Golden Jalapeño Shortbread: A Zesty Cheesy Recipe

Crisp, buttery shortbread gets a spicy twist with this cheesy jalapeno shortbread that delivers a surprising kick to your snack repertoire.

Sharp cheddar and zesty peppers mingle in a delightful dance of flavors that awakens every taste bud.

The recipe combines the classic tender crumb of traditional shortbread with a bold, savory punch.

Warm from the oven, these golden-edged crackers offer a perfect balance of cheese and heat that keeps you reaching for more.

Ideal for cocktail parties, game nights, or a spontaneous afternoon treat, these shortbread bites pack serious flavor in every delicate, crumbly bite.

Spice lovers and cheese enthusiasts will find themselves completely enchanted by this irresistible savory snack that breaks all the shortbread rules.

Step-by-Step Cheesy Jalapeno Shortbread

• Flour Foundation

Create a soft, powdery base by mixing flour with a whisper of salt in a spacious mixing bowl. This initial blend sets the stage for a delightful flavor journey.

• Butter Blending

Introduce cold butter chunks into the flour mixture. Massage and press the butter until the texture resembles coarse, crumbly sand. This step transforms simple ingredients into a potential masterpiece.

• Flavor Explosion

Gently introduce beaten egg, creating a cohesive dough. Sprinkle in vibrant cheese and zesty jalapeños, ensuring each morsel carries a punch of tangy, spicy goodness.

• Dough Relaxation

Gather the dough into a compact ball, wrap it tenderly in plastic, and let it chill in the refrigerator. This quiet resting period allows flavors to dance and develop depth.

• Oven Preparation

Warm the oven to a toasty 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment, creating a welcoming surface for your soon-to-be treats.

• Shortbread Shaping

Roll the chilled dough into delicate rounds. Arrange them with gentle spacing, then press each one slightly to create rustic, inviting discs.

• Golden Transformation

Bake until edges turn a seductive golden brown, revealing a crisp exterior that promises a delightful crunch. Allow a brief cooling moment before savoring these spicy, cheesy morsels.

Tips for Cheesy Jalapeno Shortbread Variations

• Spice Level Control: Adjust the heat by removing jalapeño seeds for a milder version or adding extra minced peppers for more kick. Fresh jalapeños deliver a brighter flavor compared to pickled ones.
• Cheese Swap Adventure: Experiment with different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar, pepper jack, or smoked gouda to create unique flavor profiles. Each cheese brings its own personality to these savory shortbreads.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the dough up to three days in advance and store it wrapped in the refrigerator. You can even freeze the dough balls for up to a month, baking directly from frozen state with slight time adjustment.
• Herb Enhancement: Boost the flavor by adding chopped fresh herbs like chives, cilantro, or thyme. These green additions will complement the cheesy, spicy base and add an extra layer of complexity to your shortbreads.
• Serving Suggestions: Pair these shortbreads with creamy dips, serve alongside soups, or crumble over salads for a crunchy, spicy garnish. They work wonderfully as a standalone snack or elegant party appetizer.

Cheesy Jalapeno Shortbread Serving Ideas

• Spicy Party Platter: Arrange these zesty shortbreads on a rustic wooden board with creamy goat cheese, sliced salami, and pickled vegetables for a stunning appetizer spread that'll wow your guests.
• Cocktail Companion: Pair these cheesy jalapeño bites with a crisp margarita or a cold craft beer to complement their bold, spicy flavor profile and enhance your happy hour experience.
• Gourmet Salad Topper: Crumble these shortbreads over a fresh mixed green salad with grilled chicken for an unexpected crunch and kick that transforms an ordinary salad into a memorable meal.
• Afternoon Tea Twist: Serve alongside a smooth cream cheese spread or as an alternative to traditional scones during an elevated afternoon tea, adding a surprising southwestern touch to your gathering.

Keeping Cheesy Jalapeno Shortbread Fresh

• Flavor Layering Strategy: Stack shortbreads between parchment paper layers when storing to prevent crumbling and maintain their delicate texture.
• Refrigeration Wisdom: Keep these zesty shortbreads in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to 5 days, ensuring maximum freshness and crisp edges.
• Freezing Magic: Wrap individual shortbreads tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag for convenient storage up to 3 months – perfect for unexpected snack cravings or last-minute entertaining.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate for 24-48 hours before baking, allowing the jalapeño and cheese flavors to intensify and develop a deeper, more complex taste profile.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 14-18 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 38-43 minutes

Calories: 201 kcal

Servings: 13

Ingredients to Make Cheesy Jalapeno Shortbread

• All-Purpose Flour: The sturdy foundation that gives our shortbread its classic crumbly structure and holds everything together perfectly.
• Salt: A tiny sprinkle that magically amplifies the rich cheese and pepper flavors.

