Cheddar Shortbread Bites

A recipe I foun in my Land O Lakes Cookbook. These flaky, cheesy bites are easy to make and store well.

• Ready In: 32 mins
• Serves: 6
• Yields: 60 shortbread bites

Ingredients

• Shortbread Ingredients

• 1  cup all-purpose flour
• 1⁄2 cup butter, softened
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 1  dash  ground red pepper (cayenne)
• 2  cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

• Topping Ingredients

• 1  egg white
• 1  tablespoon water
• 2  tablespoons poppy seeds
• 2  tablespoons sesame seeds

Directions

1. Combine flour, butter, salt and red pepper in medium bowl; beat at medium speed until dough forms. Add cheese; mix until a ball forms. Shape dough into circle; wrap in plastic food wrap. Refrigerate 2 hours or overnight.
2. Heat oven to 350°F Roll out dough on lightly floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness. (It will be hard to roll at first, but will soften. Press together any cracks that form on edges of dough.) Cut dough with 1 1/2-inch cookie cutters or pizza cutter into desired shapes. Place onto ungreased baking sheets.
3. Beat egg white and water together in small bowl. Brush cut-outs with egg wash; sprinkle with seeds.
4. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until very lightly browned around edges. Immediately loosen from pan; let cool on pan.
5. Recipe Tip
6. Shortbread can be topped with a variety of other ingredients such as chili powder, seasoned salt, fennel seed or herbs.