Cheesy Jalapeño Shortbread

INGREDIENTS

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 8 tablespoons (1 stick) cold butter, cubed
• 2 cups grated cheddar or pepper jack cheese
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 2-3 fresh jalapeño peppers, finely minced

PREPARATION

1. Combine flour and salt in a large bowl. Cut in butter using a pastry knife or two forks. Mixture will be dry and crumbly. Stir in beaten egg and then add cheese and jalapeño. Roll into a ball and cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 1 hour.
2. Heat oven to 400°F. Roll dough into 1” balls and place on greased or lined baking sheet spaced 2” apart. Press each cookie to flatten slightly using a flat-bottomed mug or jar.
3. Bake for 14-18 minutes or until shortbread is just beginning to turn golden brown. Allow to cool on pan for 5 minutes and then transfer to wire rack to cool completely before serving.