9 Irresistibly Buttery Brown Butter Pecan Shortbread Cookies (Melt-In-Your-Mouth!)

Thank you for being here, my friend If you’ve got butter, pecans, and powdered sugar, you’re already halfway to cookie bliss. These Brown Butter Pecan Shortbread Cookies are deeply toasty, rich, and unbelievably tender — the kind of cookie that disappears faster than you expect and has everyone asking, “What’s in these?”

Browning the butter is the magic move here. It transforms a simple shortbread into something nutty, caramel-kissed, and absolutely addictive. I’ve baked these on repeat for holidays, coffee dates, and “just because” afternoons — and every single time, they steal the show.

Before we dive in, don’t forget to subscribe to my email list so you never miss another cozy, bakery-worthy recipe

Overview of Brown Butter Pecan Shortbread Cookies

This recipe is proof that simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavor. Brown butter adds depth, powdered sugar keeps the crumb tender, and pecans bring crunch and warmth.

Why You’ll Love These Cookies

• Deep, nutty brown-butter flavor
• Melt-in-your-mouth shortbread texture
• Not overly sweet — perfectly balanced
• Easy, classic ingredients
• Perfect for gifting, holidays, or coffee breaks

What They Taste Like

Toasty, buttery, lightly sweet, with crisp edges and a tender, crumbly center — pure comfort in cookie form.

Full Ingredient List (Complete & Detailed)

PIN IT

Brown Butter Pecan Shortbread Cookies

• 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter
• 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup (90 g) powdered sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¾ cup chopped pecans, lightly toasted

Tools You’ll Need

• Saucepan (for browning butter)
• Mixing bowls
• Hand or stand mixer
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Cooling rack

Substitutions & Add-Ins

• Swap pecans for walnuts or almonds
• Add ¼ tsp cinnamon for warmth
• Dip half the cookie in dark chocolate
• Sprinkle flaky sea salt before baking

How to Make Brown Butter Pecan Shortbread Cookies

PIN IT

Take your time with the butter — it’s where the magic happens

1. Brown the Butter

Melt butter over medium heat, stirring until golden brown with nutty aroma. Cool slightly.

2. Mix Butter & Sugar

Beat brown butter and powdered sugar until smooth.

3. Add Vanilla

Mix in vanilla extract.

4. Combine Dry Ingredients

Gradually mix in flour and salt.

5. Fold in Pecans

Gently fold in chopped pecans.

6. Chill

Chill dough 30 minutes for best texture.

7. Bake

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Shape cookies and bake 12–15 minutes, until edges are lightly golden.

8. Cool

Cool completely — they firm up as they set.

What to Serve with These Cookies

• Hot coffee or espresso
• Vanilla latte or cappuccino
• Afternoon tea
• Holiday dessert platters

Tips for Cookie Perfection

• Don’t rush browning butter — watch closely
• Let butter cool before mixing
• Chill dough to prevent spreading
• Don’t overbake — pale centers are perfect

Storage Instructions

• Room temperature: 5 days in airtight container
• Refrigerator: 7 days
• Freezer: Up to 2 months (baked or dough)

General Information

Shortbread dates back centuries and is loved for its simplicity. Browning butter is a modern twist that adds complexity while keeping the classic crumb intact — a small step with huge payoff.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I skip browning the butter?
You can, but you’ll miss the deep flavor.

Why powdered sugar instead of granulated?
It creates that signature tender crumb.

Do these spread a lot?
Minimal spreading, especially if chilled.

Can I make them ahead?
Yes — flavor improves after a day.

Conclusion

These Brown Butter Pecan Shortbread Cookies are rich, simple, and endlessly craveable. Once you bake them, you’ll understand why they become a repeat recipe in so many homes — including mine.

If you love cozy bakes like this, try these next:

• Oatmeal Cottage Cheese Cookies → https://poulef.com/oatmeal-cottage-cheese-cookies/
• Protein Cookie Dough → https://poulef.com/protein-cookie-dough/
• Flourless Banana Muffins → https://poulef.com/flourless-banana-muffins/
• Banana Walnut Cake → https://poulef.com/banana-walnut-cake/
• Healthy Carrot Cake Baked Oatmeal → https://poulef.com/healthy-carrot-cake-baked-oatmeal/

Interactive Corner

Did you bake these buttery beauties?
Leave a review and share your cookies on Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/poulefrecipe/
Your kitchen wins always make my day

Nutritional Information (Approx. Per Cookie)

Calories	Carbs	Protein	Fat	Sugar
170 kcal	18g	2g	10g	6g

Print