Pecan Shortbread Bars Step-by-Step Instructions:
1️⃣ Preheat the Oven:
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2️⃣ Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the vanilla extract and salt, mixing until well combined.
3️⃣ Add the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and cornstarch. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, mixing just until incorporated.
4️⃣ Fold in the Pecans:
Gently fold the chopped pecans into the dough. The dough will be thick and slightly crumbly.
5️⃣ Press and Bake:
Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is firm to the touch.
6️⃣ Cool and Slice:
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares or bars. If you want an extra special touch, dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Pro Tips for the Best Pecan Shortbread Bars:
- Room Temperature Butter: Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for smooth mixing.
- Chop Pecans Small: For even texture, chop your pecans into small pieces—this helps them distribute evenly throughout the dough.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the dry ingredients, mix just until combined to avoid tough shortbread.
Why You’ll Love These Pecan Shortbread Bars:
- Perfect Balance: Buttery shortbread with crunchy, nutty pecans—what’s not to love?
- Simple to Make: No chilling, no rolling—just mix, press, and bake!
- Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture: Light, delicate, and perfectly crumbly.
Nutritional Information (per bar, approx.):
- Calories: 230
- Protein: 2g
- Carbs: 21g
- Fat: 16g
- Sugar: 8g
FAQ About Pecan Shortbread Bars:
Can I use another type of nut?
Absolutely! Walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts work beautifully in this recipe.
Can I freeze these bars?
Yes, these shortbread bars freeze wonderfully. Just wrap them tightly and store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Do I need to use cornstarch?
Yes, the cornstarch helps to give the bars that melt-in-your-mouth texture. It’s worth it!
Common Problems and Fixes:
Bars too crumbly?
Make sure the dough is well-pressed into the pan and baked for the full time—shortbread needs a good, firm base to hold together.
Not sweet enough?
If you like a sweeter treat, add a bit more sugar or top with a drizzle of caramel.
Flavor Variations You Can Try:
- Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle with caramel sauce for an extra indulgent treat.
- Chocolate Chips: Add a handful of chocolate chips into the dough for a chocolate-pecan twist.
- Cinnamon Sugar: Sprinkle a little cinnamon-sugar mixture over the top before baking for added warmth.
Perfect for Every Occasion:
From afternoon tea to holiday gatherings, these Pecan Shortbread Bars are the perfect dessert for any occasion. They’re simple, buttery, and have that perfect balance of sweetness and crunch!
Success with Pecan Shortbread Bars:
These bars are the kind of treat that makes everyone go “wow” with just a few simple ingredients. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just enjoying a quiet moment with a sweet snack, these bars are guaranteed to be a hit.
Tried it? Snap a pic and tag your delicious creation—we want to see your perfect pecan shortbread bars!
