Description
Cheesy jalapeño shortbread delivers a spicy-rich twist on classic buttery cookies. Crisp edges and zesty peppers create an irresistible snack that seamlessly blends comfort with bold southwestern flavors you’ll crave.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups grated cheddar or pepper jack cheese
- 2–3 fresh jalapeño peppers, finely minced
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
Flour Base:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
Fat Component:
- 8 tablespoons (1 stick/113 grams) cold butter, cubed
Instructions
- Prepare the dry foundation by whisking flour and salt in a spacious mixing bowl, ensuring even flavor distribution for the shortbread.
- Introduce cold butter cubes into the flour mixture, methodically breaking down the butter using a pastry blender until the texture resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
- Integrate the beaten egg into the crumbly mixture, gently stirring until the dough begins to coalesce.
- Infuse flavor by carefully folding grated cheese and finely chopped jalapeños throughout the dough, creating a vibrant and textured blend that showcases specks of green and cheese.
- Form the dough into a compact sphere, encase it in plastic wrap, and allow it to rest in the refrigerator for approximately 60 minutes, which helps solidify the ingredients and enhance the overall flavor profile.
- Warm the oven to 400°F, positioning the rack in the center, and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Extract the chilled dough and craft small, uniform spheres approximately one inch in diameter, positioning them evenly across the prepared baking surface with sufficient spacing to prevent merging during baking.
- Gently press down on each dough ball, creating a slight flattened shape to promote even cooking and crisp edges.
- Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven, allowing the shortbreads to transform into golden-kissed delicacies for 14-18 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and permit the shortbreads to rest on the baking sheet for five minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire cooling rack to achieve complete cooling and optimal texture.
Notes
- Spice up your baking game with these irresistible cheesy jalapeño shortbreads that pack a punch of flavor and crunch.
- Chilling the dough isn’t just a suggestion; it’s the secret weapon that helps the ingredients marry and creates a more manageable texture.
- Grated cheese and finely chopped jalapeños transform ordinary shortbread into an extraordinary, bold snack that’ll have everyone asking for the recipe.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 40mg