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Best Jalapeño Popper Cookies for a Winning Game Day Snack

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These cookies are crispy on the edges, chewy in the middle, and packed with that perfect popper punch of smoky heat, creamy coolness, and salty crunch. They bring a little bit of Aunt Rita’s spirit to every game day spread.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 8 oz cream cheese, cold and cut into ½-inch cubes
  • 2 medium jalapeños, seeded and finely diced
  • ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon flaky sea salt (like Maldon)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. Optional: Roast the diced jalapeños on a small baking sheet at 375°F for 4-5 minutes to mellow the heat. Let cool.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy.
  4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Add the vanilla and mix until combined.
  5. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
  6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
  7. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold in the cold cream cheese cubes, roasted jalapeños, shredded cheddar, and crumbled bacon (if using).
  8. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
  9. Use a cookie scoop to portion out 1.5-tablespoon balls of dough. Place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Do not flatten.
  10. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are golden brown and the centers look just set and slightly puffy.
  11. As soon as you pull the cookies from the oven, sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top of each one.
  12. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Keep the cream cheese cold to create gooey pockets. Chilling the dough is crucial to prevent spreading. For a milder version, use diced green chiles instead of jalapeños. For extra heat, keep some seeds or add cayenne pepper.

Nutrition

Keywords: jalapeño popper cookies, game day snacks, football cookies, spicy cookies, cream cheese cookies, bacon cookies, sweet and savory cookies

Find it online: https://siennaspoon.com/best-jalape-n-o-popper-cookies-for-a-winning-game-day-snack/