• Cold Butter: Creates those melt-in-your-mouth layers that make shortbread irresistibly tender and flaky.
• Cheddar Cheese, Pepper Jack Cheese: Brings bold, tangy personality and a creamy depth that transforms ordinary shortbread into an extraordinary snack.

• Egg: Acts as the secret glue that helps all ingredients unite into a cohesive, delightful dough.
• Fresh Jalapeño Peppers: Delivers a zesty, vibrant heat that dances on your taste buds and gives these shortbreads their signature kick.

Kitchen Equipment for Cheesy Jalapeno Shortbread

• Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining dry and wet ingredients smoothly.
• Pastry Blender or Two Forks: Perfect for cutting butter into flour and creating that classic crumbly texture.
• Whisk: Helps blend flour and salt evenly before adding other ingredients.
• Grater: Needed for shredding cheese with ease.
• Sharp Knife: Great for finely mincing jalapeños.
• Plastic Wrap: Crucial for wrapping and chilling the dough.
• Baking Sheet: Provides a flat surface for baking shortbreads.
• Parchment Paper: Ensures shortbreads don't stick and makes cleanup a breeze.
• Wire Cooling Rack: Helps shortbreads cool evenly and crisp up after baking.

Zesty Jalapeno Shortbread Recipe

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4.7 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 38-43 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Jalapeno shortbread brings together zesty peppers and rich butter in a savory cookie. Crisp edges and spicy notes make this shortbread irresistible for you to enjoy alongside a cool beverage.

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Ingredients

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• 2 cups (470 ml) grated cheddar or pepper jack cheese
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 2–3 fresh jalapeño peppers, finely minced
• 1 ½ cups (180 g) all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp salt
• 8 tbsps (1 stick/113 g) cold butter, cubed

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Instructions

1. Dough Preparation: Whisk flour and salt in a large mixing bowl, creating a uniform dry foundation that promises consistent flavor throughout the shortbread.
2. Butter Integration: Incorporate cold butter cubes into the flour mixture, using a pastry blender to break down the butter until the texture mimics coarse, crumbly breadcrumbs with a light, aerated consistency.
3. Moisture Binding: Fold the beaten egg into the crumbly mixture, gently stirring until the dough coheres into a unified mass that holds together effortlessly.
4. Flavor Enhancement: Delicately mix grated cheese and finely chopped jalapeños throughout the dough, creating a vibrant, speckled blend that promises a burst of zesty excitement in every bite.
5. Dough Conditioning: Shape the dough into a compact sphere, wrap securely in plastic, and refrigerate for one hour to solidify ingredients and intensify flavor development.
6. Oven Preparation: Preheat the oven to 400°F, positioning the rack centrally and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure seamless shortbread release.
7. Shaping and Positioning: Retrieve chilled dough and craft uniform one-inch spheres, arranging them strategically on the baking sheet with adequate spacing to prevent merging during baking.
8. Baking Process: Gently flatten each dough ball and slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven, allowing the shortbreads to transform into golden-edged delicacies over 14-18 minutes.
9. Cooling and Finishing: Once baked, let the shortbreads rest on the baking sheet for five minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring a crisp, perfect texture.

Notes

• Chill Butter Thoroughly: Cold butter is crucial for achieving the perfect crumbly texture in shortbread, ensuring a flaky and delicate final product.
• Handling Jalapeños Carefully: Wear gloves when chopping to prevent skin irritation and wash hands immediately after preparing to avoid transferring heat to eyes or sensitive areas.
• Even Sizing Matters: Uniform dough balls guarantee consistent baking, preventing some cookies from burning while others remain undercooked.
• Cooling Technique: Letting shortbreads rest on the baking sheet for five minutes before transferring helps them set and prevents crumbling, creating a more stable cookie.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 14-18 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 201
• Sugar: 0.4 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 17 g
• Fiber: 0.6 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 34 mg