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:
- Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
- Can I substitute the pecans with a different nut?
- How long do these cookies stay fresh?
- Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes, you can use salted butter, but you may need to adjust the amount of salt in the recipe accordingly to avoid over-salting the cookies.
Yes, you can use other nuts like walnuts or almonds instead of pecans for a different flavor profile.
These cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week at room temperature.
Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough for up to 3 months. Just make sure to thaw it in the refrigerator before slicing and baking.
Helpful Tips:
- Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the cookies before baking for a sweet and savory flavor contrast.
- Try adding a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm and spicy kick.
- For extra crunch, roll the cookie dough log in chopped pecans before chilling.
Expert Secrets:
- Let the browned butter cool slightly before using it in the recipe to avoid melting the other ingredients.
- Make sure to toast the pecans before chopping them to enhance their nutty flavor.
- For a richer taste, use high-quality butter with a higher fat content.