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    Home > Snack

    Published: Oct 6, 2016 · Modified: Jul 28, 2023 by Helen S Fletcher · This post may contain affiliate links · 22 Comments

    Cheddar Pecan Shortbreads

    Zippy Cheddar Pecan Shortbreads

    While shortbreads are usually thought of as sweet, these Cheddar Pecan Shortbreads are definitely on the savory, snacky side. Anything with cheddar cheese, pecans and cayenne pepper is definitely on my must try list. But I must warn you, these are absolutely, positively addictive. There is no way to eat just one – hence the large number it makes!

    When I had my take out shop, we sold these Cheddar Pecan Shortbreads and they were always a winner with wine, beer, lemonade or nothing at all.

    They are perfect for the holidays as they can be kept in an airtight tin for weeks and in the freezer, unbaked for months. One thing to mention is that they will seem a lot zippier if eaten when just baked. They should be made and stored in a tin for at least a few days to mellow them out - even better for the busy times.

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    I found a cheddar cheese by Cabot that is marked "Seriously Sharp" and used that. Buy the sharpest cheese you can find so the cheese comes out in the cracker.

    A quick turn in the processor or mixer and you are looking at least 12 dozen shortbreads, depending upon how thick you cut them. That's about it for the  Cheddar Pecan Shortbreads. Just make 'em and enjoy 'em!!

    Ingredients for Cheddar Pecan Shortbreads

    Zippy Cheddar Pecan Shortbreads

    1 cup pecan pieces (114 grams or 4 ounces)
    8 ounces extra sharp cheddar cheese or Extremely Sharp if available (225 grams)
    ½ pound butter, cold for the processor method, room temp for the mixer method
    2 ½ cups all purpose flour  (340 grams or 12 ounces)
    1 teaspoon salt
    ½ to 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

    Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spread the pecans in a single layer on a baking sheet and toast for 5 to 7 minutes until fragrant and lightly colored.

    Processor Method
    Cut the cheddar cheese into ½ to ¾ inch pieces and set aside.  Cut the butter into the same size pieces and keep cold.

    Dry ingredients in the processor for the Cheddar Pecan Shortbreads
    Dry ingredients processed for the Cheddar Pecan Shortbreads

    Place the flour, salt and cayenne in the processor. Pulse several times to mix.

    Cheese in processor for the Cheddar Pecan Shortbreads
    Cheese processed for the Cheddar Pecan Shortbreads

    Add the cheddar cheese chunks and process until the cheese cannot be seen. You will have an orange looking mixture.

    Butter in processor for the Cheddar Pecan Shortbreads

    Add the cold butter and

    Finished dough for the Cheddar Pecan Shortbreads
    Pecans added for t he Cheddar Pecan Shortbreads

    process until the dough is just about finished coming together.  Do not add water or any liquid to get it to all up. If necessary, redistribute the dough in the processor to help it along.  When the dough comes together completely, add the pecans. Pulse to cut mix theme into the dough  Don't process pass this point or the pecans will be cut in too finely as I did.  And even if you do, the flavor will be there and it will be fine.  It's just chunky pecans vs. fine pecans.  Chill the dough if necessary in order to be able to roll it.

    Mixer Method
    The butter should be room temperature and the cheese should be grated.

    Place the butter and cheese in the bowl of a mixer fitted with the paddle attachment.  Cream until completely mixed.  Add the salt and cayenne pepper, beating to incorporate.  Add the flour in 3 parts,  mixing each time until completely incorporated.  Lastly add the pecans.  Chill the dough if necessary to roll it.

    Rolling shortbread for Cheddar Pecan Shortbread
    Rolled shortbread for Cheddar Pecan Shortbreads

    Shaping
    Divide the dough into 4 pieces (225 grams each or 8 ounces). Roll each into a log 13 to 14 inches long. Wrap in plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate until firm. The rolls may be frozen at this point for several months. Thaw in the refrigerator to cut.

    Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Cut into slices about ¼ inch thick. Bake for 13 to 15 minutes until just colored.

    Cool completely. Store in an airtight tin.

    Zippy Cheddar Cheese Shortbreads

    Makes approximately 200.

    Other party fare worth a look are: Three Appetizers for an Instant Party, Hot Peppered Pecans, and the every popular, easy Cheddar Pecan Shortbreads.

    Print Friendly, PDF & Email

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Mer says

      December 09, 2024 at 11:10 pm

      I wish I could rate this recipe! It was truly a revelation and so fun to surprise friends with a savory cookie at our cookie exchange! Zippy is exactly the right word for them. I’d also like to test them with just a touch of sweetness added if I can figure out how to keep the rest of the ratios working as perfectly as they do. Thank you Helen!

      Reply
      • Helen S Fletcher says

        December 10, 2024 at 12:07 am

        Hi Meredith - I rarely make these because I eat too many of them. What a wonderful surprise this must have been and what a delight for your friends.

