Maple Pecan Shortbread Cookies
Meltaway butter shortbread cookies packed with toasted pecans & maple glaze.
In a nutshell: This authentic american maple pecan shortbread cookies comes together in just 30 mins using simple whole ingredients. Perfect for home cooks seeking a dependable, restaurant-quality finish with minimal effort.
Rich, buttery melt-in-your-mouth shortbread cookies stuffed with finely chopped toasted pecans and finished with real maple glaze.
Key Equipment
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Chef's Pro-Tips
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter and eggs are at true room temperature (around 68°F / 20°C) so the emulsion creams evenly without curdling.
- Do Not Overmix the Flour: Fold the dry ingredients just until no white streaks remain. Overworking gluten leads to dense, tough baked goods instead of tender, chewy crumbs.
- Cool Completely on Wire Rack: Baked bars and cookies continue setting internally from residual heat. Let them rest in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
Ingredients
20
servings
-
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
-
½ cup powdered sugar
-
2 tbsp pure maple syrup
-
2 cups all-purpose flour
-
¾ cup toasted pecans, finely chopped
-
¼ tsp maple extract
The Smart Meal Planner & Grocery Calculator
Interactive Google Sheets & Excel system with auto-generating grocery lists, macro calculations, and 50 pre-loaded recipes.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cream Butter & Maple
Beat butter, powdered sugar, maple syrup, and maple extract until smooth.
Fold Pecans & Shape
Fold in flour and chopped pecans. Roll dough into 2-inch log and slice 1/2-inch cookies.
Bake & Glaze
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 14-16 minutes until bottoms are light golden. Drizzle with maple glaze.
Chef Clara's Kitchen Picks
Kitchen EssentialsAs an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Nordic Ware Naturals Half Sheet, 2-Pack
Warp-resistant aluminum for even browning, from sheet-pan dinners to cookies.
View on AmazonVictorinox Fibrox Pro 8" Chef's Knife
Razor-sharp Fibrox Pro blade that home chefs and pros both reach for.
View on AmazonTILUCK Stainless Measuring Cups & Spoons, 10-Pc
Stainless steel cups and spoons that measure precisely and last.
View on AmazonMercer Culinary Locking Tongs, 9" + 12"
Locking tongs in two handy sizes for the stovetop and the grill.
View on AmazonAmazon Basics Non-Stick Parchment Paper Roll
Non-stick paper for lining pans – easy release, easy cleanup.
View on AmazonWoodenhouse Teak Wooden Spoons, 10-Pc
Teak spoons gentle on cookware and built for daily stirring.
View on AmazonOXO Good Grips Silicone Whisk Set, 9" + 11"
Silicone whisks safe for nonstick pans, in two sizes.
View on AmazonUltra Cuisine Stainless Cooling Rack Set of 2
Stainless racks that fit half sheets – for cooling bakes and crisping roasts.
View on AmazonUmite Chef Stainless Mixing Bowls with Lids, 8-Pc
Nesting stainless bowls with airtight lids, from prep to storage.
View on AmazonHamilton Beach 6-Speed Electric Hand Mixer
Six speeds with a snap-on storage case for the beaters.
View on AmazonFrequently Asked Questions
Shortbread doesn't brown much — pull them when the bottoms are light golden, about 14-16 minutes. They'll firm up as they cool.
The recipe uses both: real maple syrup in the dough for flavor and moisture, plus maple extract to boost it. Don't skip the syrup — extract alone won't give the same depth.
The butter may have been too soft. It should be softened but still cool to the touch. Chilling the sliced dough for 15 minutes before baking also helps.
Keep in an airtight container at room temperature. They're sturdy cookies that stay fresh for several days — and the flavor deepens overnight.
Apple Shaped Sugar Cookies
Tender cut-out butter sugar cookies shaped like bright red apples.
View Recipe
Back-to-School Pencil Cake Pops
The ultimate back-to-school treat for kids and teachers! Soft vanilla cake mixed with frosting, shaped...
View Recipe
Gooey Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls
Warm, pillowy pumpkin cinnamon rolls filled with brown sugar pumpkin spice and topped with a creamy maple...
View Recipe