Cheesy Jalapeño Shortbread

This cheesy jalapeño shortbread is an ideal snack, would be great to serve at a party where desserts are overflowing, and believe me when I say these are perfect served alongside chili. If you’re a shortbread authority in your family then this is one recipe to add to the recipe box immediately.

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