Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these cheesy jalapeno shortbread cookies! They’re like a flavor explosion in every bite, combining the rich, buttery goodness of shortbread with the zesty kick of jalapenos and the melty goodness of cheddar cheese. Trust me, it’s a match made in snack heaven! I first stumbled upon this recipe at a potluck when a friend brought these delightful morsels, and I couldn’t get enough. The mix of savory and spicy is just so unique and irresistible. Perfect for parties, game days, or just a cozy night in, these cookies will have everyone coming back for more. You’ll want to make a double batch, trust me!
Ingredients List
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup finely chopped jalapenos
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
How to Prepare Cheesy Jalapeno Shortbread
Making these cheesy jalapeno shortbread cookies is a breeze, and I promise you’ll love every step of the process! Let’s get started, shall we?
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial because you want those cookies to bake evenly and achieve that lovely golden edge.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes of mixing, and it’s super satisfying to see it get airy!
- Next, add in the all-purpose flour, salt, cayenne pepper, shredded cheddar cheese, and those finely chopped jalapenos. Mix everything together until a dough forms. It might seem a bit crumbly at first, but don’t worry, it will come together!
- Once your dough is ready, shape it into a log. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and chill it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This step is essential as it helps the cookies hold their shape while baking.
- After chilling, take the dough out and slice it into 1/4 inch thick rounds. Try to keep them even so they bake uniformly!
- Place those delightful rounds on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, giving them a little space in between for spreading.
- Now, pop them in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the edges turn a lovely golden brown. Your kitchen will smell heavenly at this point!
- Once baked, let them cool on a wire rack before serving. Just a few minutes of patience, and you’ll have the most delicious cheesy jalapeno shortbread cookies ready to enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s easy to make, perfect for any skill level!
- The unique combination of cheesy goodness and spicy jalapenos is simply irresistible.
- These cookies are fantastic snacks for any occasion, from casual get-togethers to fancy parties.
- They’re great for meal prep—make a batch ahead and enjoy them throughout the week.
- Trust me, they’re a crowd-pleaser that will keep your friends and family coming back for more!
Tips for Success
To ensure your cheesy jalapeno shortbread cookies turn out perfectly, here are some handy tips! First, make sure your butter is softened but not melted; this helps create that lovely, flaky texture. If you want a spicier kick, feel free to add extra jalapenos, but chop them finely to avoid any big bites. Also, chilling the dough is key—it helps with slicing and keeps the cookies from spreading too much while baking. And remember, every oven is a little different, so keep an eye on them as they bake; you want those edges to be golden but not overdone. Enjoy baking!
Serving Suggestions
These cheesy jalapeno shortbread cookies are delicious on their own, but pairing them with the right accompaniments can elevate your snacking experience even further! I love serving them alongside a zesty guacamole or a creamy avocado dip; the flavors blend so wonderfully! If you want a refreshing drink, try a chilled glass of iced tea or a light beer, as they really complement the spicy kick of the jalapenos. For a twist, you could even offer a sharp cheddar cheese platter with some fresh fruits—think apples or pears—to create a delightful contrast. Trust me, these pairings will make your cheesy jalapeno shortbread a hit at any gathering!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your cheesy jalapeno shortbread cookies fresh and tasty, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you have leftovers (which I doubt, because they’re so good!), you can also freeze them for longer storage. Just make sure to wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll last about 2 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy them, no need to thaw—just pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes to warm them up. This will bring back that irresistible buttery flavor and texture!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each cheesy jalapeno shortbread cookie: around 120 calories, 9g of fat (with 5g of saturated fat), 2g of protein, and 10g of carbohydrates. You’ll also find about 1g of sugar and 150mg of sodium per cookie. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. Enjoy indulging in these flavorful bites without any guilt!
FAQ Section
Can I use different types of cheese? Absolutely! While I love using cheddar for its rich flavor, you can experiment with other cheeses like pepper jack for an extra kick or even a softer cheese like gouda for a creamier texture.
What if I don’t like spicy food? No worries! You can easily reduce the amount of jalapenos or even leave them out entirely. The cookies will still be deliciously cheesy without the heat!
How can I make these cookies ahead of time? You can prepare the dough, shape it into a log, and wrap it tightly. Just chill it in the fridge for up to a day before slicing and baking. It’s a great time-saver!
Can I add herbs or spices? Yes! Feel free to get creative by adding herbs like cilantro or chives to enhance the flavors. Just make sure not to overpower the cheese and jalapeno!
What’s the best way to serve these cookies? They’re fantastic warm, but you can serve them at room temperature too. Pair them with dips or a cheese platter for an extra special touch!
Print
Cheesy Jalapeno Shortbread: 7 Irresistibly Flavorful Cookies
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A savory shortbread cookie infused with cheesy and spicy jalapeno flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup finely chopped jalapenos
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream together the butter and powdered sugar.
- Add flour, salt, cayenne pepper, cheese, and jalapenos. Mix until a dough forms.
- Shape the dough into a log and wrap it in plastic wrap. Chill for 30 minutes.
- Slice the log into 1/4 inch thick rounds.
- Place the rounds on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the edges are golden.
- Let cool on a wire rack before serving.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
- You can adjust the amount of jalapenos to suit your taste.
- Experiment with different types of cheese for varied flavors.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: cheesy jalapeno shortbread, savory cookies, jalapeno snacks
