Chocolate Dipped Pecan Shortbread (Print-Friendly Version)

Celebrate the season with chocolate dipped pecan shortbread packed with buttery richness, pecans, and smooth chocolate. Perfect for holiday baking, festive gatherings, and Christmas cookies. Truly a keeper.

# Ingredients You’ll Need:

→ Shortbread Dough

01 - 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
02 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
04 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
05 - 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
06 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
07 - 1 cup chopped pecans

→ Chocolate Coating

08 - 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
09 - 1 tablespoon shortening

# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
02 - In a large bowl, cream together softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
03 - Beat in vanilla extract until fully blended.
04 - In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour and salt.
05 - Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
06 - Fold in the chopped pecans evenly throughout the dough.
07 - Form the dough into 1-inch balls and arrange on ungreased baking sheets.
08 - Gently flatten each ball with the bottom of a glass or with your fingers.
09 - Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
10 - Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
11 - In a heatproof bowl set over simmering water or in the microwave, melt the chocolate chips with shortening, stirring until smooth.
12 - Dip each cooled cookie halfway into the melted chocolate, allowing excess to drip off. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
13 - Let the chocolate coating set completely before serving. Chill cookies briefly in the refrigerator to expedite setting if desired.

# Extra Suggestions:

01 - For enhanced flavor, toast pecans before chopping. Use premium quality chocolate for optimal taste. Store in an airtight container at room temperature.