🧀 Introducing a delectable delight that combines the richness of sharp cheddar cheese with the comforting crumble of shortbread – behold, the Spicy Cheese Shortbread! 🎉 This tantalizing treat, perfect for any occasion but particularly suited for festive gatherings like Christmas 🎄, emanates a delightful aroma and packs a flavorful punch that will have your taste buds dancing with joy. With a preparation time of just 20 minutes and a total cook time of 32 minutes, this recipe promises to deliver scrumptious satisfaction in under an hour! 🕒
🍪 Recipe Ingredients:
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated 🧀
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 🌾
- 3/4 teaspoon dry mustard 🌶️
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper 🌶️
- 1/2 cup butter, softened 🧈
📝 Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready to work its magic when your shortbread is prepared.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the grated sharp cheddar cheese, all-purpose flour, dry mustard, and ground cayenne pepper, tossing them together until well mixed and the cheese is evenly distributed, creating a tantalizing blend of flavors.
- Add the softened butter to the mixture, incorporating it thoroughly until a cohesive dough begins to form, bringing together the richness of the butter with the savory notes of the cheese and the subtle heat of the spices.
- With your hands, knead the dough gently until it comes together in a smooth, pliable mass, ensuring that all ingredients are fully integrated and no pockets of dry flour remain.
- If the dough feels overly dry and crumbly, adjust the consistency by gradually adding a tablespoon of water, incorporating it into the dough until it reaches the desired texture, ensuring a perfect balance between moisture and crumble.
- On a clean, floured surface, roll out half of the dough to a thickness ranging between 1/8 and 1/4 inch, allowing for a delicate balance between crispness and tenderness in each delectable bite.
- Using a sharp knife or pastry cutter, cut the rolled-out dough into equally sized squares, ensuring uniformity in both appearance and baking time to achieve perfectly golden brown shortbread.
- Carefully transfer the cut squares onto ungreased cookie sheets, spacing them evenly apart to allow for proper airflow during baking, ensuring even browning and a consistent texture.
- Place the prepared cookie sheets into the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the bottoms of the shortbread squares are lightly browned, indicating that they are perfectly baked and ready to be enjoyed.
- Once baked to perfection, remove the shortbread from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, allowing them to firm up and develop their signature crumbly texture while maintaining their irresistible cheesy goodness.
👩🍳 Chef’s Tips:
- For an extra kick of spice, feel free to adjust the amount of ground cayenne pepper to suit your personal preference, adding more for a fiery flavor or reducing it for a milder taste sensation.
- Experiment with different types of cheese to create unique variations of this recipe, such as substituting sharp cheddar with aged Gouda or smoked Gruyère for a delightful twist on the classic shortbread.
- To enhance the festive spirit, consider using cookie cutters to shape the shortbread into holiday-themed designs, adding a touch of whimsy and charm to your culinary creations.
🎉 Whether served as a savory snack alongside a glass of wine or incorporated into a festive cheese platter, these Spicy Cheese Shortbread cookies are sure to be a hit at any gathering, spreading joy and delight with every irresistible bite. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and embark on a culinary adventure that promises to satisfy both your cravings and your creativity! 🍽️
