Naturally Sweetened Pecan Shortbread Cookies
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5
10 reviews
Excellent
Naturally Sweetened Pecan Shortbread Cookies
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These Naturally Sweetened Pecan Shortbread Cookies feature finely ground natural cane sugar and coarsely ground pecans folded into a buttery dough subtly spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Rolled and sliced into logs before baking, the cookies have a crumbly, tender texture with a nutty crunch from the pecans, making them a rich yet not overly sweet treat. The egg white wash imparts an appealing sheen and light crisp finish.
Description
The dough combines powdered natural cane sugar with egg yolks, water, vanilla, and melted butter before folding in coarsely ground pecans and a spiced flour mixture. After kneading smooth, the dough is divided and rolled into logs, then sliced before baking. Reserved whole pecan halves garnish the cookies for texture and decoration.
These cookies balance sweetness with the deep flavor of pecans and warming spices. The texture is firm yet tender with a delicate crumb, characteristic of classic shortbread.
The dough logs can be frozen before slicing and baking, then thawed overnight in the refrigerator to bake fresh cookies later without loss of quality, providing convenient make-ahead options.
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Ingredients
- ¾ cup natural cane sugar 4 oz
- 1 cup pecans divided
- 2 egg at room temperature, large yolks
- 2 tablespoons water at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 8 tablespoons butter melted and cooled
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour 11 ¼ oz
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 egg large white mixed with 2 tablespoons of water
Instructions
- Using a spice/coffee grinder, ground the natural cane sugar in 3 batches until it is fine and powdery. Set aside.
- Reserve 30 of the whole pecan-halves to use as garnishing. It should be ½ cup in total.
- Whisk together egg yolks, water, vanilla extract, and butter in a small mixing bowl until combined. Set aside.
- Place the rest of the pecans (approximately ½ cup) in the bowl of a food processor and process until coarsely ground. Add in the flour, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg. Process until combined.
- While the food processor is still running, add the butter mixture through the tube. Process until thoroughly combined. You may have to stop the food processor a few times and scrape the bottom of the bowl with a spatula.
- Transfer the dough onto a clean work surface and knead until smooth. It might be a little powdery, but it will come together as you knead with the body heat from your hands.
- Using a knife, divide the dough into two equal pieces.
- Roll each dough into a 6-inch log that is about 2-inches thick. Wrap each log tightly using stretch film and place upright in tall glasses. Refrigerate until firm, at least 2 hours up to 2 days.
- When ready to bake, pre-heat the oven to 325 F degrees. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Working with one log of dough at a time, slice into ¼-inch thick cookies, turning log every few slices to prevent sides from flattening. Space them ¾-inch apart from each other on prepared sheets.
- Brush cookies with the egg white-water mixture, then gently press the reserved pecan halves into center of each cookie.
- Bake one sheet at a time, until the edges of cookies are beginning to brown and set, 16-19 minutes, rotating the sheet halfway through baking. Let the cool before serving.
Notes
- The final number of cookies depends on the thickness of the rolled logs when sliced.
- Dough logs can be frozen and thawed in the refrigerator overnight before slicing and baking to maintain freshness.
Nutrition Information
Show Details
Calories
120kcal
(6%)
Carbohydrates
15g
(5%)
Protein
2g
(4%)
Fat
6g
(9%)
Saturated Fat
2g
(10%)
Cholesterol
23mg
(8%)
Sodium
45mg
(2%)
Potassium
28mg
(1%)
Fiber
1g
(4%)
Sugar
7g
(14%)
Vitamin A
120IU
(2%)
Vitamin C
1mg
(1%)
Calcium
7mg
(1%)
Iron
1mg
(6%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 28cookies
Amount Per Serving
Calories 120 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 120kcal | 6% |
| Carbohydrates | 15g | 5% |
| Protein | 2g | 4% |
| Fat | 6g | 9% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Cholesterol | 23mg | 8% |
| Sodium | 45mg | 2% |
| Potassium | 28mg | 1% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 7g | 14% |
| Vitamin A | 120IU | 2% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 7mg | 1% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
Genuine Reviews
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
10 reviews
Excellent
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