There’s something incredibly comforting about the aroma of freshly baked shortbread wafting through the house. It reminds me of weekends spent at my grandmother’s cozy kitchen, where we would gather around the table, laughter echoing as we rolled out dough and shaped it into perfect little squares. This Maple Pecan Shortbread Bliss is a modern twist on that classic treat, infusing it with the warm, earthy notes of maple syrup and the delightful crunch of pecans. It’s perfect for sharing with loved ones or savoring on a quiet afternoon with a cup of tea.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • ¼ cup pure maple syrup
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup finely chopped pecans
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes.
  • Add in the maple syrup and vanilla extract, mixing until well incorporated.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, stirring until just combined.
  • Fold in the finely chopped pecans, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
  • Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and press it into a rectangle about ½ inch thick. If you prefer, you can roll it out for a more even surface.
  • Cut the dough into squares or rectangles, and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each piece.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Be careful not to overbake, as you want them to remain tender.
  • Once baked, remove from the oven and let the shortbread cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
  • For an extra touch, drizzle a bit of maple syrup over the cooled shortbread or dust with additional powdered sugar before serving.

Enjoy these delightful Maple Pecan Shortbread Bliss cookies with your family and friends, and let each bite take you back to those cherished moments spent in the kitchen. The combination of buttery goodness, sweet maple, and crunchy pecans will surely create new memories to cherish for years to come!