Pecan Maple Shortbread Cookies

Okay, these cookies are so buttery. And the maple? It’s sweet but cozy. Add in crunchy pecans, and wow—total win.

They kind of melt in your mouth. I made a small batch, and now I wish I doubled it. Everyone kept sneaking more.

If you love easy cookies with fall flavor, you’ve gotta try these. Let’s bake them together and snack while they’re warm.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect Balance of Flavors: The smooth, buttery shortbread is perfectly complemented by the rich maple sweetness and the crunch of toasted pecans. It’s a simple combination, but the result is exceptional.
• Reader Favorite: “These cookies are an absolute hit with family and friends. They didn’t last a day!”
• Easy to Make: The dough comes together quickly, and there’s no chilling required. You can have fresh cookies ready to enjoy in about an hour.
• Great for Gifting: These cookies make a lovely homemade gift. Package them in a beautiful tin or bag for an extra special treat.
• Versatile: While the cookies are delicious on their own, you can play around with flavors and toppings to make them your own.

Required Kitchen Tools

Before you start baking, make sure you have these kitchen tools on hand:

• Mixing Bowls: For combining the ingredients.
• Hand or Stand Mixer: You can mix the dough by hand, but a stand or hand mixer helps speed up the process.
• Baking Sheets: For baking the cookies.
• Parchment Paper: To line the baking sheets for easy clean-up and to prevent sticking.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are essential for the best results.
• Rolling Pin: To roll out the dough evenly.
• Cookie Cutters or Knife: If you want to cut the dough into fun shapes or just into squares.
• Cooling Rack: To cool your cookies after baking.

Ingredients

These simple ingredients come together to make the most delicious and buttery shortbread cookies, full of nutty maple goodness.

For the Shortbread Dough:

• 1 1/2 cups Unsalted Butter (softened): The base of any great shortbread! Softened butter ensures a smooth, buttery dough.
• 1 cup Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the dough and creates that melt-in-your-mouth texture. Measure it by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling off the top.
• 2 tsp Maple Extract: This gives the cookies that signature maple flavor.
• 1 tsp Vanilla Extract: A classic flavor that complements the maple perfectly.
• 3 cups Non-Bleached, All-Purpose Flour: You can’t make shortbread without flour! It creates the cookie’s structure and crumb.
• 1/2 – 3/4 cup Toasted Pecans (finely chopped): Toasted pecans add a delicious nuttiness and texture that pairs beautifully with the maple flavor.
• 1/2 tsp Salt: A pinch of salt enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.

For the Maple Pecan Topping:

• 1/4 cup Maple Sugar: This adds an extra layer of maple flavor and a slight crunch.
• 1/4 cup Toasted Pecans (finely chopped): Toasted pecans for the topping add texture and a bit of crunch to each bite.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s get started with making these delicious cookies!

1. Prepare the Dough

Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to beat the softened unsalted butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy. This typically takes about 3-4 minutes. The fluffier the butter mixture, the lighter the cookie will be.

Add the Flavors

Once the butter and sugar are creamed, mix in the maple extract, vanilla extract, and salt. The maple extract will give your cookies that signature flavor, while the vanilla enhances the overall sweetness.

Mix in the Flour and Pecan

Gradually add in the flour, one cup at a time, mixing until the dough starts to come together. Be careful not to overmix, as this can cause your cookies to become tough. Once the dough is almost combined, fold in the finely chopped, toasted pecans. The toasted pecans will add a nutty crunch to every bite.

2. Shape the Dough

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. If you prefer your cookies in a specific shape, you can roll the dough out to about 1/4 inch thick and use a cookie cutter to cut out fun shapes like circles, stars, or hearts. Alternatively, you can simply roll the dough into a log and slice it into rounds, or press it into a square and cut it into bars after baking.

3. Prepare for Baking

Line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This helps prevent the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Place your cookie shapes on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

4. Bake the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Bake the cookies for about 10-12 minutes, or until they are lightly golden around the edges. The centers may still appear slightly soft, but don’t worry—they’ll firm up as they cool.

5. Maple Pecan Topping

While the cookies are baking, prepare the maple pecan topping. In a small bowl, mix together the maple sugar and the toasted pecans. When the cookies come out of the oven, immediately sprinkle the maple pecan topping on each warm cookie. The heat from the cookies will help the topping adhere and melt just slightly for a delicious crunch.

6. Cool and Enjoy

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely. The cookies will firm up as they cool, resulting in a crisp and delicate texture.

Variations for Pecan Maple Shortbread Cookies

• Maple Icing: Drizzle a thin layer of maple glaze over the cooled cookies for an extra sweet touch.
• Use Walnuts: If you’re not a fan of pecans, substitute them with finely chopped walnuts or almonds for a different flavor profile.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Add a little indulgence by drizzling melted dark or white chocolate over the cooled cookies.
• Add Cinnamon: Sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon into the dough to give the cookies a warm, spiced flavor.
• Make Them Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of regular all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version of these cookies.

How to Serve Pecan Maple Shortbread Cookies

These cookies are perfect for any occasion! Here are a few ways to enjoy them:

• Holiday Gifts: Package these cookies in decorative boxes or tins for a thoughtful homemade gift.
• Tea Time: Serve alongside your favorite hot tea or coffee for a delicious afternoon snack.
• Dessert Table: Add them to a dessert spread at a party, gathering, or holiday meal. They’re the perfect accompaniment to pies, cakes, and other cookies.
• On Their Own: These shortbread cookies are perfect on their own as a light snack or dessert.

Storing Pecan Maple Shortbread Cookies

• Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Make sure the container is sealed tightly to keep them crisp.
• Freezing: You can also freeze the cookies for up to 3 months. Store them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them at room temperature.
• Unbaked Dough: If you want to make the dough ahead of time, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Roll and bake when you’re ready!

Nutritional Information (Per Cookie)

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	140
Fat	9g
Saturated Fat	5g
Cholesterol	30mg
Sodium	35mg
Carbohydrates	16g
Fiber	1g
Sugars	8g
Protein	1g

Conclusion

These Pecan Maple Shortbread Cookies are the ultimate sweet and nutty treat. With their delicate crumb, rich maple flavor, and crunchy pecans, they’re perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking them for a holiday gathering or simply as a weekend treat, these cookies are sure to please everyone who tries them. Plus, with their easy preparation and endless variations, they’ll quickly become a staple in your baking repertoire.

So grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy some of the most delicious shortbread cookies you’ve ever tasted!