Imagine a cookie that breaks all the traditional sweet rules – a sophisticated, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread that combines the rich, tangy depths of Stilton cheese with the aromatic whispers of fresh rosemary. These Stilton and Rosemary Shortbread cookies are not just a recipe; they're a culinary adventure that transforms the humble shortbread into a gourmet experience that will tantalize your taste buds and impress even the most discerning food lovers.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: British
Serves: 12 cookies
Ingredients
- Butter
- Stilton cheese
- Fresh rosemary
- All-purpose flour
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Remove butter from refrigerator and allow it to soften at room temperature for approximately 30 minutes. Ensure the butter is cool but pliable.
- Finely chop fresh rosemary leaves, removing any tough stems. Crumble the Stilton cheese into small, uniform pieces.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter until smooth and slightly fluffy using an electric mixer or wooden spoon.
- Add crumbled Stilton cheese and chopped rosemary to the butter. Mix thoroughly until evenly distributed.
- Sift all-purpose flour into the butter mixture. Sprinkle salt and freshly ground black pepper over the ingredients.
- Gently fold and combine all ingredients until a cohesive dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
- Shape the dough into a log approximately 2 inches in diameter. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour to firm up.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Remove dough from refrigerator and slice into 1/4-inch thick rounds using a sharp knife.
- Arrange shortbread rounds on prepared baking sheet, leaving slight space between each cookie.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until edges are lightly golden and cookies appear set.
- Remove from oven and let cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Ensure your butter is softened but not melted. This creates the perfect texture for your shortbread.
- Cheese Matters: Use a high-quality Stilton for the most robust flavor. Crumble it finely to distribute evenly throughout the dough.
- Fresh Rosemary Technique: Chop the rosemary very finely to prevent large woody pieces in your cookies.
- Chilling is Crucial: Don't skip the refrigeration step – this helps the flavors meld and prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
- Slice with Precision: Use a sharp knife and make clean, even cuts to ensure uniform cookies that bake consistently.
- Watch Carefully: Ovens vary, so start checking your shortbread at the 20-minute mark to prevent over-browning.
- Cooling Tip: Let the cookies cool completely on the wire rack to achieve the perfect crisp texture.Pro Serving Suggestion: These shortbreads are phenomenal with a glass of crisp white wine or as an elegant accompaniment to a cheese board!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 239kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
