Rich, buttery shortbread cookies paired with a luscious creamy filling and rolled in crunchy chopped pecans — an indulgent treat with a perfect balance of sweetness and nutty flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These butter pecan shortbread sandwich cookies are the perfect blend of texture and taste. The melt-in-your-mouth shortbread pairs beautifully with the smooth, sweet frosting, while the chopped pecans add a delightful crunch and a toasty depth of flavor. They are elegant enough for holiday platters, tea parties, or gift boxes, yet easy enough to make on a cozy weekend afternoon. Their rich, nutty taste and beautiful presentation are sure to impress.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the shortbread cookies:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
½ cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
¼ tsp salt
½ cup finely chopped pecans

For the filling & coating:
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 ½ cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp milk or cream
1 cup chopped pecans (for rolling)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, beat butter and powdered sugar until creamy. Mix in vanilla extract.
3. Add flour, salt, and finely chopped pecans, mixing until the dough comes together.
4. Roll the dough into a log, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for 30 minutes.
5. Slice the dough into ¼-inch rounds and place on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake for 12–15 minutes, until lightly golden at the edges. Cool completely on a wire rack.
7. For the filling, beat butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until fluffy.
8. Spread the filling between two cookies, pressing gently to create a sandwich.
9. Roll the edges in chopped pecans to coat the filling.
10. Store in an airtight container until ready to serve.

Servings and timing

Makes: about 18 sandwich cookies
Prep time: 20 minutes (plus chilling time)
Bake time: 12–15 minutes per batch
Total time: about 1 hour including cooling and assembly

Variations

• Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cookie dough for a warm spice note.
• Use maple extract instead of vanilla in the filling for a maple-pecan twist.
• Fill with chocolate ganache or caramel buttercream for a decadent variation.
• Dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate before rolling in pecans.
• Make mini versions for bite-sized party treats.

Storage/reheating

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies without filling, then thaw and assemble before serving. These cookies do not require reheating.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, the dough can be refrigerated for up to 2 days or frozen for up to 2 months before baking.

Can I toast the pecans before adding them?

Absolutely — toasting enhances their flavor and adds extra crunch.

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, substitute a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.

How do I keep the cookies from spreading?

Chilling the dough before slicing and baking helps maintain their shape.

Can I use a piping bag for the filling?

Yes, it will make the cookies look more decorative.

Can I freeze assembled sandwich cookies?

Yes, but for best texture, freeze the cookies and filling separately, then assemble after thawing.

How can I make them less sweet?

Reduce the sugar in the filling slightly or use a cream cheese-based frosting.

What other nuts can I use?

Walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts work well as substitutes.

Are these cookies good for gifting?

Yes, they hold up well when packaged in decorative tins or boxes.

Conclusion

Butter pecan shortbread sandwich cookies combine the richness of buttery shortbread, the smooth sweetness of frosting, and the satisfying crunch of pecans into one indulgent treat. Perfect for holidays, celebrations, or simply treating yourself, these cookies are as beautiful as they are delicious. With a little preparation and creativity, you can adapt them to suit any occasion.

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