Heavenly Pecan Shortbread Bites Recipe for Sweet Fans

When baking these mouthwatering pecan delight shortbread bites, you’ll discover a delectable treat that melts effortlessly on your tongue.

Southern kitchens have long celebrated this buttery confection with rich, toasted pecans.

Each tiny bite packs a punch of nutty sweetness and delicate texture.

The recipe combines simple ingredients into an irresistible dessert that looks elegant yet takes minimal effort.

Delicate and crisp, these shortbread bites offer a perfect balance of crunch and smoothness.

Guests will adore these little morsels that elevate any gathering or afternoon tea.

Dive into this recipe and experience a classic Southern dessert that promises pure indulgence.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 134 kcal

Servings: 25

Pecan Shortbread Bites Ingredient Checklist

• Flour: Provides the tender, crumbly foundation for the delicate bites with a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Powdered Sugar: Offers subtle sweetness and helps create a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread crust.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor profile and balances the sweetness of the shortbread.
• Margarine: Delivers rich, buttery flavor and ensures a perfectly tender, flaky shortbread texture.

• Pecans: Brings delightful crunch and nutty warmth, toasting intensifies their natural, rich flavor.
• Brown Sugar: Creates deep caramel notes with a luxurious, molasses-like sweetness.
• Coconut Milk: Adds creamy richness and provides a silky smooth caramel base.
• Maple Syrup: Introduces complex, woodsy sweetness with a distinctive natural flavor.
• Margarine: Contributes to the smooth, glossy texture of the caramel mixture.
• Salt: Balances and amplifies the sweet caramel flavors.
• Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the flavors with its warm, aromatic essence.

• Muffin Tin Liners: Ensures easy removal and perfect bite-sized shapes.

Tools for Crisp, Buttery Shortbread Bites

• Mixing Bowl: Medium-sized bowl for combining dry ingredients and creating dough.
• Muffin Tin: 12-cup tin with paper liners for shaping and baking shortbread bases.
• Baking Sheet: Flat pan for toasting pecans evenly.
• Saucepan: Medium pot for cooking caramel mixture.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For precise ingredient measurements.
• Fork: Used for poking holes in shortbread dough.
• Knife: For cutting margarine into small chunks.
• Spatula: Helps fold pecans into caramel mixture.

Instructions for Perfect Pecan Shortbread

• Shortbread Foundation

Craft a soft, buttery dough by blending flour, powdered sugar, and margarine. Press delicate portions into muffin liners, creating gentle shells. Pierce tiny holes across the surface for a classic touch.

• Oven Preparation

Warm the kitchen to a cozy 350 degrees. Chill shortbread shells in the freezer, then bake until edges transform into a golden embrace. Rotate midway to ensure even warmth.

• Pecan Magic

Scatter pecans across a baking sheet, allowing them to dance and release aromatic oils. In a simmering saucepan, weave together brown sugar, coconut milk, maple syrup, and a whisper of margarine until a luxurious caramel develops.

• Flavor Fusion

Marry toasted pecans with the silky caramel, creating a luscious mixture. Generously fill each shortbread shell with this decadent blend. Let the bites rest and settle, allowing flavors to mingle and caramel to set into a delightful, tender consistency.

Tips for Crisp Edges & Buttery Centers

• Toasting Technique: Enhance the pecan flavor by carefully toasting them just until they release a rich, nutty aroma. Watch closely to prevent burning, as nuts can go from perfectly toasted to burnt in seconds.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the shortbread base and pecan topping a day in advance. Store the crusts in an airtight container and keep the caramel mixture refrigerated, bringing both to room temperature before final assembly.
• Dairy-Free Twist: Swap margarine with coconut oil for a different flavor profile. Use full-fat coconut milk to maintain the creamy texture of the caramel mixture. Experiment with alternative milk options for unique variations.
• Texture Play: For extra crunch, mix some roughly chopped pecans into the caramel before filling the shortbread bases. Consider adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top to balance the sweetness and create a gourmet touch.
• Storage Secrets: Keep these delightful bites in a cool, dry place for up to 5 days. Layer between parchment paper in an airtight container to prevent sticking and maintain their perfect texture.

