Everyone loves shortbread – at least shortbread that is made right with real butter. It is traditionally served at tea, and also served at Christmas. There is no way to improve on the shortbread made in Scotland and other countries in the British Isles, but sometimes it can be made differently for a change of pace. While traditionalists may balk, the following Pecan Cream Cheese Shortbread is absolutely delicious – the cream cheese changes the texture slightly, as well as the flavor. These cookies can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container to give the flavors a chance to develop. It’s a good idea to hide them, though, because they won’t last.

Pecan Cream Cheese Shortbread is perfect to add to Christmas cookie trays, package in festive containers as gifts, or take to a cookie swap. These cookies aren’t just for Christmas, though, and are a quick and easy choice to fill up the cookie jar year round.

6 dozen cookies

1 1/2 cups pecans

1 cup butter
1 8 oz. package cream cheese
1 1/2 cups sugar

4 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
sugar, for dusting

1. Place the pecans on a baking sheet, and turn on the oven allowing it to preheat to 350°. Put the pecans in the oven; they should be lightly toasted by the time the oven heats.
2. Set them aside and when they have cooled a little, chop them coarsely.
3. Cream the butter, cream cheese, and sugar until very light; add the flour and salt, and with the mixer at low speed, mix well. Stir in the pecans and mix well.
4. Using a tablespoon-size (1") scoop, scoop balls of dough.
5. Quickly roll the dough into balls with your hands, and place them on parchment-lined baking sheets.
6. Place a small amount (2-3 tablespoons) of sugar on a plate.
7. Wet the bottom of a flat-bottomed glass and dip in the sugar; press the glass on a ball and flatten. Dip the glass in sugar, then flatten the remaining balls.
8. Bake 13-16 minutes or until the sides start to brown and the bottoms are lightly browned.
9. Transfer to cooling racks.
10. When cool, store in an airtight container for up to a month; freeze for longer storage.

Amount Per Serving
Calories 93 Calories from Fat 48
Percent Total Calories From: Fat 51% Protein 5% Carb. 44%

Nutrient Amount per Cookie
Total Fat 5 g
Saturated Fat 2 g
Cholesterol 10 mg
Sodium 52 mg
Total Carbohydrate 10 g
Dietary Fiber 0 g
Sugars 4 g
Protein 1 g

Vitamin A 3% Vitamin C 0% Calcium 0% Iron 1%