Toffee Pecan Shortbread Cookies

Toffee Pecan Shortbread Cookies – Experience the joy of indulging in Toffee Pecan Shortbread Cookies, a combination of buttery goodness, nutty pecans, and the irresistible sweetness of toffee. These cookies are more than a treat; they take you on a journey to a world of flavors. Made with care this recipe incorporates high-quality ingredients ensuring that every bite is an opportunity to relish.

this Recipe

I still recall the first time I baked these Toffee Pecan Shortbread Cookies. It was a chilly evening in autumn. I wanted to create something special that would warm our hearts. As the scent of toasted pecans and caramelizing toffee wafted through the kitchen I saw my husband and child’s eyes fill with anticipation. Their smiles spoke volumes when they savored these cookies. It was a success!

What makes these Toffee Pecan Shortbread Cookies truly special?

What sets these Toffee Pecan Shortbread Cookies apart is their refined recipe that offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures. The delicate shortbread base effortlessly combines with the satisfying crunch of pecans and the luxurious sweetness from bits of toffee resulting in a blend that pleases your taste buds. These cookies are not restricted to one occasion; they are versatile enough, for family gatherings or sophisticated social events. Their simplicity, in preparation, makes them a favorite recipe, for those who value flavors without the hassle guaranteeing that every batch is just as delightful to create as it is to relish.

What You Need To Make This Toffee Pecan Shortbread Cookie Recipe?

Butter, cold and diced: Imagine butter, as the foundation of our cookie. Luxurious. We keep it chilled to ensure our cookies have a texture just like a tender embrace with every bite.

Powdered sugar: This isn’t your sugar; it’s like fairy dust that adds a sweet whisper to our cookies. It effortlessly blends in avoiding any graininess that regular sugar may bring and gives a melt-in-your-mouth sensation.

Pure vanilla extract: A drop of this is like adding a note from a symphony. It’s the background melody that brings depth and warmth to the flavor profile of our cookie.

Fine salt: A pinch, but oh, how it enhances the flavors! It’s like a sprinkle that balances out the sweetness while bringing out the buttery notes.

All-purpose flour: The backbone of our cookie. Meticulously sifted for a consistent dough. It acts as the canvas where all our ingredients come together in harmony.

Toffee bits: These little bursts of joy, in every bite, offer a caramel chewiness that beautifully intertwines with the texture of the cookie.

Diced pecans: They provide not only a delightful crunch but also a subtle touch of earthy flavors adding little surprises to every bite.

Dark chocolate: For those who opt for the indulgence of chocolate-dipped treats it brings a bold contrast, to the cookie’s sweetness akin to a twist, in a beloved story.

Steps To Make Toffee Pecan Shortbread Cookies:

Step 1: First begin by combining the butter and powdered sugar in your stand mixer until they become a smooth mixture. Remember to scrape the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is well-mixed.

Step 2: Next add an amount of vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Gently incorporate the flour into the mixture until the dough forms. It’s important not to overmix, at this stage!

Step 3: Now comes the enjoyable part! Fold the toffee pieces and pecans into the dough. Divide the dough into two parts. Roll each part firmly to create logs without any air gaps.

Step 4: Wrap these logs in plastic wrap. Let them chill for an hour.

Step 5: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice the chilled dough logs. Place them on a baking tray. Bake until they have a color, around the edges.

Step 6: Allow the cookies to cool completely before dipping them in melted chocolate. For a touch of artistry sprinkle some pieces of toffee and pecans on top.

Tip:

Make sure to chill your dough; One of the secrets, to achieving the texture in Toffee Pecan Shortbread Cookies is to fully chill the dough before slicing and baking. This step not only makes it easier to handle and cut the dough into even slices but also plays a vital role in the baking process. Chilled dough spreads less in the oven ensuring that your cookies maintain their shape and have a tender texture. Additionally, by allowing the dough to rest and chill, you give the flavors time to blend resulting in a deeper taste with every bite. So remember, being patient is not a virtue but an essential ingredient, for creating these delightful cookies!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I freeze these cookies?

Sure! Freezing these cookies is possible. They freeze well. Can stay frozen, for up to 3 months.

How long will they stay fresh?

If you store them in an airtight container they will remain fresh and delicious, for around 5 days.

Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark?

Definitely! You can switch things up. Use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate if you prefer a sweeter flavor. Go ahead. Give it a try!

Toffee Pecan Shortbread Cookies

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Just imagine taking a bite of a Toffee Pecan Shortbread Cookie, where each mouthful is, like wrapping yourself in an embrace of delightful flavors. These cookies are like pieces of home bringing together the comforting buttery taste of shortbread with the delightful crunch of toffee and the homely goodness of pecans. They're simple yet incredibly special perfect for sharing moments with loved ones or savoring a peaceful and delicious treat all on your own. Each cookie isn't an indulgence but also a charming journey, through familiar and comforting flavors.

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Ingredients

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• ▢ ¾ c toffee bits additional for topping optional
• ▢ ½ c pecans finely chopped (additional for topping optional)
• ▢ 10 oz dark chocolate chopped or in wafer form
• ▢ 1 c unsalted butter cold and diced
• ▢ ⅔ c confectioners’ sugar
• ▢ 1 ½ tsp pure vanilla extract
• ▢ ¼ tsp fine salt
• ▢ 2 c all-purpose flour sifted

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Instructions

 

To make the dough:

1. Using a stand mixer beat together butter and confectioner's sugar until they form a mixture.
2. Add vanilla extract and salt to the mixture.
3. Gradually incorporate the flour into the mixture until everything is just combined.
4. Gently fold in the toffee bits and chopped pecans.

Shaping and chilling:

1. Divide the dough into two parts.
2. Shape each part into a log 6 ½ inches long.
3. Wrap each log tightly in plastic wrap. Refrigerate, for one hour.

Baking the cookies:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Slice the chilled dough logs into pieces that are more than ½ inch thick.
3. Place the slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Bake for around 12 to 16 minutes. Until the edges are lightly golden in color.
5. Allow the cookies to cool on a wire rack once removed from the oven.

Optional chocolate dipping:

1. Melt some chocolate in intervals in your microwave stirring every 20 seconds until fully melted.
2. Dip half of each cookie into the melted chocolate.
3. You can also sprinkle some toffee bits or pecans on top if desired.
4. Let the chocolate set either at room temperature or, by placing them in the fridge.
5. Enjoy these homemade Toffee Pecan Shortbread Cookies!

Notes

To make our beloved Toffee Pecan Shortbread Cookies gluten free the secret lies in the choice of flour. Instead of using all-purpose flour switch to your preferred gluten-free flour blend. Look for a blend specifically designed for baking one that includes xanthan gum. This ingredient helps replicate the texture and elasticity typically found in gluten.

It's important to note that gluten-free flours can be a bit more challenging to work with. Here's a little trick; after preparing your dough allow it to rest for 30 minutes before shaping it into logs. This resting period allows the flour to fully hydrate, resulting in a dough that's easier to handle and less prone, to crumbling.

When incorporating your flour into the recipe start with a slightly smaller amount, than what is called for as absorption rates may differ. Gradually add more as needed until you achieve the desired consistency—a pliable dough that holds together without being excessively sticky.

Lastly, it's worth mentioning that all other ingredients used in this recipe are gluten-free! By making this adjustment you can still savor the combination of rich buttery flavor and satisfying crunch found in Toffee Pecan Shortbread Cookies—sans any trace of gluten.

Audrey

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Bitty

I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!

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