Step 1

In a large bowl or stand mixer, cream butter and brown sugar. Beat it for at least 2-3 minutes, stopping to scrape the sides and bottom.

Step 2

Add the egg yolk and beat well.

Step 3

Add the flour & salt. Mix until it forms a ball, scraping the sides and bottom of the bowl. When all the flour is incorporated, stop beating. (Over beating makes for a tough dough.)

Step 4

Cover the bowl and chill for about an hour. (If you are doubling the recipe, be sure to chill for more like 2-3 hours. They will bake flat if the dough is not cold. You can freeze the dough too, if you want.)

Step 5

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Line 2 large baking sheets with silicone baking mats or parchment paper.

Step 6

Form the dough into 1 inch balls. Place on the cookie sheet with one inch of space in between each cookie.

Step 7

Flatten each ball once with a fork. If the fork is sticking, dip it in flour, then press on the cookie.

Step 8

Press a pecan on top, perpendicular to the fork marks.

Step 9

Bake at 350 for 6-8 minutes or until they are no longer shiny on the top or edges.* I don't let mine get brown, or if they do, it is a very small amount on the bottom edges.