Description

These elegant, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread cookies feature finely ground toasted pecans and a signature double-coating of powdered sugar. A Victorian-era classic, they rely on a high butter content and a precise chilling method to achieve their iconic spherical shape and delicate crumb.

Ingredients

1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, room temperature
1/3 cup (71g) granulated sugar
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon fine salt
2 cups (284g) all-purpose flour
2 cups (225g) toasted pecans, finely ground
1 1/2 cups (172g) powdered sugar, for coating

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Instructions

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, vanilla, and salt until the mixture is pale and aerated.
Gradually fold in the all-purpose flour in two distinct batches using a spatula, being careful not to overwork the dough.
Stir in the finely ground toasted pecans until they are evenly distributed and the dough is cohesive.
Cover the dough and refrigerate for approximately 45 minutes to solidify the fats and ensure the cookies hold their shape during baking.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a heavy-duty baking sheet with parchment paper.
Scoop 1 tablespoon of chilled dough at a time and roll between your palms to form smooth, perfectly rounded balls.
Place the spheres on the baking sheet two inches apart and bake for 14-15 minutes, ensuring they remain pale on top.
Cool the cookies on the sheet for exactly five minutes, then gently roll them in powdered sugar while they are still warm to create a primer layer.
Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely, then roll the cookies in powdered sugar a second time for a thick, snowy finish.

Notes

For the most consistent texture, use a digital scale to measure your ingredients, as volume can vary significantly with ground nuts and flour. Ensure your toasted pecans have reached room temperature before grinding; processing them while warm can release excess oils that may compromise the structural integrity of the shortbread.

Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American