Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with a savory sensation that will revolutionize your snack game! These Blue Cheese Fig Savory Shortbread cookies are not your ordinary sweet treat - they're a gourmet explosion of flavors that will make your guests think you've trained in a professional kitchen. Imagine a delicate, buttery shortbread that combines the bold punch of blue cheese, the sweet complexity of dried figs, and the aromatic touch of fresh rosemary. This recipe is about to transform your appetizer spread from ordinary to extraordinary!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 24 pieces
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup blue cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup dried figs, chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by measuring them precisely and bringing butter and blue cheese to room temperature for optimal mixing.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream softened butter until smooth and light, using an electric mixer or wooden spoon.
- Crumble blue cheese into the butter and mix until well incorporated, creating a creamy consistency.
- Finely chop dried figs into small, uniform pieces to ensure even distribution throughout the shortbread dough.
- Add chopped fresh rosemary, salt, and black pepper to the butter-cheese mixture, stirring to combine thoroughly.
- Gradually fold in all-purpose flour, mixing until a cohesive dough forms without overmixing.
- Gently fold in chopped dried figs, distributing them evenly throughout the dough.
- Shape the dough into a log approximately 2 inches in diameter, wrapping tightly in plastic wrap.
- Refrigerate the wrapped dough for 30 minutes to firm up and allow flavors to meld.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and 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 piece.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden and crisp.
- 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, separating layers with parchment paper.
Tips
- Temperature Matters: Ensure your butter and blue cheese are at room temperature for smooth, even mixing. This helps create a consistent dough texture.
- Don't Overwork the Dough: Mix just until ingredients are combined. Overmixing can lead to tough, dense shortbread.
- Chill for Success: The 30-minute refrigeration is crucial. It helps the flavors meld and makes the dough easier to slice cleanly.
- Uniform Slicing: Use a sharp knife and aim for consistent 1/4-inch thick rounds to ensure even baking.
- Watch Carefully While Baking: Ovens vary, so start checking at 20 minutes. You want a light golden edge, not a dark brown color.
- Cooling is Key: Let the shortbread cool completely before storing to maintain their crisp texture.
- Serving Suggestion: These are perfect paired with a crisp white wine or as an elegant addition to a cheese board.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 69kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 1g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 12mg
