Recipe: Shortbread Cookies with Pecans and Maple Syrup

Recipe: Shortbread Cookies with Pecans and Maple Syrup

Shortbread cookies with pecans and maple syrup offer a rich, buttery flavor combined with the delightful crunch of toasted pecans and the sweet, earthy notes of pure maple syrup. These cookies are perfect for any occasion, from an afternoon tea to a holiday treat. The combination of crispy shortbread and the warm, nutty flavor of pecans creates an irresistible dessert that will leave everyone asking for more.

Making these cookies at home is a rewarding experience, as they’re relatively simple to prepare yet pack a lot of flavor. The dough is buttery and slightly sweet, enhanced by the addition of crunchy pecans and the subtle sweetness of maple syrup. Whether you serve them at a gathering or enjoy them on your own, these shortbread cookies will become a beloved favorite in your recipe collection.

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans (toasted if preferred)
• 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt

For the Maple Glaze:

• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon milk (or more for desired consistency)
• A few pecan halves for garnish (optional)

Equipment:

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or hand whisk
• Rolling pin
• Cookie cutters (optional)
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Dough

1. Cream the Butter and Sugar
   In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer or hand whisk to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This process should take about 3 minutes. The mixture will become pale in color and should have a smooth, airy texture.

2. Add the Maple Syrup and Vanilla Extract
   Add the maple syrup and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix until incorporated. The maple syrup will give the dough a sweet, aromatic flavor, while the vanilla extract adds depth.

3. Combine Dry Ingredients
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt. The cornstarch will give the cookies their signature shortbread texture by making them tender and melt-in-your-mouth.

4. Mix the Wet and Dry Ingredients
   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, stirring gently until a dough forms. The dough will be thick and slightly crumbly, but it should hold together when pressed.

5. Add the Pecans
   Fold in the chopped pecans, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. The toasted pecans will add a rich, nutty crunch to each bite.

Step 2: Chilling the Dough

1. Shape the Dough
   Once the dough is fully combined, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently knead the dough until it comes together. Roll the dough into a ball, then flatten it into a disc. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough helps the cookies hold their shape when baking.

Step 3: Rolling and Cutting the Cookies

1. Preheat the Oven
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This will prevent the cookies from sticking to the pan and ensure even baking.

2. Roll Out the Dough
   After chilling, remove the dough from the refrigerator. Place it on a lightly floured surface and use a rolling pin to roll it out to about 1/4-inch thickness. If the dough is too soft to roll, you can chill it for a bit longer.

3. Cut the Cookies
   Use cookie cutters to cut the dough into your desired shapes. Round shapes work well, but you can use festive cutters for a special occasion. Transfer the cookies to the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.

Step 4: Baking the Cookies

1. Bake the Cookies
   Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the cookies are firm. Keep an eye on them as they bake, as ovens can vary. The cookies should not spread too much, thanks to the cornstarch and chilling process.

2. Cool the Cookies
   Once the cookies are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling period ensures that the cookies become crisp and firm.

Step 5: Making the Maple Glaze

1. Prepare the Glaze
   While the cookies are cooling, prepare the maple glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, maple syrup, and milk in a small bowl. If the glaze is too thick, add more milk a teaspoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency. The glaze should be smooth and slightly runny.

2. Drizzle the Glaze
   Once the cookies have cooled, drizzle the maple glaze over the top of each cookie using a spoon or a piping bag for a more precise drizzle. You can also dip the tops of the cookies in the glaze for a more generous coating.

3. Garnish (Optional)
   For an added touch of elegance, garnish each cookie with a half pecan. This adds a bit of crunch and enhances the visual appeal.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

1. Serve
   After the glaze has set, your cookies are ready to enjoy! Serve them on a beautiful platter for a tea party, family gathering, or as an afternoon treat with your favorite hot beverage.

2. Store the Cookies
   Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay fresh for up to a week, although they’re so delicious that they might not last that long!

Tips and Variations

1. Use Dark Maple Syrup
   If you prefer a stronger maple flavor, opt for dark maple syrup. It has a more intense, earthy flavor compared to light maple syrup and will enhance the overall taste of the cookies.

2. Try Other Nuts
   While pecans are the star of this recipe, you can swap them out for other nuts like walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts. Each variety will bring its unique flavor and texture to the cookies.

3. Add a Dash of Spice
   For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough. These spices complement the maple syrup and pecans beautifully.

4. Make Them Vegan
   To make these cookies vegan, replace the butter with a plant-based alternative like coconut oil or vegan butter. You can also use maple syrup as the sole sweetener in place of honey.

Health Benefits

1. Pecans
   Pecans are a great source of healthy fats, fiber, and antioxidants. They also provide a good amount of vitamin E, which supports healthy skin and eyes.

2. Maple Syrup
   Maple syrup contains important nutrients like manganese, zinc, and antioxidants. It’s a natural sweetener that can be a better alternative to refined sugars.

3. Whole Grains
   Shortbread cookies are traditionally made with refined flour, but using whole grain flours in this recipe can provide additional fiber and nutrients.

Conclusion

These shortbread cookies with pecans and maple syrup are a delightful combination of rich butteriness, nutty pecans, and sweet maple syrup. The glaze adds the perfect finishing touch, making these cookies a treat that’s both beautiful and delicious. Whether you’re serving them at a special occasion, enjoying them as a snack, or giving them as a gift, these cookies are sure to be a hit.

Give this recipe a try and experience the irresistible combination of pecans and maple syrup in every bite!