Butter Cookies with Local Nuts

Heat oven to 300 degrees. Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper. Beat softened butter with electric beaters until pale in color, 3 to 5 minutes. Gradually beat in the sugar, scraping sides of bowl occasionally, until mixture is smooth, 5 to 7 minutes. Use a wooden spoon to stir in 2 1/2 cups flour.

Dust a clean, dry work surface with flour and transfer mixture to it. Knead mixture gently and briefly, just until a soft dough forms. (If dough still feels sticky after it has absorbed the flour on the work surface, work in a bit more flour.)

Roll dough into about 50 small balls, placing them 1 inch apart on the baking pans. Use your thumb to lightly flatten each ball in the middle. Press nuts into the top of each cookie.

Bake cookies until fragrant and lightly colored, 17 to 20 minutes. Cool completely. Store airtight.