chocolate-dipped pecan shortbread cookies

How To Make chocolate-dipped pecan shortbread cookies

• Step 1
  I suggest using a Kitchenaid (or other brand) stand mixer with a paddle attachment as this is a VERY stiff dough -- I don't suggest mixing it by hand ...either your hand will wear out or the wooden spoon will break.
• Step 2
  Cream together sugar and butter--just until combined.
• Step 3
  Add extracts and stir into butter/sugar mixture.
• Step 4
  In separate bowl, whisk flour and salt together.
• Step 5
  Add flour/salt mix to butter/sugar mix, a little at a time.
• Step 6
  Add chopped pecans to dough and THOROUGHLY incorporate them. (I chopped them by hand).
• Step 7
  Place reserved 1/2 cup of pecans in separate bowl.
• Step 8
  Divide dough into 4 equal pieces. By hand, roll each piece into a log (about 2-3 inches in diameter). Wrap each log, snugly, with plastic wrap and chill in refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
• Step 9
  Preheat oven to 350 F (175 C).
• Step 10
  Remove plastic wrap from dough log and slice into 3/8-inch - 1/2-inch thick slices.
• Step 11
  Place sliced dough onto UNGREASED parchment-paper lined cookie sheet about 1/2 inch apart.
• Step 12
  Bake for 15-20 minutes until edges are golden brown and center is cooked but NOT browned (see photo above).
• Step 13
  After baking, gently transfer to cooling rack (they're VERY fragile at this stage), and cool completely. Once cooled, they are quite sturdy.
• Step 14
  In microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate morsels (in 30-second increments, stirring after each increment)
• Step 15
  Spread reserved, chopped pecans (or, if desired, sliced almonds) onto cookie sheet and return to oven for 5-10 min. until toasted. Watch them carefully so they don't burn. Then, place them in a bowl.
• Step 16
  Coat cooled cookies 1/2-way with melted chocolate (front, back, and sides)--scraping off excess.
• Step 17
  Roll chocolate-dipped cookies in toasted pecan pieces. Alternately, you can use sliced almonds, or crushed toffee pieces (Heath or Skor bars)...or, leave them plain or just dipped in chocolate if you like. When coated, return cookies to cooling rack to set.
• Step 18
  Chill chocolate-dipped cookies for 20-30 min. in fridge to set chocolate before serving.
• Step 19
  Store in airtight container (if you have any left).
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