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Cheesy Jalapeño Shortbread

Cheesy Jalapeño Shortbread
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Cheesy Jalapeño Shortbread is a savory, flavorful snack combining rich buttery shortbread with the bold heat of fresh jalapeños and sharp cheddar cheese. Perfect for parties, cozy nights, or casual snacking, this easy-to-make recipe delivers a unique twist on comfort food with customizable spice levels and versatile options to suit various dietary needs.

Ingredients

Scale

Basic Ingredients

  • 1 cup cold unsalted butter
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for gluten-free version)
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
  • 2 fresh jalapeños, finely chopped (seeds removed for milder heat)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Finely chop the fresh jalapeños, removing seeds if you prefer milder heat. Grate the sharp cheddar cheese and chill the butter to maintain the crumbly shortbread texture during baking.
  2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour with salt and optional paprika, stirring thoroughly to distribute the flavors evenly.
  3. Cream Butter and Cheese: Using a mixer or by hand, cream the cold butter together with the grated cheddar cheese until smooth but still slightly chunky, ensuring cheese pockets throughout the dough.
  4. Add Jalapeños and Combine: Gently fold the chopped jalapeños into the butter-cheese mixture, then gradually add the flour mixture, mixing just until the dough comes together. Avoid overworking to keep the shortbread tender.
  5. Shape and Chill the Dough: Form the dough into a log or press it into a square pan, wrap it well, and chill for at least 30 minutes. This helps in cutting clean shapes and gives the shortbread firmness.
  6. Slice and Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). If using the log method, slice the dough into 1/4- to 1/2-inch thick pieces. Place on a lined baking sheet and bake for 15–18 minutes, or until golden brown around the edges.
  7. Cool and Enjoy: Let the shortbread cool completely on a wire rack to develop the best texture and flavor before serving.

Notes

  • Use cold butter to achieve tender, flaky texture.
  • Do not overmix the dough to avoid toughness.
  • Adjust jalapeño quantity and seeds to control the heat level.
  • Chilling the dough is essential for ease of slicing and shape retention.
  • Combine different cheeses like sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack for added complexity.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cheesy Jalapeño Shortbread, savory snack, spicy shortbread, jalapeño cheese cookies, gluten-free snacks, appetizer, party snacks

Find it online: https://homemademealz.com/cheesy-jalapeo-shortbread/