Savory Parmesan cookies or, if you prefer a more refined touch, Parmesan shortbread: whatever you call them, the result is the same… they are an irresistible appetizer! Easy to prepare, crunchy, and flavorful, they are perfect for any occasion: for a drink with friends, as a snack to nibble on. They win you over at the first bite thanks to the strong taste of Parmesan Reggiano. Making homemade savory cookies is much simpler than it seems, and allows you to avoid pre-packaged snacks by opting for authentic and genuine flavors. Plus, you can personalize them with herbs, spices, or nuts to make them unique every time. These crunchy savory cookies are also perfect as a gift: put them in a jar or a bag with a ribbon, and you have a homemade gift idea that is original and always appreciated. Whether you serve them as a quick appetizer or enjoy them during a break, these tasty little shortbreads will always lift your spirits!
If you love preparing tasty appetizers and savory recipes to serve in a few minutes, here are some perfect ideas to pair with your savory Parmesan cookies:
- Difficulty: Very easy
- Cost: Very inexpensive
- Preparation time: 10 Minutes
- Portions: 30 Pieces
- Cooking methods: Electric oven
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: All seasons
- Energy 127.02 (Kcal)
- Carbohydrates 7.20 (g) of which sugars 0.26 (g)
- Proteins 3.82 (g)
- Fat 9.37 (g) of which saturated 6.07 (g)of which unsaturated 3.25 (g)
- Fibers 0.23 (g)
- Sodium 75.73 (mg)
Indicative values for a portion of 25 g processed in an automated way starting from the nutritional information available on the CREA* and FoodData Central** databases. It is not food and / or nutritional advice.
* CREATES Food and Nutrition Research Center: https://www.crea.gov.it/alimenti-e-nutrizione https://www.alimentinutrizione.it ** U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. FoodData Central, 2019. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov
Ingredients for Savory Parmesan Cookies
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 cups grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 1/8 cups butter
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
Tools
- Rolling pin
- Work surface
- Cookie cutter
- Parchment paper
How to Make Savory Parmesan Cookies
Making savory Parmesan cookies is very easy: place the flour on the work surface, add the cold butter diced straight from the fridge, the Parmesan, salt, and pepper.
With a little effort, work the ingredients with your hands until you get a uniform, firm, and smooth dough.
Use a rolling pin to roll out the dough to a thickness of 0.4 inches, cut with cookie cutters to your liking, and place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Re-knead the scraps and continue until you have used up the dough. Bake in a static oven, preheated, at 350°F for 15 minutes or until golden. Allow to cool completely before consuming. Enjoy your meal!
Storage
Savory Parmesan cookies keep well in a cookie tin for a maximum of 2 weeks, although they will tend to lose their initial crispness.
FAQ
Can I make Parmesan shortbread in advance?
Yes, these cookies keep perfectly for several days in an airtight container. You can also prepare them a day in advance if you need them for a buffet or an aperitif.
Can I freeze the crunchy savory cookies?
Yes, you can freeze them either cooked or raw (in this case, shape the cookies and freeze them on a tray, then transfer them to a bag). Bake them directly from frozen, adding a few minutes to the cooking time.
Can I replace Parmesan with another cheese?
Yes, you can use Grana Padano or Pecorino for a stronger flavor, or you can make a mix of cheeses. Avoid cheeses that are too moist or stringy as they would compromise the consistency of the dough.
How can I personalize the recipe?
You can add herbs (rosemary, thyme, oregano), seeds (poppy, sesame), spices (paprika, black pepper), or even chopped nuts (walnuts, almonds) to vary the taste and appearance.
