Cheese Walnut and Cranberry Shortbread

Submitted by mama_b

"I enjoy savoury shortbread. I've tried it with various cheeses, spices and flavours, and this year I tried it with a little sweetness. These were perfect for an evening with good friends and good wine."

 

• Ready In: 27mins
• Ingredients: 9
• Yields: 5 dozen
• Serves: 20

ingredients

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt (careful if you're using a salty cheese)
• 4 cups grated flavourful cheese, at room temperature (I used a blend of old cheddar, Oka and Asiago, this is no time for mozarella and colby)
• 1⁄2 cup chopped toasted walnuts
• 1⁄2 cup chopped dried cranberries
• 2 1⁄2 cups flour
• milk, to moisten

directions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In the bowl of a mixer, cream the butter, spices and salt. Add the cheese, walnuts and cranberries and blend well. Mix in the flour until crumbly. Add the milk, a teaspoon at a time, until the dough just barely comes together. I may have used a tablespoon or so.
3. On a floured board, work with half the dough at a time. Bring it together with your hands and roll out to 1/4" thickness. Cut out into desired shapes, place on prepared sheets and bake for 12-15 minutes, until light brown. Cool on wire racks and store in an airtight container.
4. Makes about 5-6 dozen, depending on size.