Prepare to elevate your cookie game with a sophisticated twist that will make your taste buds dance! These Blue Cheese Shortbread cookies are not your ordinary sweet treat - they're a culinary adventure that perfectly balances the bold, tangy richness of blue cheese with the bright, sweet notes of strawberry preserves. Imagine a cookie so unique and delectable that it transforms an everyday snack into a gourmet experience that will impress even the most discerning food lovers.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 24 cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup blue cheese, crumbled
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Strawberry preserves for serving
Instructions
- Remove butter and blue cheese from refrigerator 30 minutes before preparing to allow them to soften to room temperature.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and crumbled blue cheese using an electric mixer until smooth and well combined, approximately 2-3 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, salt, and black pepper until evenly mixed.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the butter-cheese mixture, mixing on low speed until a cohesive dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
- Shape the dough into a log approximately 2 inches in diameter, wrapping tightly in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 1 hour to firm up.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Remove dough from refrigerator and slice into 1/4-inch thick rounds using a sharp knife.
- Place shortbread rounds on prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch of space between each cookie.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden and crisp.
- Remove from oven and let cookies cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, top each shortbread with a small dollop of strawberry preserves before serving.
- Store cooled shortbread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Ensure butter and blue cheese are truly at room temperature for the smoothest, most well-integrated dough.
- Don't Overmix: Mix the dough just until it comes together to keep your shortbread tender and delicate.
- Chill for Success: The refrigeration step is crucial - it helps develop flavor and makes the dough easier to slice.
- Slice Evenly: Use a sharp knife and aim for consistent 1/4-inch thick rounds to ensure uniform baking.
- Watch Closely: Shortbread can quickly go from perfectly golden to overdone, so keep a close eye during the last few minutes of baking.
- Preserve Perfection: For the best flavor, use high-quality strawberry preserves with real fruit chunks for extra texture and taste.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 25mg
