Cheesy Jalapeño Shortbread
Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (22 points)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 4 tablespoons light butter, cold and cubed (10 points)
  • 1 cup reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese or pepper jack cheese, grated (8 points)
  • 1 egg, lightly beaten (2 points)
  • 2-3 fresh jalapeño peppers, finely minced (0 points)

Preparation

  1. Prepare the Dough:
    • In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. Cut in the light butter using a pastry knife or two forks until the mixture becomes dry and crumbly.
    • Stir in the lightly beaten egg until the dough starts to come together. Then, mix in the grated cheese and finely minced jalapeños until evenly distributed.
  2. Chill the Dough:
    • Roll the dough into a ball and cover it with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the dough to firm up, making it easier to shape.
  3. Shape the Shortbreads:
    • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
    • Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Flatten each ball slightly using a flat-bottomed mug or jar.
  4. Bake:
    • Bake the shortbreads in the preheated oven for 14-18 minutes, or until they just start to turn golden brown at the edges.
    • Allow the shortbreads to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  5. Serve:
    • Enjoy these cheesy, spicy shortbreads as a snack or appetizer. They are perfect for sharing!

Tips:

  • Cheese Options: Use a stronger-flavored cheese like reduced-fat sharp cheddar to get more flavor with less cheese, reducing points further.
  • Light Butter: Opting for light butter helps to keep the points lower while still achieving the rich, buttery flavor characteristic of shortbread.
  • Jalapeños: Adjust the amount of jalapeños based on your heat preference. If you prefer milder heat, remove the seeds and ribs before mincing.

Benefits:

  • Lower in Fat: Using light butter and reduced-fat cheese lowers the fat content while keeping the flavor.
  • High in Flavor: The combination of cheese and jalapeños gives these shortbreads a deliciously spicy and savory taste.
  • Portion Control: By making smaller shortbreads, you can enjoy the snack in moderation, fitting easily into your Weight Watchers plan.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per shortbread)

  • Calories: 60-70 kcal
  • Protein: 2g
  • Carbohydrates: 7g
  • Fat: 3g
  • Fiber: 0.5g
  • Sugars: 0.5g

Total Points for the Entire Recipe: 42 points
Points per Serving (20 shortbreads): 2 points per shortbread

These Weight Watchers-friendly Cheesy Jalapeño Shortbreads are a delightful snack that combines savory cheese and spicy jalapeños in a lower-point, satisfying treat.