Peppercorn Shortbread Recipes

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.

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
• In a mixer with a paddle attachment, cream the butter until fluffy. Add 1/2 cup of the sugar and cream together until light and fluffy. Add the flour, cornstarch, and pepper, and mix just until combined. On a well-floured surface, roll out the dough to about 3/4-inch thickness. Transfer it to a parchment paper-lined baking sheet (preferably one with sides) and continue rolling out the dough, pushing out towards the edges of the pan, to 1/4-inch thickness. Prick the dough all over with a fork, then sprinkle with 1 tablespoon sugar.
• Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, rotating the pan after 10 minutes. Shake the pan as you rotate it, to settle the dough. When the surface is golden, remove from the oven and sprinkle immediately with the remaining 1 tablespoon of sugar. Cut immediately into bars with a sharp knife or pizza cutter and let cool in the pan. Store in an airtight container.

Steps:

• Place the butter in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment and mix until creamy. Add the Parmesan, flour, salt, thyme and pepper and combine.
• Dump the dough on a lightly floured board and roll into a 13-inch long log. Wrap the log in plastic wrap and place in the freezer for 30 minutes to harden.
• Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
• Cut the log crosswise into 1/4 to 1/2-inch thick slices. Place the slices on a sheet pan and bake for 22 minutes.

Steps:

• Heat the oven to 325 degrees. In a medium saucepan, combine the butter, rosemary sprig and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Cook over medium, swirling occasionally, until the butter is just melted. (You can also do this in a bowl in the microwave, stirring between 30-second bursts). Set aside to cool slightly. (Take a whiff of the butter; it smells like rosemary!)
• In an ungreased 9-by-13-by-2-inch pan, use a fork to stir together the flour, sugar and cayenne until combined. Remove and discard the rosemary sprig from the butter. Pour the melted butter into the dry ingredients. Stir with a fork to combine, then use your hands to mix until no dry spots remain.
• Press the dough evenly into the pan. Prick all over with a fork. Sprinkle the nuts and rosemary leaves on top, shake into a single layer, then press firmly into the dough until the nuts' sides are surrounded by dough. (This is important, otherwise the nuts won't adhere.) Sprinkle evenly with 1 teaspoon sugar and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
• Bake until golden brown (including in the center) and the edges start to pull away from the sides, 35 to 40 minutes.
• Let cool completely, then gently break up with your hands into jagged pieces. Nuts along the edge may fall out. (Those are yours to eat.) The shortbread will keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.