pecan shortbread

Need an idea for Christmas gifts?

What's better than a sweet treat?

These shortbread cookies are a great way to show someone you care about them in this holiday season :)

They are really easy and the dough freezes really well so if you are pressed for time during the busy season, these are great to do in advance!

And while they aren't my favorite shortbread, they are pretty darn fantastic, if you ask me.

Pecan Shortbread Cookies

Makes about 24 cookies, after you eat some of the dough.

Taken from The Barefoot Contessa.

3 sticks of butter, at room temperature

1 cup sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 teaspoon almond extract 

3 1/2 cups flour

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 1/2 cups small diced pecans

Preheat the oven to 350*.

In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until they are just combined.

Add the vanilla and almond extracts. In a medium bowl, sift together the flour and salt, then add them to the creamed mixture. Add the pecans and mix on low speed until the dough starts to come together. Dump onto a surface dusted with flour and shape into a flat disk. Wrap in plastic and chill for 30 minutes.

Roll the dough 1/2-inch thick and cut out cookies using a round cookie cutter...or whatever shape you'd like! Place the cookies on an ungreased baking sheet and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the edges begin to brown. Allow to cool to room temperature and serve.