Serve Pecan Shortbread Bites with Coffee or Tea

• Nutty Party Platter: Arrange these delectable bites on a rustic wooden board with fresh rosemary sprigs, creating an elegant appetizer spread that looks stunning and tastes incredible.
• Sweet Dessert Companion: Pair these shortbread bites with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent after-dinner treat that melts in your mouth.
• Coffee Break Delight: Serve alongside a steaming cappuccino or rich espresso, where the pecan caramel complements the coffee's robust flavors, making for a perfect mid-afternoon snack.
• Gifting Gourmet Option: Package these bites in small clear gift boxes with a ribbon, transforming them into a homemade present that shows thoughtfulness and culinary skill.

How to Store Pecan Bites to Stay Fresh

• Tasty Timing Tactics: Prepare these delightful bites up to 3 days ahead, keeping them covered at room temperature for maximum freshness and flavor.
• Chilled Storage Strategy: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to a week, layering between parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain their delicate texture.
• Freezer-Friendly Method: Wrap individual bites in plastic wrap, then store in a sealed freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving to restore their original scrumptious quality.
• Travel-Ready Treat Tip: Pack these bites in a hard-sided container with a tight lid when taking them to gatherings or potlucks, ensuring they remain intact and delicious during transport.

Crispy Pecan Shortbread Bites Recipe

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• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 25 1x

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Description

Delectable pecan delight shortbread bites promise a melt-in-your-mouth experience from Southern kitchens. Buttery, nutty morsels deliver pure comfort with minimal effort.

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Ingredients

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• 1.5 cups (360 ml) pecans, chopped
• 1 cup (240 ml) flour
• ½ cup (120 ml) margarine
• ½ cup (120 ml) brown sugar
• 4 tbsps margarine
• ⅓ cup (80 ml) powdered sugar
• ⅓ cup (80 ml) full fat coconut milk
• 2 tbsps maple syrup
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Dough Preparation: Amalgamate flour, salt, and powdered sugar in a mixing bowl, then integrate margarine until achieving a uniform, smooth consistency.
2. Shortbread Molding: Divide dough into 12 equal portions, pressing each into lined muffin tin cavities, ensuring complete base and side coverage. Delicately puncture surfaces with fork tines to prevent uneven rising.
3. Preliminary Chilling: Refrigerate shortbread shells in freezer for 30 minutes to solidify structural integrity.
4. Initial Baking: Place muffin tins in preheated 350°F oven, baking for 12-14 minutes until attaining a subtle golden complexion.
5. Pecan Roasting: Concurrently toast chopped pecans on a separate baking sheet at 350°F for 4 minutes to amplify their aromatic essence.
6. Caramel Crafting: In a saucepan, merge brown sugar, coconut milk, maple syrup, margarine, and salt over medium heat. Simmer for 10 minutes, allowing ingredients to meld and develop profound flavor complexity.
7. Flavor Enhancement: Remove caramel from heat, infusing with vanilla extract. Allow cooling and thickening at room temperature for 30 minutes.
8. Filling Assembly: Gently fold roasted pecans into cooled caramel, creating a luxurious filling.
9. Final Composition: Distribute pecan-caramel mixture generously among pre-baked shortbread shells. Allow bites to rest at room temperature for 2-4 hours, enabling caramel to set and flavors to harmonize.

Notes

• Chill Dough Precisely: Freezing shortbread shells for exactly 30 minutes ensures structural integrity and prevents spreading during baking.
• Roast Pecans Carefully: Toasting pecans for 4 minutes intensifies their nutty flavor and adds depth to the overall dessert profile.
• Control Caramel Consistency: Simmering caramel for 10 minutes allows ingredients to meld, creating a rich, smooth texture without burning.
• Allow Settling Time: Letting assembled bites rest 2-4 hours helps caramel set perfectly and allows flavors to develop and integrate completely.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 25
• Calories: 134
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 75 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 11 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg