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Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and garlic powder (if using). Stir until evenly mixed.
- Cream the Butter: In another bowl, beat the unsalted butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer on medium speed.
- Incorporate the Cheese: Add the grated sharp cheddar cheese and finely chopped jalapeños to the butter mixture. Stir in the cheese and jalapeños until everything is evenly distributed.
- Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir until combined into a dough. If the dough seems too dry, add a tablespoon of cold water to help bring it together.
Step 2: Shape and Bake
- Roll Out the Dough: Lightly flour your work surface and roll the dough into a rough rectangle, about ½ inch thick. You can also roll the dough into a log and slice it into rounds if you prefer round cookies.
- Cut the Shortbread: Using a knife or cookie cutter, cut the dough into squares, rectangles, or any shape you prefer. For a more traditional shortbread look, use a knife to score lines across the dough before baking.
- Bake the Shortbread: Transfer the shortbread pieces to the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges start to turn golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the shortbread to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Success:
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you like your shortbread extra spicy, leave the seeds in the jalapeños. For a milder version, remove the seeds before chopping.
- Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses, like Parmesan, Gruyère, or a spicy pepper jack, to customize the flavor to your liking.
- Chill the Dough: If you have time, chill the dough for 30 minutes before rolling it out. This helps the shortbread maintain its shape and prevents it from spreading too much while baking.
- Add Herbs: For an added layer of flavor, try mixing in a tablespoon of fresh cilantro or green onions into the dough. This will give the shortbread a fresh, herbaceous note.
Serving Suggestions:
- As an Appetizer: Serve these cheesy jalapeño shortbread cookies as an appetizer with a creamy dip or salsa for dipping.
- Pair with Drinks: These shortbread cookies pair wonderfully with a cold beer, iced tea, or even a crisp white wine.
- Cheese Platter: They make an excellent addition to any cheese board, complementing soft cheeses like brie, gouda, or goat cheese.
Conclusion:
Cheesy Jalapeño Shortbread is a delightful and unexpected twist on the traditional shortbread cookie, making it the perfect treat for anyone who loves bold flavors and savory snacks. Whether you’re baking them for a party or enjoying them as a mid-afternoon snack, these shortbread bites are sure to impress with their perfect combination of creamy cheese and spicy heat. Try this recipe today for a buttery, cheesy, and satisfying snack!
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