Cheesy Jalapeño Shortbread: A Spicy Twist on a Classic Favorite
Elevate your snack game with these irresistible Cheesy Jalapeño Shortbread cookies. Perfectly buttery, cheesy, and with a hint of heat from fresh jalapeño peppers, these savory shortbread bites are a delightful treat for any occasion. Whether served as a party appetizer, enjoyed with a glass of wine, or savored as a midday snack, these shortbread cookies are sure to impress. Let’s dive into the recipe and discover how to make these savory delights!
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 8 tablespoons (1 stick) cold butter, cubed
- 2 cups grated cheddar or pepper jack cheese
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 2-3 fresh jalapeño peppers, finely minced
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with butter.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt until well combined.
- Cut in Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add Cheese and Jalapeños: Stir in the grated cheddar or pepper jack cheese and finely minced jalapeño peppers until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Form Dough: Drizzle the lightly beaten egg over the dough mixture and gently knead until the dough comes together and forms a cohesive ball.
- Shape Cookies: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters or a knife to cut out desired shapes, such as squares or rounds.
- Bake: Place the shaped cookies onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the shortbread cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve the cheesy jalapeño shortbread cookies warm or at room temperature.
Cook’s Tips and Variations:
- Adjust Spice Level: If you prefer milder shortbread cookies, remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeño peppers before mincing them. For extra heat, leave some or all of the seeds intact.
- Cheese Variations: Experiment with different types of cheese to customize the flavor of your shortbread cookies. Sharp cheddar, pepper jack, or even a blend of cheeses can work well in this recipe.
- Add Seasonings: Enhance the flavor of the shortbread cookies by adding herbs and spices such as garlic powder, onion powder, or smoked paprika to the dough.
Keto and Low-Carb Adaptations:
Keto Version:
- Substitute almond flour or a combination of almond flour and coconut flour for the all-purpose flour to make these shortbread cookies keto-friendly.
- Use shredded mozzarella or a blend of mozzarella and cheddar cheese for a lower-carb option.
Low-Carb Version:
- Reduce the amount of all-purpose flour and replace it with almond flour or coconut flour to decrease the carb content of the shortbread cookies.
- Use a sugar-free sweetener such as erythritol or stevia instead of the egg to bind the dough together.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
1. Can I make these shortbread cookies ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the dough for the shortbread cookies in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Alternatively, you can freeze the shaped cookie dough and bake them straight from the freezer when ready.
2. How should I store leftover shortbread cookies? Store the cooled shortbread cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 1 month.
3. Can I make these shortbread cookies gluten-free? Yes, you can make gluten-free cheesy jalapeño shortbread cookies by using a gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour. Additionally, ensure that all other ingredients, including the cheese, are gluten-free.
4. Can I customize the shapes of the shortbread cookies? Absolutely! Get creative with the shapes of your shortbread cookies by using cookie cutters or shaping the dough into squares, rectangles, or even triangles.
Cheesy Jalapeño Shortbread cookies are a delightful combination of buttery, cheesy goodness with a spicy kick from fresh jalapeño peppers. Whether enjoyed as a savory snack or served alongside soups and salads, these flavorful shortbread cookies are sure to tantalize your taste buds. With just a handful of ingredients and simple preparation steps, you can whip up a batch of these savory treats to enjoy with family and friends. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to savor the deliciousness of Cheesy Jalapeño Shortbread cookies!
