Cheesy Jalapeño Shortbread (Buttery, Bold & Totally Irresistible!)

Oh my goodness, thank you so much for being here! Truly — every time you stop by to try one of my recipes, share it, or even just peek in for inspiration, it means the world to me. And today? Today I’m extra excited. Because this Cheesy Jalapeño Shortbread is the kind of recipe that turns a simple baking moment into a full-on “where has this been all my life?!” experience.

If you’ve only ever had sweet shortbread, prepare yourself. This savory version is buttery, crumbly, cheesy, a little spicy, and incredibly addictive. One bite, and you’ll wonder why savory shortbread isn’t on every gathering table, holiday platter, or late-night snack plate.

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Overview of Recipe Content

We’re taking the tender, melt-in-your-mouth magic of traditional shortbread and giving it a bold, edgy makeover: sharp cheddar, Parmesan, warm spices, and the bright heat of fresh jalapeños. It’s elegant but easy. Familiar but exciting. Anything but boring!!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Make-ahead friendly — chill, slice, bake whenever!

• Perfect for entertaining — cheese boards, cocktails, game nights.

• Ridiculously simple — no complicated dough steps.

• Customizable heat level — mild or spicy depending on your jalapeño enthusiasm.

• Looks fancy — feels like something from a gourmet bakery.

What Does Cheesy Jalapeño Shortbread Taste Like?

Imagine the richest, butteriest cracker you’ve ever had…
Now imagine it with a little kick.
And then add melty-cheesy goodness in every crumb.

These cookies are:

• Cheesy and savory

• Delicately crumbly

• Warmly spiced

• Perfectly peppery without being overpowering

The smell alone? Oh wow. When this is in the oven, the whole kitchen fills with a buttery-cheddar aroma that makes waiting nearly impossible!!

Benefits of This Recipe

• Uses simple pantry ingredients

• Freezer-friendly

• Bakes in under 20 minutes

• Works for holiday gifting, snacking, parties, potlucks, charcuterie boards

• Zero special skills needed

Ingredients

• 1 cup (2 sticks / 226 g) unsalted butter, softened

• 1 ¾ cups (220 g) all-purpose flour

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, but adds gorgeous color!)

• 1 ½ cups (150 g) sharp cheddar cheese, finely shredded

• ¼ cup (25 g) Parmesan cheese, grated

• 1 fresh jalapeño, seeded and finely minced (use 2 for extra heat)

• 1 tablespoon pickled jalapeño brine (optional — adds the BEST tang!)

Tools You’ll Need

• Electric mixer (hand or stand)

• Mixing bowls

• Plastic wrap

• Sharp knife

• Baking sheet

• Parchment paper

• Wire cooling rack

Ingredient Additions & Substitutions

How to Make Cheesy Jalapeño Shortbread (Step-by-Step)

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