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:
- 1. 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.
- 2. Remove the browned butter from heat and let it cool slightly.
- 3. In a mixing bowl, cream together the browned butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- 4. Add in the flour, salt, pecans, and vanilla extract, mixing until the dough comes together.
- 5. Shape the dough into a log, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- 6. Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- 7. Slice the chilled dough into cookies and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- 8. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are golden brown.
- 9. Allow the cookies to cool before enjoying!
Popular questions:
- Question: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
- Question: Can I use a different type of nut besides pecans?
- Question: Can I freeze the cookie dough for later use?
Answer: You can use salted butter, just reduce the amount of salt added to the recipe accordingly.
Answer: Yes, you can substitute pecans with other nuts like walnuts or almonds.
Answer: Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 3 months.
Helpful tips:
- 1. Toast the pecans before adding them to the dough for a richer flavor.
- 2. For an extra crunch, roll the cookie dough log in chopped pecans before refrigerating.
- 3. Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookies for a decadent finish.
Expert Secrets:
- 1. Be patient when browning the butter, as it can easily burn.
- 2. Use high-quality vanilla extract for a more intense flavor in the cookies.
- 3. Allow the cookies to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container to maintain their crispiness.
