buttery, and loaded with toasty pecans, these cookies are the perfect treat to enjoy during cozy autumn evenings.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup toasted pecans, chopped
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Continue cooking the butter until it turns a deep golden brown color and has a nutty aroma.
- Remove the browned butter from heat and let it cool slightly.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the browned butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add in the flour, salt, pecans, and vanilla extract, mixing until the dough comes together.
- Shape the dough into a log, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Slice the chilled dough into cookies and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are golden brown.
- Allow the cookies to cool before enjoying!
Popular questions:
- Q: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
- Q: Can I substitute the pecans with a different nut?
- Q: Can I freeze the cookie dough for later use?
- Q: How should I store these cookies?
- Q: Can I add chocolate chips to the dough?
A: Using salted butter may alter the overall saltiness of the cookies, so it’s best to stick with unsalted butter as called for in the recipe.
A: While pecans add a delicious flavor to these cookies, you can experiment with other nuts like walnuts or almonds for a different twist.
A: Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough for up to a month. Simply thaw in the refrigerator before slicing and baking.
A: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week for maximum freshness.
A: Chocolate chips can be a tasty addition to these cookies, just fold them in gently before shaping the dough.
Helpful tips:
- For an extra burst of flavor, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough.
- Use a sharp knife to slice the chilled dough for clean, even cookies.
- Toasting the pecans enhances their flavor, so be sure not to skip this step.
- For a festive touch, drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookies before serving.
Expert Secrets:
- Allowing the browned butter to cool slightly before using it in the recipe helps prevent the dough from becoming too soft.
- Creaming the butter and sugar until light and fluffy creates a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture for the cookies.
- Chilling the dough helps the cookies hold their shape during baking and enhances the buttery flavor.
- Be sure to evenly space the cookies on the baking sheet to allow for even baking and prevent them from sticking together.
