There’s something undeniably delightful about the combination of cheese and spiciness! I remember the first time I tried these Cheesy Jalapeño Shortbread cookies at a friend’s party. I was skeptical at first—shortbread is supposed to be sweet, right? But one bite changed everything! The rich, buttery flavor paired with the zing of jalapeños and a cheesy kick truly blew my mind.
These little gems make for a perfect addition to any gathering, whether it’s a game night, a cozy cocktail party, or just a casual evening at home. They are surprisingly easy to make, and every time I whip up a batch, I can already imagine my friends raving about them. Let’s dive into what makes these shortbreads so special and the tasty ingredients that go into them.
What’s in Cheesy Jalapeño Shortbread?
Unsalted Butter: The star of the show! Softened butter gives these shortbreads their rich and tender texture. Plus, it’s always better to control the salt, so I prefer unsalted.
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base of our dough. It helps give structure to the cookies without making them too dense.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: A must-have for that cheesy goodness! I love using sharp cheddar for a robust flavor, but feel free to use mild if you prefer it gentler on your palate.
Finely Chopped Jalapeños: These are where the fun starts! I usually remove the seeds to tone down the heat, but if you’re feeling adventurous, keep some in for an extra spicy kick.
Cornstarch: This ingredient helps keep the texture light and crispy, giving the shortbread the perfect melt-in-your-mouth quality.
Garlic Powder: Adds a touch of savory depth that complements the cheese and jalapeños beautifully.
Onion Powder: Like garlic, this adds another layer of flavor without being overpowering.
Salt: Just a little to enhance all those fabulous flavors!
Black Pepper: It’s a subtle addition that rounds out the taste and gives it a little extra zing.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: Because why stop at just cheddar? This elevates the flavor profile and adds a lovely saltiness!
Is Cheesy Jalapeño Shortbread Good for You?
Now, let’s talk about the health side of things! **Cheesy Jalapeño Shortbread** isn’t exactly a health food, but it can have its advantages.
The **jalapeños** pack a punch of vitamin C and antioxidants, which are great for your immune system. Plus, they’re low in calories, so you can enjoy their zesty flavor without guilt. Just remember that more jalapeños means more heat, so if you’re watching out for that, it’s all about finding your balance!
As for the **cheeses**, they do provide essential calcium and protein, but watch out for the fat and sodium content. Everything in moderation! These cookies can be a lovely treat as part of a balanced diet.
Ingredients for Cheesy Jalapeño Shortbread
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup finely chopped jalapeños (seeds removed for less heat)
– 1/4 cup cornstarch
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for added flavor)
**Serves:** About 24 shortbread cookies
How to Make Cheesy Jalapeño Shortbread?
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. It’s a small, simple step but one that makes cleanup a breeze!
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and cheddar cheese until well combined. I love using a hand mixer for this—so easy and efficient!
3. Add in the finely chopped jalapeños. Mix until they are evenly distributed throughout the buttery goodness.
4. In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. This ensures everything is well mixed before you combine them.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter and cheese mixture, stirring until a cozy dough forms. Get in there with your hands if you need to!
6. Fold in the grated Parmesan cheese until fully incorporated, creating a two-cheese dream come true.
7. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes using cookie cutters or a knife—get creative!
8. Place the cut shortbread onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart. They will spread a little, so give them some room to breathe.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will drive everyone wild!
10. Once baked, remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Savory Serving Suggestions
If you want to kick things up a notch with these shortbreads, consider pairing them with a creamy dip or a zesty salsa. They also make for a delightful addition to a cheese platter—just imagine their bold flavors alongside some fresh fruits and crackers!
For those who want to make these even more unique, consider adding herbs like thyme or rosemary for a fresh twist! I also find that they store beautifully. Just keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week—if they last that long!
So there you have it! A culinary journey that takes you from mixing bowl to mouth in no time flat. I really hope you’ll give these Cheesy Jalapeño Shortbread cookies a try. I promise they’ll bring a cheesy smile to your face! When you do, let me know how they turn out; I can’t wait to hear your thoughts!
