Spicy Blue Cheese Shortbread Cookies

A table of cookie samples was spotted from across the store. Distraction set in. It was difficult to concentrate on shopping when treats were waiting to be sampled. Restraint helped keep the task at hand. The moment of tasting finally arrived. Something was different. These were savory cookies. Oh wow! From that day until now, Spicy Blue Cheese Shortbread Cookies have been on my to-bake list. The perfect excuse is all that was needed.

What was my excuse to bake this time? The Creative Cookie Exchange with a Red, White, and Blue theme. It is for the upcoming July 4th/Independence Day holiday. However, the colors are what resonated with me the most. Blue cheese plus red peppers equals a scrumptious fire cracking taste combination. These are spicy cookies for sure with both cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes.

Spicy Blue Cheese Shortbread Cookies are slice and bake. The dough is very crumbly when mixed and needs to be tightly pressed together then rolled to form a log. It should be chilled thoroughly too. The outside is coated with an egg wash and chopped walnuts right before slicing. Keep the slices chilled until baking. Take them out of the oven when they are lightly browned. And for those like me, try not to eat all of them yourself.

Are you ready to bake cookies? Scroll down to find a list for Red, White, and Blue ones by talented bakers. Click on the links to get the recipes. And if you want other July 4th recipes take a look at my Summer Berry Pizza and Red Velvet Brownies. Have a fun, safe, and tasty holiday!

4.34 from 12 votes

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Spicy Blue Cheese Shortbread Cookies

A recipe for Spicy Blue Cheese Shortbread Cookies. These are savory, slice and bake cookies made with blue cheese, cayenne, and red pepper flakes.

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Prep Time 1 hour 10 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes

Author Renee

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter at room temperature
• 8 ounces blue cheese crumbles at room temperature
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 2 tablespoons water divided
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts

Instructions

1. Using an electric hand mixer, beat butter and blue cheese in a large bowl until combined and fluffy. (Or use a stand mixer fitted with the flat beater).
2. Whisk together flour, salt, cayenne pepper, and red pepper flakes in a medium bowl. Add to the butter/cheese mixture and mix until crumbly, about 1 minute. Add 1 tablespoon water and mix until combined.
3. Dump the dough onto a work surface and press it together tightly until it comes together in a ball. Roll dough into a log 2 inches thick by 10 inches long. Roll up the log with parchment or wax paper. Chill dough thoroughly, at least 4 hours or overnight.
4. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line baking sheets with parchment or non-stick liner.
5. Beat the egg with 1 tablespoon of water to make an egg wash. Un-roll the log from the parchment and brush dough with egg wash.
6. Spread the chopped walnuts on the parchment paper and roll the log over the nuts to coat it evenly.
7. Cut the log into 1/3-inch slices. Place cookies 1 inch apart on baking sheets and chill for 20 minutes.
8. Bake for 18 minutes, or until lightly browned. Rotate baking sheet once during baking.
9. Cook cookies on the baking sheet for 1 minute then transfer to a cooling rack. Cool completely.

Recipe Notes

Time stated does not include chilling dough.

Recipe adapted from Blue Cheese and Walnut Crackers by Ina Garten on the Food Network website.

The Creative Cooke Exchange theme this month is Red, White, and Blue. Independence Day is coming soon and we have to celebrate! If you are a blogger and want to join in the fun, contact Laura via email (thespicedlife AT gmail DOT com) and she will get you added to our Facebook group where we coordinate events.

You can also use us as a great resource for cookie recipes. Be sure to check out our Facebook page, our Pinterest Board, and our monthly posts. You will be able to find them the first Tuesday after the 15th of each month! Also, if you are looking for inspiration to get in the kitchen and start baking, check out what all of the hosting bloggers have made:

• Dried Berries and White Chocolate Chip Cookies by Holly at A Baker’s House
• Lemon Blueberry Cookies by Kathia at Basic N Delicious
• Patriotic Pinwheel Cookies by Becca at It’s Yummi!
• Raspberry and Blueberry Alfajore Cookies by Brenda at What’s Cooking America
• Raspberry Lemon Blueberry Bars by Stacy at Food Lust People Love
• Red, White, & Blue Oatmeal Cookies by Felice at All That’s Left Are The Crumbs
• Spicy Blue Cheese Shortbread Cookies by Renee at Magnolia Days
• Sprinkle Cookies by Karen at Karen’s Kitchen Stories