Description
Scrumptious pecan delight shortbread bites invite sweet indulgence with buttery crumbles and rich nutty essence. Rich Southern hospitality melts into each delicate morsel, promising pure comfort and delightful flavor that lingers deliciously.
Ingredients
Scale
Pecan Delight Shortbread Bites
Primary Ingredients:
- 1.5 cups chopped pecans
- 1 cup flour
- ½ cup margarine
- ½ cup brown sugar
Supporting Ingredients:
- ⅓ cup powdered sugar
- ⅓ cup full fat coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 4 tablespoons margarine
Seasoning and Flavoring:
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Craft a delicate shortbread foundation by blending flour, salt, and powdered sugar in a mixing bowl until uniformly combined.
- Transform the dry mixture into a cohesive dough by incorporating margarine and working it thoroughly until smooth.
- Carefully portion the dough into 12 equal segments, pressing each portion into lined muffin tin cavities, ensuring complete coverage of bottom and sides.
- Perforate the dough surfaces with gentle fork punctures to prevent uneven rising during baking.
- Chill the prepared shortbread shells in the freezer for a precise 30-minute interval to solidify their structure.
- Position the muffin tins in a preheated 350°F oven, baking initially for 5 minutes, then rotating for an additional 7-9 minutes until achieving a delicate golden hue.
- Simultaneously spread chopped pecans across a separate baking sheet, roasting them at 350°F for approximately 4 minutes to intensify their aromatic qualities.
- Construct a luxurious caramel sauce by combining brown sugar, coconut milk, maple syrup, margarine, and salt in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Simmer the caramel mixture for 10 minutes, allowing ingredients to meld and develop rich depth of flavor.
- Remove caramel from heat, incorporating vanilla extract for enhanced complexity.
- Allow the caramel to cool and slightly thicken for 30 minutes at room temperature.
- Gently fold toasted pecans into the cooled caramel, creating a decadent filling.
- Generously distribute the pecan-caramel mixture among the pre-baked shortbread shells.
- Let the assembled bites rest at room temperature for 2-4 hours, permitting the caramel to set and flavors to harmonize.
Notes
- Freeze the shortbread dough for 30 minutes before baking to ensure a crisp, sturdy base that holds the caramel topping perfectly.
- Toast pecans carefully to enhance their nutty flavor, watching closely to prevent burning and achieve a rich, aromatic crunch.
- Create a smooth caramel by stirring constantly and maintaining medium heat, which prevents scorching and ensures a silky texture.
- Let the caramel cool completely before adding pecans to maintain their crisp texture and prevent soggy nuts.
- Allow the assembled bites to set at room temperature for several hours, which helps the caramel firm up and develop a delightful chewy consistency.
- Store these delicate treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to preserve their delicious texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24
- Calories: 155
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 70 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg