Cheddar Jalapeno Cookies

By á-5018

Ingredients

• 1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 8-ounce block of extra-sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup butter, room temperature
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup pickled jalapenos*, patted dry

Preparation

Step 1

1. In a mixer or food processor, combine butter, salt and pepper until thoroughly blended. In a separate bowl, mix together flour and cheddar. Slowly add flour and cheese until dough clears the sides of mixer. Don’t over-mix. Then fold in jalapenos.
2. Next, shape the dough into a disc, wrap in parchment or wax paper and chill for about 20 to 30 minutes.
3. Preheat oven to 350°.
4. On a floured surface, roll out dough until it is about a 1/2″ thick. Using about a 2″ circular cookie cutter or a trusty glass (I use a clear little glass mug — it seems to be the best size), cut out circles and place on parchment-lined baking sheets. Bake in the center of the oven for about 13 minutes or until cookies are golden on top. Enjoy!

Let’s be frank, cheese-and-butter cookies aren’t exactly the most heart healthy, so I paired these with some nice, fresh baby greens from the garden, lightly dressed with olive oil and rice vinegar. They’d also make a great appetizer for a little get-together.
*Not into spicy jalapenos? Substitute pimento for a not-so-spicy treat.