Description

Savory Linzer-style cookies made with sharp cheddar, Parmesan, butter, and a touch of Aleppo pepper, sandwiched with spicy hot pepper jam for a cheesy, spicy, elegant appetizer bite.

Ingredients

4 1/2 cups white cheddar cheese, finely shredded

1 1/2 cups Parmesan cheese, finely grated

1 1/2 cups butter, room temperature

3 large egg yolks

1 tsp Aleppo pepper

3 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup toasted pecans, finely chopped

1 1/2 cups spicy hot pepper jam

Large cookie cutter + smaller cutter for centers

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Instructions

Pulse cheddar, Parmesan, and butter in a food processor until smooth.
Add egg yolks and Aleppo pepper; pulse to combine.
Add flour and pulse just until the dough comes together. Chill 30 minutes.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment or silicone mats.
Working in batches, roll chilled dough to 1/8-inch thickness. Cut shapes using the large cutter.
Cut center openings from half the cookies using the smaller cutter.
Brush the top cookies lightly with water, sprinkle with chopped pecans, and press gently to adhere.
Arrange cookies on prepared sheets, spacing them apart. Bake 12–14 minutes until golden.
Cool completely. Spread solid cookies with hot pepper jam and top with cut-out cookies to form sandwiches.

Notes

Swap Aleppo pepper with smoked paprika or red pepper flakes.

Add finely ground pecans to the dough for extra nuttiness.

Try fig jam, apricot preserves, or tomato jam for variation.

Chill cut cookies before baking to reduce spreading.

Freshly shredded cheese yields the best texture.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 12–14 minutes per batch
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: European

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 sandwich cookie
Calories: 185
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 210mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 40mg