White Pepper Shortbread Recipes

SCOTTISH SHARP-CHEDDAR SHORTBREAD

Steps:

• Using electric mixer fitted with whisk attachment, beat together butter, salt, black pepper, and cayenne at low speed just until blended. Add Cheddar and flour and mix at low speed just until smooth (do not overmix). Shape dough into disk, wrap in plastic wrap or waxed paper, and chill 30 minutes.
• Arrange racks in upper and lower thirds of oven and preheat to 350°F. Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper.
• On lightly floured surface, roll out dough to 1/4- to 1/8-inch-thick round. Using 1 1/2- to 2-inch round cutter, cut out rounds and arrange 1 1/2 inches apart on baking sheets. Reroll scraps if desired (rerolled scraps will be tougher).
• Bake shortbread until lightly golden and beginning to brown on edges, about 13 to 15 minutes. Cool on sheets 5 minutes, then transfer to racks to cool completely.

PEPPERCORN SHORTBREAD

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 300 degrees, with rack in center. Lightly butter four 4 1/2-inch springform pans (or one 10-inch springform pan).
• Whisk to combine flour, salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of each ground peppercorn. In a separate bowl, beat butter and confectioners' sugar with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until pale and fluffy, 3 to 4 minutes, scraping down side of bowl. Reduce speed to low. Gradually add flour mixture; mix just until combined.
• Divide dough evenly among prepared pans, and smooth tops using an offset spatula (or press into 10-inch pan, if using, and lightly score into 8 wedges). Bake, rotating pans halfway through, until golden brown, about 40 minutes (or 80 minutes for 10-inch).
• Transfer pans to a wire rack. Immediately sprinkle with granulated sugar and remaining ground pepper, dividing evenly. Remove pans; let cool completely on rack. (If using 10-inch pan, cool slightly before cutting into wedges.) Shortbread can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature up to 2 weeks.

CHOCO SHORTBREADS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
• Sift together flour and cornstarch; set aside. Cream butter until smooth, then add white sugar, confectioner's sugar, vanilla, and salt; beat until fluffy. Slowly add flour mixture to butter mixture, beating on low until dough forms.
• On a floured surface, knead in 1/2 cup chocolate chips. Shape dough into two equal parts, pat each into a 6 inch round, and transfer to baking sheet. Cut into wedges.
• Bake 25 minutes. Remove immediately to cool on wire rack. Melt remaining chips and drizzle over wedges.

PEPPER AND CHEDDAR SHORTBREAD CANAPéS WITH SMOKED SALMON

Steps:

• Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
• Stir flour and pepper together in a medium-sized bowl.
• Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat butter in large bowl until fluffy (about 2 minutes).
• On low speed, beat in cheddar until just blended.
• Using a wooden spoon, gradually stir in half of flour mixture, then milk, then remaining flour mixture, until moistened (batter will be very thick).
• Turn out on to a pastry board or the counter and finish mixing with hands and pat into a disc shape
• Place disc between 2 sheets of waxed paper and roll out to about 1/4-inch thick, or about 12 inches in diameter.
• Using a 2-inch cookie cutter (preferably with decorative serrated edge), cut out rounds and place on prepared baking sheet.
• Re-roll scraps, cut out rounds and place on prepared baking sheet.
• Bake in 2 batches.
• Place each baking sheet in centre of preheated 325F oven.
• Bake until are golden and puffed, about 20 minutes.
• Cool for 5 minutes before transferring shortbreads to rack, using a metal spatula, to cool to room temperature.
• In medium bowl, stir together sour cream and salmon.
• Spoon rounded teaspoons onto centre of each shortbread.
• Garnish each shortbread with a dill sprig.