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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- Preparation: Cream butter in a capacious bowl until velvety, thoroughly incorporating shredded cheddar cheese to create a harmonious blend.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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