Rosemary Shortbread with Red Pepper Jelly

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup unsallted butter, at room temperature
• 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar, sifted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extrract
• 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
• 2 1/2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt or sea salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2-3 tablespoons red pepper jelly

Instructions:

1. In the bowl of a stand mixer with the paddle attached, beat the butter, sugar and vanilla until light and smooth, approximately 3 minutes. Scrap the sides of the bowl occasionally. If you do not have a stand mixer use a large bowl and electric beater on medium speed.

2. Whisk together the flour, rosemary, salt and pepper. Slowly add the flour to the butter mixture using a low speed on the mixer. Divide the dough in half and shape into rounds. Wrap each round in plastic wrap and refrigerator for at least one hour or overnight.

3. Preheat the oven to 350F. Line three baking sheets with parchment paper.

4. On a lightly floured board roll one of the rounds to 1/4 inch thickness. Be sure to lightly flour the rolling pin. Using a 2 1/2- or 3- inch cookie cutter cut dough. Re roll any scraps carefully without adding too much additional flour. Place 12 cookies on first sheet about 1-inch apart. Repeat this process with the remaining round of dough. Use a 1-inch cutter to cut centers from the second half of the cookies. Place these cookies on the second sheet. Place the cut out rounds onto the third baking sheet.

5. Bake until edges are lightly browned - approximately 10-12 minutes. Remove cookies from oven and let cool for 15 minutes. Do not turn oven off.

6. Spread 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper jelly (or more if you like it hotter) onto the flat side of the 2 1/2-inch solid cookies. Place cutout cookies flat side down on top of the jelly. Bake for 2 additional minutes. Remove from oven and let cool to room temperature. Store in an airtight container.