Everything Bagel Shortbread

1. Preheat oven to 325°F. In a large bowl stir together flours. Using a pastry blender, cut in butter, cheddar cheese, and hot sauce until mixture resembles fine crumbs and starts to cling. Form the mixture into a ball and knead gently until smooth.

2. On a lightly floured surface, roll or pat dough to 1/4 inch thick. Using 1 1/2-inch cookie cutters, cut out dough, rerolling scraps as needed. Place cutouts 1 inch apart on ungreased cookie sheets. Brush with egg white mixture and sprinkle with everything seasoning.

3. Bake about 20 minutes or until lightly browned around the edges. Cool on cookie sheet 5 minutes. Remove; cool on a wire rack. If desired, serve with cream cheese.

Homemade Everything Seasoning

In a small bowl stir together 2 Tbsp. each sesame seeds and poppy seeds; 1 Tbsp. each dried minced garlic and dried minced onion, crushed; and 3/4 tsp. salt. Transfer to an airtight container. Store in a cool dark place up to 6 months.

To Store

Place cookies in airtight container. Store in the refrigeraro up to 1 week or freeze up to 3 months.