Pecan Fingers (like Kipferl) Recipe
Description:
Indulge in the delightful flavors of these Pecan Fingers, reminiscent of the classic Kipferl cookies. This buttery shortbread-type treat is a Christmas favorite, offering a perfect blend of nuttiness and sweetness. While pecans take center stage in this recipe, feel free to experiment with hazelnuts, almonds, or a combination of various nuts for a unique twist. Adapted with love and care, this recipe promises to become a cherished addition to your holiday baking repertoire.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Unsalted butter | 1 cup |
| Unbleached flour | 1 2/3 cups |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Sugar | 1 cup |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
| Pecans (or preferred nuts) | 2 cups |
| Powdered sugar | 3/4 cup |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 72.5
- Fat: 5.4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 7.6mg
- Sodium: 2.9mg
- Carbohydrates: 5.9g
- Fiber: 0.4g
- Sugar: 3.1g
- Protein: 0.7g
Cooking Time:
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 64 cookies
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Dough:
- In a mixing bowl, cream the unsalted butter until smooth.
- Add the flour, salt, sugar, and vanilla extract to the butter, and mix until well combined.
- Incorporate the pecans (or your choice of nuts) into the dough, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
-
Chill the Dough:
- Wrap the dough in waxed paper and refrigerate it until firm. This step helps in easy handling and shaping of the dough.
-
Shape the Cookies:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Divide the chilled dough into 64 equal parts.
- Roll each portion into finger or crescent-shaped lengths, and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie.
-
Bake to Perfection:
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until they are firm to the touch but not browned. Keep an eye on them to prevent over-browning.
-
Coat with Powdered Sugar:
- While the cookies are still warm, sift the powdered sugar into a wide, shallow bowl.
- Roll each cookie in the powdered sugar until evenly coated, imparting a delightful sweetness and a snowy appearance.
-
Cool and Store:
- Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack.
- Once cooled, store the Pecan Fingers in a covered tin to maintain their freshness.
- For optimal flavor, let the cookies age for several days before indulging in their buttery goodness.
These Pecan Fingers are perfect for sharing with loved ones during the holiday season or any time you crave a melt-in-your-mouth treat. Enjoy the delightful crunch of pecans combined with the rich buttery flavor of these irresistible cookies. Whether served alongside a warm cup of tea or as a sweet ending to a festive meal, these delectable delights are sure to impress! 🍪✨
