A rich, buttery and crisp shortbread. These are also delicious when drizzled with melted dark chocolate!
Pre-heat oven to 350 F
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper
Ingredients:
1 1/2 Cups (yes!) Unsalted Butter at room temperature
3/4 -1 Cup Sugar
1 1/2 Teaspoons Vanilla
3/4 Teaspoon of Almond Extract
3/4 Teaspoon of Sea Salt
3 Cups Unbleached Flour
1 1/2 Cups of Toasted Pecans, rolled and smashed with a rolling pin
Method:
Toast the pecans first
Place the toasted pecans in a zip lock bag and close it
With a rolling pin, tap and roll the pecans until smashed into small bits
In a large mixing bowl, mix the butter, sugar, vanilla and almond extract until light and fluffy
Mix together the flour and salt and then gradually add to the butter mixture
With your hands work the dough until it comes together into a large ball
Place on a floured board and flatten it into a round disc
Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for 30 minutes
Remove from fridge and roll the dough on a floured surface, add flour as needed
Roll the dough into a little less than 1/2 inch in thickness
Cut cookies using a 2-3 inch cutter and place on baking sheet lined with parchment
Bake for about 19 minutes or until golden brown and crisp
Toasted Pecans:
Pre-heat oven to 350 F
Place the pecans evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper
Roast for 7 - 10 minutes, flipping them half way through, until they begin to brown and smell wonderful
Toasting nuts add extra crispness and crunch to the cookie and improves the flavour.
Chocolate Drizzle:
Use good quality dark chocolate such as Callebaut.
Place the cooled pecan shortbread cookies on sheet of parchment paper in preparation for drizzling.
An easy way to melt chocolate is on the stove. Using a small heavy saucepan, place chocolate pieces in the pan over very low heat, stirring until the chocolate begins to melt. Keep your eye on the chocolate so it does not overheat or burn. Remove from heat the stir until smooth. Dip a small spoon or fork into the chocolate and drizzle over the cookies. There is no right way to do this. Be artistic!
I ask my young granddaughter to do the drizzling - lots of fun
Enjoy!
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