Zesty Cheesy Jalapeno Shortbread Recipe for Snack Lovers

Buttery, crumbly shortbread meets spicy excitement in this cheesy jalapeño shortbread that promises to tantalize your taste buds.

Sharp cheddar cheese and diced jalapeños weave a bold, unexpected flavor profile through each delicate bite.

These savory cookies deliver a perfect balance of creamy richness and sharp pepper heat.

Crisp edges and a melt-in-your-mouth texture make them irresistible at any gathering.

The recipe combines simple ingredients with extraordinary results that will surprise and delight everyone at the table.

Serve these shortbread as an elegant appetizer or alongside your favorite soup for a memorable culinary experience.

Prepare to be amazed by how such a simple recipe can create such complex, unforgettable flavors.

What You Need For Cheesy Jalapeno Shortbread

• Butter: Provides rich, creamy base and ensures tender texture with smooth, luxurious mouthfeel.
• Cheddar Cheese: Delivers bold, sharp flavor and creates irresistible cheesy undertones in shortbread.

• All-Purpose Flour: Serves as structural foundation, creating crisp and delicate shortbread texture.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor complexity and balances cheese's richness.
• Black Pepper: Introduces subtle, warming spiciness for deeper taste profile.
• Smoked Paprika: Adds smoky depth and gentle warmth to complement cheese and jalapeno.

• Jalapeno Peppers: Injects vibrant, zesty heat and fresh green pepper notes, creating exciting flavor contrast.

Tools To Bake Cheesy Jalapeno Shortbread

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining butter, cheese, and dry ingredients smoothly.
• Electric mixer or whisk: Perfect for beating butter until creamy and blending ingredients evenly.
• Cutting board: Ideal for dicing jalapenos and preparing ingredients.
• Sharp knife: Crucial for finely chopping jalapenos and slicing dough logs.
• Plastic wrap: Necessary for wrapping and chilling dough logs.
• Baking sheet: Key for baking shortbread rounds evenly.
• Parchment paper: Prevents shortbread from sticking and ensures easy removal.
• Wire cooling rack: Great for cooling shortbread after baking, keeping them crisp.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Helps measure ingredients accurately.

How To Prepare Cheesy Jalapeno Shortbread

• Butter Preparation

Grab a mixing bowl and whip the butter until it’s silky smooth. Sprinkle in the sharp cheddar cheese and blend until everything looks harmonious.

• Flavor Fusion

Gently fold in the flour, salt, black pepper, and a hint of smoked paprika. As the mixture starts to bind, toss in the zesty jalapeno pieces, ensuring they’re evenly scattered throughout.

• Dough Chilling

Split the dough into two equal portions and shape each into a neat cylinder about the width of a golf ball. Wrap these flavor logs in plastic and let them rest in the refrigerator for at least an hour until they firm up.

• Oven Readiness

Heat the oven to a toasty 350F. Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper. Slice the chilled dough into delicate rounds, about as thick as a coin. Arrange these discs on the sheet, leaving a small gap between each.

• Baking Magic

Slide the tray into the oven and bake for 15-18 minutes. Watch for edges turning a delicate golden brown. After removing, let the shortbread cool briefly on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack for complete cooling.

Spicy Tips For Cheesy Jalapeno Shortbread

• Spice Master Shortbread Hacks: Expert Tips & Twists
• Heat Control Magic: Remove jalapenos' seeds for milder flavor or keep them for extra spicy kick, giving home bakers total heat customization.
• Cheese Swap Adventure: Experiment with different sharp cheeses like pepper jack, gouda, or aged white cheddar to create unique flavor profiles that complement the jalapeno's zesty punch.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Replace wheat flour with gluten-free blend or almond flour for celiac and gluten-sensitive friends, ensuring everyone can enjoy these savory crackers without compromising taste.
• Make-Ahead Brilliance: Shortbread dough logs can be prepared weeks in advance and stored in freezer, wrapped tightly in plastic. Simply slice and bake directly from frozen state, adding 2-3 extra minutes to baking time for perfect crispy texture.

Serving Cheesy Jalapeno Shortbread Right

• Spicy Appetizer Companion: Pair these cheesy shortbread crackers with a cool ranch or sour cream dip to balance the jalapeno heat.
• Cocktail Party Star: Serve alongside classic margaritas or crisp white wines for an elegant appetizer that complements beverage flavors.
• Charcuterie Board Delight: Arrange the shortbread rounds with cured meats, soft cheeses, and pickled vegetables to create a stunning and tasty cheese board centerpiece.
• Game Day Snack Upgrade: Break into smaller pieces and sprinkle over chili, salads, or use as a crunchy topping for soups to add unexpected zesty texture.

Keep Cheesy Jalapeno Shortbread Nice And Crisp

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store shortbread in an airtight container with wax paper between layers to prevent sticking and maintain crisp texture for up to 5 days at cool room temperature.
• Freezing Technique: Wrap unbaked dough logs tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, storing in freezer for 3 months. Slice and bake directly from frozen state, adding 2-3 extra minutes to baking time.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare dough logs up to 3 days before baking, keeping them refrigerated. This allows flavors to develop and provides convenient slice-and-bake convenience for unexpected guests or sudden snack cravings.
• Smart Portion Control: Cut dough logs into smaller segments before freezing, enabling you to bake just a few shortbread rounds at a time. This approach helps manage portion sizes and keeps remaining dough fresh for future enjoyment.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Calories: 200 kcal

Servings: 11

Spicy Jalapeno Shortbread Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 11 1x

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Description

Crispy jalapeño shortbread delivers a spicy twist on classic buttery cookies. Southern bakers will appreciate these tangy, crumbly treats perfect for cocktail parties or afternoon snacking.

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Ingredients

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• 1 ½ cups (340 g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup (2 sticks or 227 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ¾ cups (220 g) all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
• 1 small jalapeno, finely diced (seeds removed for less heat)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Cream butter in a capacious bowl until velvety, thoroughly incorporating shredded cheddar cheese to create a harmonious blend.
2. Dough Formation: Gradually introduce flour, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika, blending until a crumbly consistency develops. Gently fold in finely chopped jalapeno peppers, ensuring uniform distribution throughout the dough.
3. Chilling Process: Divide the mixture into two equal logs, approximately 1.5 inches in diameter. Wrap each log tightly in plastic film and refrigerate for a minimum of 60 minutes to intensify flavors and solidify structure.
4. Baking Setup: Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Slice the chilled logs into delicate 1/4-inch rounds, positioning them with modest spacing to accommodate slight expansion during cooking.
5. Finalization: Bake shortbread rounds for 15-18 minutes until edges turn a delicate golden brown. Transfer immediately to a cooling rack, allowing complete temperature reduction to achieve optimal texture and crisp consistency.

Notes

• Control Jalapeno Heat: Adjust spiciness by removing seeds and membranes for milder flavor or keeping them for extra kick, depending on personal heat tolerance.
• Butter Temperature Matters: Ensure butter is genuinely softened but not melted for optimal dough consistency and perfect shortbread texture.
• Chill Dough Thoroughly: Refrigeration isn’t optional; minimum 1-hour chilling helps logs maintain shape and intensifies flavor complexity during baking.
• Uniform Slice Technique: Use sharp knife and gentle, consistent pressure when cutting rounds to guarantee even baking and professional-looking shortbread with clean edges.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 11
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg