Cheesy Jalapeño Shortbread Recipe for Flavorful Snacks

This Cheesy Jalapeño Shortbread is a mix of buttery shortbread and spicy jalapeños . It also got сheesy bits in it , which gives it a savory kick . The cookie crumbles easy and melts almost in your mouth , with a tiny crunch from baked jalapeño bits .

People are talking more about this recipe lately . It’s poplar at parties or just when you need a snack that’s a bit different . You can serve it with drinks or put it on a cheese board , and folks will ask where you got it from .

What is Cheesy Jalapeño Shortbread?

Shortbread is a simple cookie from Scotland that’s known for being soft and buttery . This version are made with cheese and fresh jalapeños , so it’s not sweet but savory and a little spicy .

The inсlusion of pepper jack or cheddar adds a crеamy taste that works good with the heat . The balance of spice and creaminess makes this snack stand out , turning a plain cookie into something exciting .

Ingredients for Cheesy Jalapeño Shortbread

To make a batch, you need a few basic ingrеdients that you probly have already :

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter , softened
• 1 cup shredded chееse (cheddar or pepper jack)
• 1–2 fresh jalapeños , finely chopped
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
• 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)

Better chеese and fresh peppers make it taste way better . If you need gluten-free or dairy-free options , you can swap flour or cheese easily .

Equipment Needed

You don’t need fancy tools . Just grab these :

• Baking sheet , lined or greased
• Mixer (stand or hand) to cream butter and cheese
• Measuring cups and spoons for exact amounts
• Rolling pin to flatten the dough
• Knife or cutter to shape the cookies
• Container to store leftovers

Detailed Recipe Section

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter , softened
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or pepper jack)
• 1–2 fresh jalapeños , finely chopped
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
• 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven : Set it to 350°F (175°C) so it’s hot when you put cookies in .
2. Prep the sheet : Line a baking sheet with parchment or grease it lightly to stop sticking .
3. Mix dry : In a bowl, whisk flour , powdered sugar , salt and any spices like garlic powder and paprika until even .
4. Cream butter and cheese : Beat softened butter and shredded cheese together until light and fluffy .
5. Combine : Slowly add dry mix into the butter mixture . Stir in chopped jalapeños until spread out .
6. Shape dough : On a floured surface, roll to about ¼ inch thickness . Cut shapes with a cutter or knife .
7. Bake : Place cutouts on the sheet and bake for 15–20 minutes or until edges turn light golden . Don’t let them burn .
8. Cool down : Let cookies sit on the sheet for a few minutes then move to a rack to cool completely . Store in an airtight container .

Expert Tip

For extra fun, serve your shortbread with dips like sour cream , spicy guacamole or fresh salsa . A cold beer or a glass of white wine pairs real well too .

Flavor Pairings for Cheesy Jalapeño Shortbread

• Dips and spreads : Sour cream adds cool creaminess , guacamole brings rich texture , and salsa can boost the spice .
• Drinks : A chilled Sauvignon Blanc or light lager cuts through the cheese and heat nicely .
• Serving : Great as appetizers , game-day snacks , or on a cheese board for guests to try .

Nutritional Information

• Calories : About 100 per cookie , depending on size .
• Macros : Roughly 8g fat , 8g carbs , 2g protein from cheese and butter .
• Healthier swaps : Use reduced-fat cheese or swap some flour for whole grain or almond flour .

History and Origin of Shortbread

Shortbread dates back to 12th-century Scotland and was first made from leftover bread dough . Over time, bakers added more butter and sugar to make it richer .

In the Victorian era, they used fancy molds and new flavors . Today we have many versions , like this spicy cheesy one , showing how creative cooks can get .

Popular Variations of Cheesy Jalapeño Shortbread

• Different chееses : Try feta for tangy taste or blue cheese for a bolder bite .
• Extra add-ins : Crisp bacon bits or fresh herbs can add more flavor .
• Other heat : Use chipotle peppers or habaneros if you like it really spicy .

FAQs About Cheesy Jalapeño Shortbread

1. Can I use frozen butter? It’s best to use softened , fresh butter . Frozen can cause uneven mixing .
2. What if I don’t like jalapeños? Swap them for bell peppers or poblanos for a milder taste .
3. How to store leftovers? Keep in an airtight container at room temp for up to a week . You can freeze for longer .
4. Can I make dough ahead? Yes , you can chill it in the fridge for three days or freeze it . Cut before baking .
5. Is there a gluten-free version? Sure , use your favorite gluten-free flour blend and enjoy without wheat .

Conclusion

Cheesy Jalapeño Shortbread is a fun twist on a classic . Its blend of butter , cheese and spice makes it great for any time you want something different . Try it out and share your own tweaks with friends or family !

Cheesy Jalapeño Shortbread

These Cheesy Jalapeño Shortbreads are a delightful twist on traditional shortbread, combining the rich flavors of cheese with a spicy kick from jalapeños. Perfect as a snack or for entertaining, these savory treats are easy to prepare and pack a flavorful punch.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 4 People

Calories 100 kcal

Equipment

• 1 mixing bowl
• 1 baking tray
• 1 parchment paper
• 1 rolling pin
• 1 sharp knife or pizza cutter
• 1 measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients

  

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup unsalted butter Softened
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• ¼ cup finely chopped fresh jalapeños Seeds removed for less heat
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• optional amount extra cheese for topping

Instructions

 

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
• In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and shredded sharp cheddar cheese, mixing until well combined.
• Add the all-purpose flour, chopped jalapeños, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder to the butter and cheese mixture. Stir until a dough forms.
• On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about ¼ inch thick. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice the dough into squares or your desired shape.
• Place the shortbread pieces onto the prepared baking tray, spacing them about 1 inch apart. If desired, sprinkle extra cheese on top of each piece.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
• Remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking tray for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
• Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

Store any leftover shortbread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

Feel free to adjust the amount of jalapeños based on your spice preference.

These shortbreads pair well with pickled jalapeños or your favorite dip.