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Spicy White Cheddar Shortbread Crackers

Spicy White Cheddar Shortbread Crackers

Shortbread is a treat anytime of year, but it has long been a tradition to serve this delicacy at Christmas, usually as a treat sweetened with jam. This year, my taste for savory and spicy drew me immediately to these chipotle and white Cheddar shortbread crackers. Light and buttery with a wonderful cheese flavor and a perfect piquancy from habanero powder — I didn't have chipotle on hand — my husband and I couldn't stop eating them as soon as they had cooled down! Very highly recommended for entertaining at this time of year, or for a snack if you're not so inclined to share! Although the recipe makes about 30 crackers, they're so light that they'll disappear much faster than you would expect — do double or triple the recipe if there's going to be more than a handful of people, and if there are any left by any chance they will keep in a tightly sealed container for up to a week.

Spicy White Cheddar Shortbread Crackers

Spicy White Cheddar Shortbread CrackersSpicy White Cheddar Shortbread Crackers
Recipe by
Published on December 12, 2010

Simple, delicate and buttery shortbread crackers baked with sharp white Cheddar and a few pinches of dried hot pepper for a terrific addition to entertaining platters

Preparation: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 10 to 12 minutes

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Ingredients:
  • 2 3/4 cups unbleached white flour
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 teaspoon chipotle, cayenne or habanero powder
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter
  • 1 cup grated extra-old white Cheddar cheese
Instructions:
  • In a food processor, pulse the flour, cornstarch, sugar, spice and salt. Add the butter, cheese and a few tablespoons of water, and pulse until a soft dough forms.

  • Divide the dough into two equal portions. Shape into logs about 1-inch thick. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour.

  • Preheat an oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

  • Slice each log into rounds about 1/4-inch thick and transfer to the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the crackers begin to brown on the edges. Rotate the baking sheet part way through the baking time. Repeat with the remaining dough.

  • Cool the crackers on a wire rack before serving. Store in a tightly sealed container for up to a week.

Makes about 30 crackers

Spicy White Cheddar Shortbread Crackers

More shortbread recipes you might wish to try:
Rosemary Parmesan Shortbread
Jalapeno Cheddar Shortbread
Peanut Butter and Blueberry Shortbread Bars

18 comments:

  1. Love the spicy kick added to these shortbreads!

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  2. Jen, if you reside in Ontario, and wish to have a chance to win the gift basket, I will need an email address to contact you should you win the random draw.

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  3. I love Gay Lea! Thanks for hosting this yummy giveaway.

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  4. I love savoury baking too and these look wonderful - esp at this time of year when there is so much sweet food about - I think I would use a combination of cayenne and smoked paprika

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  5. I moved from Ontario to beautiful BC but my daughter is still there. May I win it for her?

    ritsin44@hotmail.com

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  6. Hi Ritsin;

    Yes, of course your daughter is eligible.

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  7. Wow, I love savory cookies and can't believe I made some the other day without a recipe, in fact adding whatever leftover ingredients I had at home. I add some harissa for a spicy kick but I also prefer a mixture of 4 different kinds of peppers.

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  8. If my entire family lives in Ontario can I enter the contest. Just kidding Lisa, but I did want to say I love these savoury shortbread crackers.

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  9. I have been looking for a savory shortbread recipe for a Boxing Day Brunch. This will be perfect.
    Bev
    bnfarrell@rogers.com

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  10. Please don't include me in the giveaway because I don't live in Ontario, but I just wanted to say that this shortbread looks amazing! I love love love the addition of habanero/ cayenne powder. I bet it adds a nice little kick.

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  11. I love shortbread but I've never tried making a savoury one.

    The banana cream version sounds yummy too!
    (genevieve_24@hotmail.com)

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  12. I've never heard of the company, but a savory shortbread sounds delicious. I've just discovered your site and so many of your recipes sound fantastic I can't wait to try them!

    ouroboros.jones@gmail.com

    (I don't live in Ontario, but one of my favorite people lives right in London :) )

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  13. Actually, I used ground habanero pepper :)

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  14. I love cheese crackers like this. I will definitely be trying these!

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