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Cheesy Jalapeño Shortbread

Cheesy Jalapeño Shortbread

Cheesy Jalapeño Shortbread is a deliciously bold and savory snack combining the rich, buttery crumb of classic shortbread with sharp cheddar cheese and spicy jalapeños. Perfect as a party appetizer or a sophisticated nibble alongside tea, this recipe offers a melt-in-your-mouth texture with a customizable heat level to suit any palate.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 24 pieces 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free version)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • Optional: ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, diced
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
  • 1–2 fresh jalapeños, seeds removed and finely diced (adjust quantity for spice level)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Jalapeños and Cheese: Finely dice the fresh jalapeños after removing the seeds for moderate heat, and grate the sharp cheddar cheese so it blends evenly into the dough.
  2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: Whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and optional garlic powder in a large bowl, ensuring a uniform base for your shortbread dough.
  3. Cut in the Butter: Add cold, diced butter to the flour mixture, then use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  4. Incorporate Cheese and Jalapeños: Gently fold the grated cheese and diced jalapeños into the crumbly mixture, distributing them evenly without overworking the dough.
  5. Form the Dough: Press the mixture firmly into a disk, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld and the dough firm up.
  6. Shape and Bake: Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness, cut into shapes or squares, place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until lightly golden around the edges.

Notes

  • Cold Ingredients: Keep your butter and jalapeños chilled for a flaky texture and fresh spice.
  • Don’t Overmix: Handle the dough gently to maintain shortbread’s tender crumb.
  • Use Sharp Cheese: Strong cheese options deliver maximum flavor impact.
  • Chill Before Baking: Chilling improves dough elasticity and helps retain shape while baking.
  • Even Slicing: Use a sharp knife or cookie cutters for uniform pieces that bake evenly.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2 pieces
  • Calories: 150 kcal
  • Sugar: 0.5 g
  • Sodium: 180 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 9 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg

Keywords: Cheesy Jalapeño Shortbread, savory snack, spicy shortbread, jalapeño appetizers, cheese crackers, gluten-free snack