- 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup salted and roasted mixed cocktail nuts, coarsely chopped
- Put oven rack in middle position and preheat oven to 375°F.
- Stir together butter and 1/3 cup sugar in a medium bowl with a wooden spoon until combined well. Stir in vanilla, then add flour and mix with your hands just until a dough forms.
- Transfer dough to a lightly greased baking sheet and spread evenly with your fingers to form an 8-inch square. Sprinkle nuts evenly over dough, pressing down to help them adhere.
- Sprinkle remaining tablespoon sugar over nuts and bake until shortbread is deep golden, 20 to 25 minutes.
- Cool on baking sheet on a rack, 10 minutes. Cut into 18 (roughly 3- by 1 1/2-inch) bars.