Spicy Cheese Shortbread is one of my favorite little nibbles to make when I want something special that doesn’t take all day. These buttery, cheesy crackers have just the right kick of heat to keep folks coming back for more.
What makes these so wonderful is the combination of sharp cheddar and a touch of mustard that brings out such a rich flavor, with red pepper adding a lovely warmth that surprises the palate. The secret is keeping your butter nice and cold so the shortbread stays tender and crumbly, just the way it should be.
I love setting out a little plate of these when the grandchildren visit, or tucking them into a tin to give as gifts during the holidays. They’re perfect with a cup of tea in the afternoon, and they always remind me of simpler times when homemade treats meant the most.
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Spicy Cheese Shortbread
Ingredients
- 2 cup Cheddar Cheese
- 1.5 cup All-Purpose Flour
- 0.75 teaspoon Mustard
- 0.25 teaspoon Red Pepper
- 0.5 cup Butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 F.
- Toss together cheese, flour, mustard and cayenne.
- Mix in butter.
- Knead with your hands to form a dough.
- If the dough feels very dry, add a tablespoon of water.
- On a floured surface, roll out half the dough to a thickness between 1/8- and 1/4-inch.
- Cut into squares.
- Place on ungreased cookie sheets and bake 10 to 12 minutes until lightly browned on the bottom.
- Remove to a rack to cool.
