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Toffee Pecan Shortbread Cookies

Buttery and crunchy Toffee Pecan Shortbread Cookies, perfect for holiday trays or gifting.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Total Time 48 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Course: Cookies, Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 120

Ingredients
  

Cookie Base Ingredients
  • 2 cups unsalted butter (room temperature) Use unsalted butter to control salt; if using salted, omit the 1/2 tsp of salt.
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar Granulated gives classic shortbread texture; for more flavor, try half granulated, half light brown sugar.
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
Add-ins
  • 2 cups roughly chopped toasted pecans Toast for best flavor.
  • 1 cup toffee bits (Skor bits recommended) Sturdy and stay crisp; Heath or other toffee pieces work too.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Cream butter, sugar, and vanilla in a large bowl with a hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with the paddle. Beat until very light and fluffy — about 3–5 minutes.
  2. Reduce mixer speed. Add flour and salt in two additions and gently fold until nearly combined and sandy. Avoid overmixing.
  3. Fold in toasted pecans and toffee bits by hand until evenly distributed and dough holds together when pressed.
  4. Divide the dough and shape into four logs, each about 2 1/2 inches wide. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap.
  5. Chill logs in the refrigerator for several hours or preferably overnight.
Baking
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment.
  2. Using a sharp serrated knife, slice logs into 1/4-inch-thick rounds. Place slices about 2 inches apart on prepared sheets.
  3. Bake for 15–18 minutes, until bottom edges are golden brown. Rotate pans once if oven heats unevenly.
  4. Transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

These cookies store well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Freeze unbaked logs for up to 3 months. Optionally drizzle with melted white chocolate before serving.