Cashew Cookies

Preparation

1. Step 1

   Put oven rack in middle position and preheat oven to 375°F.

   Step 2

   Pulse 1/2 cup nuts in a food processor until finely chopped, being careful not to process to a paste, then transfer to a large shallow baking pan. Toast nuts, stirring every 2 minutes to prevent edges from burning, until pale golden, 6 to 8 minutes. Cool completely in pan.

   Step 3

   Whisk together flour and cornstarch in a bowl.

   Step 4

   Beat together butter and sugar in a large bowl with an electric mixer at medium-high speed until pale and fluffy, about 3 minutes in a stand mixer or 5 with a handheld. Add toasted ground nuts and salt and beat until combined. Reduce speed to low, then add flour mixture and mix just until a dough forms.

   Step 5

   Form dough into a rectangular block and roll out between 2 (12-inch-long) sheets of parchment with a rolling pin into a 10- by 8-inch rectangle.

   Step 6

   Chill dough in parchment on a baking sheet until firm, about 10 minutes.

   Step 7

   Meanwhile, coarsely chop remaining 1/4 cup nuts.

   Step 8

   Discard top sheet of parchment and sprinkle dough with coarsely chopped nuts. Bake until golden, 14 to 16 minutes. Transfer shortbread to a rack and cool completely, then break into rough shapes with your hands.