Description
Savory jalapeno shortbread elevates classic baking with spicy cheese goodness. Rich buttery rounds deliver warm southwestern comfort straight to hungry palates.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese:
- 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Flour and Seasonings:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
Fats and Peppers:
- 1 cup (2 sticks or 226 grams) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 small jalapeno, finely diced (remove seeds for less heat)
Instructions
- Create a fluffy base by whipping softened butter until it reaches a velvety consistency, then fold in shredded cheddar cheese, ensuring a uniform blend of creamy textures.
- Gradually incorporate flour, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika into the butter-cheese mixture, gently mixing until a crumbly dough forms. Carefully fold in finely chopped jalapeno peppers, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture.
- Divide the dough into two equal portions, rolling each into a cylindrical log approximately 1.5 inches thick. Encase each log tightly in plastic wrap, then refrigerate for at least 60 minutes to firm up and allow flavors to meld.
- Heat the oven to 350F (175C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper. Unwrap the chilled dough logs and slice them into thin rounds, approximately 1/4-inch thick. Arrange the rounds on the prepared baking sheet, leaving slight spacing between each shortbread.
- Bake the shortbread for 15-18 minutes, watching for delicate golden edges as an indicator of doneness. Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to rest on the baking sheet briefly, then transfer to a wire cooling rack to achieve a crisp texture.
Notes
- Adjust jalapeno heat by removing seeds and membranes for milder shortbread or keeping them for extra spiciness.
- Experiment with different cheese varieties like sharp white cheddar, pepper jack, or gouda to create unique flavor profiles.
- Ensure butter is softened but not melted for the perfect dough consistency and ideal texture of shortbread.
- Freeze dough logs for up to one month, allowing you to slice and bake fresh shortbread whenever craving strikes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 13 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg