Apple-Cheddar Shortbread Cookies

Ingredients

• 1 small apple*, cored, very thinly sliced
• 1 1/4 cups flour
• 2 tablespoons rice flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (4 ounces) plus 2 tablespoons butter, softened
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons Wisconsin cheddar cheese, shredded, divided

* Purchased dried apples may be substituted.

Method

1. Heat oven to 300 degrees F.
2. Place apple slices on cookie sheet; bake 20- 25 minutes, stirring 3-4 times during baking. Slices should be dry. Cool slightly; finely chop, yielding about 1/2 cup.
3. Increase oven temperature to 325 degrees F.
4. Sift flours and salt. In large bowl of stand mixer, using paddle attachment, cream butter and sugar 5 minutes.
5. Add flour mixture. Mix until almost incorporated.
6. Stir in apple and 2 tablespoons cheddar.
7. Form dough into a ball. Roll into circle, about 1/4 inch thick. Cut into 2 1/2 to 3-inch cookies, rerolling dough until all is used.
8. Bake cookies on parchment-lined cookie sheets for 10 minutes.
9. Let sit for 10 minutes and then carefully remove to rack.

Sprinkle with remaining cheddar while still warm.

Servings: 12-14 cookies

By Chef Elissa Narow

Reprinted with permission from the Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board.