Zesty Crispy Jalapeño Shortbread Recipe for Spice Lovers

Buttery, crumbly shortbread meets spicy jalapeño in a delightful dance of flavors that will spark your taste buds.

This jalapeño shortbread recipe blends traditional Scottish baking with a zesty Mexican-inspired twist.

Sharp cheddar cheese adds depth to the crisp, golden rounds.

The heat from fresh peppers cuts through rich butter, creating a complex snack that surprises and delights.

Every bite promises a perfect balance between creamy texture and spicy kick.

Serve these shortbread at your next gathering, and watch as guests marvel at this unexpected culinary creation.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 198 kcal

Servings: 13

What You Need for Cheesy Jalapeno Shortbread

• Butter: Provides rich, creamy foundation and ensures tender texture with smooth melting properties.
• Cheddar Cheese: Delivers bold, tangy flavor and creates irresistible cheesy undertones.

• Black Pepper: Adds subtle warmth and sharp, spicy kick to complement cheese.
• Smoked Paprika: Introduces deep, smoky complexity and vibrant color to shortbread.
• Jalapeno: Brings fresh, zippy heat and bright green specks for visual interest.

• All-Purpose Flour: Creates crisp, crumbly texture and binds ingredients together.
• Salt: Balances flavors and enhances overall taste profile of shortbread.

Gear Up to Prepare Cheesy Jalapeno Shortbread

• Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining ingredients smoothly and easily.
• Electric Mixer or Whisk: Perfect for beating butter until creamy and blending cheese.
• Cutting Board: Needed for dicing jalapenos and creating clean work surface.
• Sharp Knife: Crucial for finely chopping jalapenos and slicing dough logs.
• Plastic Wrap: Helps wrap and chill dough logs neatly.
• Baking Sheet: Provides flat surface for baking shortbread rounds.
• Parchment Paper: Prevents shortbread from sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
• Wire Cooling Rack: Allows shortbread to cool evenly and maintain crisp texture.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient measurements.

Prep & Cook: Cheesy Jalapeno Shortbread

• Whip Creamy Base

Grab a mixing bowl and transform softened butter into a silky smooth texture. Blend in sharp cheddar cheese until the mixture looks gloriously unified.

• Craft Dough Mixture

Sprinkle in flour, season with salt, pepper, and a dash of smoky spice. Gently fold everything together until a crumbly dough emerges. Scatter chopped jalapenos throughout, ensuring an even zesty distribution.

• Shape and Chill

Split the dough into two cylindrical logs, each about the width of a golf ball. Tightly wrap these flavor-packed rolls in plastic and park them in the refrigerator for a solid hour. Let the ingredients mingle and firm up.

• Slice and Bake

Heat the oven to a toasty 350F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Slice the chilled logs into delicate coin-sized rounds, placing them with a bit of breathing room between each piece.

• Transform in Oven

Slide the baking sheet into the oven and bake until the edges turn a beautiful golden hue, roughly 15-18 minutes. Allow the shortbread to rest briefly on the sheet, then transfer to a cooling rack for the final stage of perfection.

Tips to Upgrade Cheesy Jalapeno Shortbread

• Remove jalapeno seeds for milder shortbread or keep them for extra heat intensity.
• Shortbread dough logs can be refrigerated up to 3 days or frozen for 1 month before baking for convenient preparation.
• Swap regular flour with gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make the recipe celiac-friendly without compromising texture.
• Experiment with different sharp cheeses like pepper jack, gruyere, or aged white cheddar to create unique flavor profiles.
• Use reduced-sodium cheese and cut salt quantity by half for a heart-healthy version of this savory shortbread.

Ways to Present Cheesy Jalapeno Shortbread with Style

• Spicy Appetizer Companion: Pair these zesty shortbread crackers with cool sour cream or ranch dip to balance the jalapeno heat.
• Cocktail Party Superstar: Serve alongside classic martinis or margaritas as a bold, cheesy nibble that complements strong drink flavors.
• Charcuterie Board Upgrade: Arrange the shortbread rounds among cured meats, soft cheeses, and pickled vegetables for an elegant appetizer spread that adds texture and kick.
• Wine Night Wonder: Match these crackers with crisp white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio to enhance their sharp cheddar and spicy notes.

Store Cheesy Jalapeno Shortbread Like a Pro

• Keep these zesty treats fresh and delicious.
• Store cooled shortbread in a sealed container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Layer between parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain crisp texture.
• Wrap shortbread logs or baked cookies tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving for maximum flavor.
• Prepare dough logs in advance and refrigerate for 2-3 days before baking. This lets flavors meld and saves time when unexpected guests arrive.
• Keep shortbread away from humid areas to prevent softening. Store in a cool, dry pantry or kitchen cabinet to maintain their delightful crunch and cheesy kick.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute cheddar with other hard cheeses like parmesan or gruyere. Just ensure the cheese is finely shredded and melts well.

• How spicy will these shortbread be?

The spice level depends on the jalapeno’s heat and whether you remove the seeds. For milder shortbread, remove the seeds; for more heat, keep them in.

• Is it necessary to chill the dough?

Absolutely. Chilling helps the shortbread maintain its shape, prevents spreading during baking, and allows flavors to meld together.

• Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough logs and refrigerate them for up to 3 days before baking, or freeze for up to 1 month for longer storage.

Crispy Jalapeño Shortbread Recipe

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4.8 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Savory jalapeño cheese shortbread delights with its spicy-sharp profile. These crisp, buttery crackers blend sharp cheddar and fresh jalapeños into an irresistible Southern-style nibble perfect for cocktail hour or snacking.

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Ingredients

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• 1 cup (226 grams / 2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 small jalapeno, finely diced (remove seeds for less heat)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra flavor)

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Instructions

1. Butter Preparation: Whip softened butter to a silky smooth texture, then gently fold in shredded cheddar cheese until thoroughly integrated.
2. Dough Formation: Blend flour, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika into the butter-cheese mixture, creating a crumbly consistency. Incorporate finely chopped jalapeno peppers, ensuring even distribution throughout the dough.
3. Chilling Process: Shape the dough into two cylindrical logs, each approximately 1.5 inches thick. Wrap securely in plastic and refrigerate for 60 minutes to consolidate flavors and firm the texture.
4. Prepping and Slicing: Preheat oven to 350F (175C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Unwrap chilled logs and slice into delicate 1/4-inch rounds. Arrange shortbread rounds on the prepared sheet with slight spacing between each piece.
5. Baking and Cooling: Bake for 15-18 minutes until edges turn a delicate golden hue. Allow cookies to rest momentarily on the baking sheet, then transfer to a wire rack to crisp and cool completely.

Notes

Manage Spice Level: Control the heat by removing jalapeno seeds or selecting milder pepper varieties for a gentler flavor profile.

Chill Dough Thoroughly: Ensure complete refrigeration for at least 1 hour to prevent spreading and maintain precise shortbread shape during baking.

Uniform Slice Technique: Use a sharp knife and gentle sawing motion to create consistent 1/4-inch thick rounds for even baking and professional appearance.

Cheese Selection Matters: Opt for high-quality, aged cheddar with sharp flavor to enhance the overall taste and provide robust cheese notes in the shortbread.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 198
• Sugar: 0.2 g
• Sodium: 115 mg
• Fat: 17 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg