Pecan Shortbread Cookies

Preparation

1. Step 1

   Preheat oven to 350°F with rack in middle. Toast pecans in oven, then cool. Leave oven on.

   Step 2

   Pick out about 36 of the best-looking pecan halves for topping cookies and finely chop remainder.

   Step 3

   Blend together butter, sugars, vanilla, and salt in a bowl with a fork until combined well. Stir in flour and chopped pecans until a soft dough forms (dough will be sticky).

   Step 4

   Form 1-inch balls of dough and arrange 2 inches apart on 2 ungreased baking sheets. Flatten balls to 1/3 inch thick using bottom of a glass (flour it if necessary), then push a pecan half onto center of each cookie.

   Step 5

   Bake, 1 sheet at a time, until edges are golden, about 20 minutes. Cool cookies on sheet 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool.