LEMON SHORTBREAD SQUARES

Lemon Shortbread Squares image

During the Christmas season, I keep homemade cookies available in my office to share with co-workers. These easy-to-prepare squares always get rave reviews.

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 35m

Yield 16 squares.

Number Of Ingredients 7

Ingredients

1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons butter, softened
1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
1/2 teaspoon lemon extract
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon grated lemon zest, optional
1/2 cup chopped pecans

Steps:

In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in extracts. Gradually add flour. Mix until dough forms a ball and pulls away from the side of the bowl. Stir in lemon zest if desired. , Press into an ungreased 9-in. square baking pan. Score with a sharp knife into 16 squares. Prick each square twice with a fork. Sprinkle with pecans; press firmly into dough. , Bake at 325° for 20-25 minutes or until lightly browned and pecans are toasted. Cool for 5 minutes. Cut along scored lines. Cool completely in pan on a wire rack. Store in an airtight container.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 140 calories, Fat 10g fat (5g saturated fat), Cholesterol 19mg cholesterol, Sodium 73mg sodium, Carbohydrate 12g carbohydrate (4g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 1g protein.