Pine Nut Cookies Annotations

Recipe calls for: 6 tablespoons softened butter.
What to know: This small amount will give a rich flavor pay off.

Recipe calls for: ½ cup pine nuts, divided.
What to know: Ground nuts act like flour but don’t dry out the cookies.

Recipe calls for: 4.5 ounces all-purpose flour.
What to know: We tested with Pillsbury—other brands may be more or less absorbent.

Recipe calls for: Beating batter with a mixer at medium speed until light and fluffy.
What to know: This step adds air into the batter for a tender cookie.

Recipe calls for: Stacking two baking sheets one on top of the other, and lining the top sheet with parchment paper.
What to know: This is a smart trick to prevent over browning.