        Reply
    2. Susan Crothers says

      March 21, 2023 at 3:53 pm

      Helen, I am so impressed that you share your creative brilliance and baking prowess with us so generously (i.e.for free). Thank you! I made the chocolate Guinness cake for Paddy's Day. Complete silence except for sensuous moans of delight took over the ta le while my guests ate it. These cheddar pecan short-breads are on tap for my next ladies' happy hour. Bless you!!

      Reply
      • Helen S Fletcher says

        March 21, 2023 at 4:03 pm

        Hi Susan - So happy you enjoyed the Guinness cake. I'm not allowed to make the Cheddar Pecan shortbreads anymore because I can eat all of them in short order. These are one of my absolute favs. Hope they become yours also.

        Reply
    3. Tracy says

      February 11, 2023 at 7:17 am

      I have made these numerous times, and they are fabulous! My cousin, who is addicted to cheese, says I must bring these every time I visit!

      Reply
      • Helen S Fletcher says

        February 20, 2023 at 11:05 am

        OMG Tracy - I can't make these anymore because I can happily eat the entire tin. So easy for so much enjoyment. I agree with your cousin.

        Reply
    4. Karen McCreary says

      October 18, 2016 at 3:04 am

      Helen , I love all your recipes ! These sound so easy and yummy I can hardly wait to bake them . I did follow the link to the Puff Pastry Crackers and they , too , sound awesome . The video of you on the TV program was hilarious !! I couldn't believe how thick that guy seemed ! Crazy fun !! You have the most wonderful laugh ! I was laughing out loud at 2 AM and wishing the clip was longer . I'm going to try the "Merbteig" recipe for Christmas if I can still get that recipe . What an interesting one it is . THANK YOU for your work . We could have a lot of fun together , I'm sure . ((HUGS)

      Reply
      • hfletcher says

        October 18, 2016 at 9:20 am

        Hi Karen - what a delightful comment. Kent sure was struggling with the puff pastry crackers. The off camera hosts and technicians were all laughing with me. All of my posts remain up at this point so do enjoy the Murbteig. By the way, these can be made early as they benefit from a bit of aging. Hope that helps your baking schedule.

        Reply
    5. Christine says

      October 07, 2016 at 10:55 am

      My fiancé can't have nuts. Is there a substitute for the pecans or is it absolutely necessary? He would definitely devour these as long as there are no nuts.

      Reply
      • hfletcher says

        October 07, 2016 at 12:46 pm

        Hi Christine - you can leave the nuts out. They are still delicious.

        Reply
        • Ellen says

          January 07, 2025 at 1:05 pm

          Oh, great. This is helpful to know. Trying these this week. Can’t wait!!

          Reply
          • Helen S Fletcher says

            January 07, 2025 at 1:09 pm

            Hi Ellen - they are addictive and really easy. Enjoy!

            Reply
    6. Leslie B. says

      October 07, 2016 at 1:01 am

      Helen, you warn not to process the pecans too much when adding them, yet the dough appears very smooth with only finely chopped pecans visible as little dots of brown crumbs. Can you be a little more specific? Thanks.

      Reply
      • hfletcher says

        October 07, 2016 at 3:37 am

        Hi Leslie: The warning is because I added mine too soon. But the flavor is there no matter if you see them or not. If you are using a mixer it doesn't matter but the processor will cut them in very finely. Make the dough completely, then add the pecans and pulse them in. The batch I made for TV had more visible pecans.

        Reply
    7. Lynette says

      October 06, 2016 at 1:53 pm

      Hi, Helen. This looks like a very handy recipe to have on hand. Our daughter-in-law is expecting twins in early 2017, and if she likes these as much as I think she will, I'll be making a LOT of them to stash in her freezer for the (many) times I'm sure she will forget to feed herself while busy taking care of the twins. So thanks for sharing! I do have one question: do you think I could use white whole wheat flour as a substitute for all-purpose flour to increase the nutritional profile somewhat? Our DIL is trying hard to eat as healthfully as she can right now. Thanks for your advice! I really enjoy your blog.

      Reply
      • hfletcher says

        October 06, 2016 at 4:05 pm

        Hi Lynette - absolutely you can use white whole wheat flour. I love it. It isn't as distinct as regular whole wheat. Wow, twins. It was all I could do to handle one at a time. Enjoy them, as you know the time just flies by.

        Reply
    8. Pam Hopp says

      October 06, 2016 at 7:16 am

      Is the 2 1/2 cups for AP flour?

      Reply
      • hfletcher says

        October 06, 2016 at 11:31 am

        Hi Pam - yes 2 1/2 cups all purpose flour.

        Reply
    9. Fern says

      October 06, 2016 at 7:09 am

      You inadvertently left out the word "flour" in the ingredient list. Do you use all-purpose flour or some other type?

      Reply
      • hfletcher says

        October 06, 2016 at 11:30 am

        Hi Fern and Pam - yes it is 2 1/2 cups all purpose flour. Thanks for bringing it to my attention. It is fixed.

        Reply
    10. eileen says

      October 06, 2016 at 5:40 am

      These are a must try!

      Reply

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