PARMESAN SHORTBREAD COOKIES RECIPES

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350° and position a rack in the upper and lower third. In a medium bowl, using a handheld electric mixer, beat the butter with the Parmesan and flour at low speed until a stiff dough forms. Divide the dough into 3 pieces, then roll each piece into a 9-inch log, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter.
• Slice the logs 1/3 inch thick and arrange the slices on 2 large, nonstick baking sheets. Bake for 18 minutes, or until golden, shifting the pans halfway through baking for even browning. Let the cookies cool for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°F. Line baking sheet with parchment paper. Mix flour, 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese, salt, garlic, and cayenne pepper in processor. Add butter and, using on/off turns, process until dough begins to come together. Gather dough into ball. Divide dough in half. Roll each half into 12-inch log, and cut each log into 1-inch pieces. Roll each piece into ball. Arrange dough balls on prepared baking sheet, spacing about 1 1/2 inches apart. Press each ball into 2-inch-diameter round. Sprinkle remaining 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese over.
• Bake shortbread rounds until tops are dry and bottoms are golden brown, about 20 minutes. Transfer shortbread rounds to rack and cool completely. DO AHEAD: Shortbread rounds can be made 1 week ahead. Store rounds in airtight container at room temperature, or freeze up to 1 month.