Pecan meltaways are a simple and fun Christmas cookie to make! My recipe is a spin on the timeless classic - a shortbread cookie with toasted pecans and a hint of nutty almond extract rolled in powdered sugar.
Toast your pecans by placing on an ungreased baking sheet in a 350F oven for about 8 minutes until fragrant. Watch closely so they don't burn. Chop very small (use a blender or food processor if you'd like).
Combine all ingredients (except powdered sugar) in a bowl. I recommend using gloves for this step since it's a bit messy!
Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This makes the dough easy to roll.
Preheat oven to 350F and roll your cookies into small, 1-inch balls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Bake for 10-12 minutes until set (they shouldn't be browned).
Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a couple minutes, then roll (while warm) in powdered sugar. They will be fragile so be careful.
Let them rest for about 20-30 minutes until cooled then roll again in powdered sugar. More will stick this time because they will be sticky from the first rolling while they were warm.
Video
Notes
in a pinch instructions
Prechopped nuts - Buying the prechopped nuts will save a bit of time at the cutting board.Don't toast the pecans - You'll sacrifice flavor, but save plenty of time by not toasting the pecans.
how to store pecan meltaways
Store pecan meltaways in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. You can refrigerate the dough for 3 days prior to baking too.
Can you freeze pecan meltaways?
Yes, you can freeze pecan meltaways for up to 2 months in an airtight container. However, you'll sacrifice the traditional melt-in-your-mouth texture of the cookie. I suggest freezing the dough rather than the baked cookie.
pecan meltaways Tips
Refrigerate the dough - I highly recommend refrigerating the dough for at least 30 minutes prior to rolling. You'll have a much easier time rolling the dough.Use gloves - Using gloves is a technique I got from Jenny Can Cook and it's a gamechanger. Definitely using this tip for all my messy recipes!Keep it simple - Just mix everything in one bowl all at the same time! The result is delicious and there's no need to overcomplicate things.
