Best 2 Pecan Caramel Shortbread Recipes

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Pecan caramel shortbread is a delectable treat that combines the nutty flavor of pecans, the sweetness of caramel, and the buttery richness of shortbread. It is a perfect dessert for any occasion, from potlucks to holiday gatherings. With its crispy shortbread base, gooey caramel filling, and crunchy pecan topping, this dessert is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. In this article, we will guide you through the steps of creating the perfect pecan caramel shortbread, from gathering the necessary ingredients to mastering the techniques for baking and assembling this delicious treat. We will also provide tips for variations and troubleshooting common problems, ensuring that you can create a pecan caramel shortbread that is both visually stunning and irresistibly delicious.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

CARAMEL PECAN SHORTBREAD



Caramel Pecan Shortbread image

My grandchildren look for Grandma's "candy bar cookies" every Christmas. I recommend doubling the recipe for these sweet treats because they go so fast. -Dorothy Buiter, Worth, Illinois

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 45m

Yield about 4 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 19

3/4 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup confectioners' sugar
2 tablespoons evaporated milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
FILLING:
28 caramels
6 tablespoons evaporated milk
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
3/4 cup finely chopped pecans
ICING:
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
3 tablespoons evaporated milk
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pecan halves

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, cream butter and confectioners' sugar until light and fluffy, 5-7 minutes. Beat in milk and vanilla. Combine flour and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour or until easy to handle., On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to 1/4-in. thickness. Cut into 2x1-in. strips. Place 1 in. apart on greased baking sheets. , Bake at 325° for 12-14 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove to wire racks to cool completely., For filling, combine caramels and milk in a large saucepan. Cook and stir over medium-low heat until caramels are melted and smooth. Remove from the heat; stir in the butter, sugar and pecans. Cool for 5 minutes. Spread 1 teaspoon over each cookie. , For icing, in a microwave-safe bowl, melt chips and milk; stir until smooth. Stir in the butter, sugar and vanilla until smooth. Cool for 5 minutes. , Spread 1 teaspoon icing on each cookie; top each with a pecan half. Let stand until set. Store in an airtight container.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 126 calories, Fat 7g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 12mg cholesterol, Sodium 61mg sodium, Carbohydrate 16g carbohydrate (10g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 1g protein.

PECAN CARAMEL SHORTBREAD



Pecan Caramel Shortbread image

This bar cookie takes inspiration from old-fashioned pecan pie.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Dessert & Treats Recipes     Cookie Recipes

Yield Makes about 10 dozen

Number Of Ingredients 5

3 1/2 cups pecans
1 1/2 cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter
3/4 cup packed light-brown sugar
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
Caramel for Bar Cookies

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 350 degrees. Spread pecans on a baking pan. Bake until golden and fragrant, 10 to 15 minutes. Transfer pan to a wire rack to cool. Chop roughly, and set aside.
  • In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream butter and sugar until light in color. With the mixer on low speed, add flour, and mix until just combined.
  • Line an 11-by-17-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Press dough into the bottom of baking pan in an even layer. Bake until golden, about 20 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, using a microwave or double boiler, heat caramel until liquid; stir in pecans. Spread mixture over the cookie layer. Return pan to oven, and bake until caramel is slightly darkened in color, about 10 minutes. Transfer pan to wire rack to cool. Cut into 2 3/4-by-1/2-inch rectangles.

Tips:

  • Use cold butter: Cold butter is easier to grate and will help keep the shortbread from spreading too much in the oven.
  • Work quickly: The key to a good shortbread is to work quickly so that the butter doesn't start to melt. If the butter starts to melt, the shortbread will be more difficult to handle and won't have a as good of a texture.
  • Chill the dough: Chilling the dough before baking will help it to hold its shape and prevent it from spreading too much in the oven.
  • Don't overbake: Shortbread should be baked just until the edges are golden brown. If you overbake it, it will be dry and crumbly.
  • Let it cool completely: Shortbread is best served at room temperature. Let it cool completely before cutting into it so that it doesn't crumble.

Conclusion:

Pecan caramel shortbread is a delicious and easy-to-make treat that is perfect for any occasion. With its buttery, crumbly crust and sweet, gooey caramel filling, this shortbread is sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it. Whether you're serving it at a party or enjoying it as a snack, this shortbread is sure to please.

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