Pecan Shortbread Cookies

This is a crunchy cookie.   It's one of my favorites.

PECAN SHORTBREAD COOKIES

(makes 3 dozen)

Ingredients:

*1 cup pecans, chopped fine

*1 cup butter, cold

*1/2 cup powdered sugar

*1/2 cup granulated sugar

*1/2 teaspoon salt

*2 teaspoons vanilla extract

*1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional)

*2 cups all-purpose flour

Directions:

~Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

~Place chopped pecans onto a cookie sheet.

~Bake for 5-6 minutes (or until they become fragrant), stirring half way through.

~Remove from oven and cool.

~Cut butter into small pieces.

~Place into a large mixing bowl,  and add powdered sugar, granulate sugar, vanilla, and salt.

~Mix until it becomes a paste.

~Add in flour and beat on low, until almost mixed.

~Add in cooled pecans and mix until dough is crumbly.

~Place dough onto a lightly floured clean surface.

~Roll dough into a log (length will depend on how big you want your cookies).

~Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

~Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

~Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper or lightly spray cookies sheets with cooking spray.

~Slice cookie dough about 1/4 inch thick.

~Place on cookie sheets and bake for 12-14 minutes, or until edges are slightly golden brown.

~Remove from oven and allow to cool for 30 minutes.