Quick and Easy Italian Savory Parmesan Cookies (With Rosemary)
Savory Parmesan Cookies are crumbly and tasty cookies, perfect for an appetizer, for a party buffet or to serve during a brunch. They are prepared with an egg-free dough, a cross between a shortcrust and a quick puff pastry. The main ingredients are butter, flour, grated parmesan and chopped rosemary, for a pleasantly aromatic result. If you like, you can choose the cheeses, spices and aromas that you prefer or have available at home. Savory Parmesan Cookies are easy and very quick to prepare.
What Are Savory Parmesan Cookies?
Savory Parmesan Cookies are a delightful Italian creation that blend the rich heritage of Parmigiano Reggiano cheese with the art of baking. Parmigiano Reggiano is a cheese with a history dating back approximately 900 years; the fusion of this esteemed cheese into a cookie dough showcases the Italian knack for transforming simple components into gourmet delights.
The spread of Frollini al Parmigiano beyond Italy can be attributed to the global appreciation of Italian cuisine and the versatility of these cookies as appetizers or snacks. Their unique flavor profile, combining the umami of aged Parmesan with the buttery texture of cookie dough, appeals to a wide audience.
Pro Tips for The Best Savory Parmesan Cookies
- Opt for freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano for the richest flavor. Pre-grated cheese may lack the same depth and texture.
- For a tender and crumbly texture, ensure your butter and dough stay cold before baking.
- Mix just until combined to avoid activating gluten, which can make the cookies tough.
- Experiment with herbs like rosemary, thyme, or chives, or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra zest.
- Use a rolling pin to create a uniform thickness, ensuring even baking.
- Line your baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Can I Add Eggs to The Dough?
Yes, you can, but it changes the texture. Eggs make the cookies slightly softer and more structured, rather than the crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth texture of traditional shortbread-style cookies. If you prefer a richer dough or need the cookies to hold intricate shapes better, adding an egg or yolk can help.
Do I Need to Refrigerate the Dough?
Yes, refrigerating the dough before baking is essential. It helps firm up the butter, making the dough easier to handle and ensuring the cookies hold their shape during baking. Chilling also enhances the flavor by allowing the ingredients to meld together. Aim for at least 30 minutes in the fridge!
Why is My Dough so Crumbly?
The dough might be crumbly because it lacks enough moisture or the butter isn't fully incorporated. To fix it, gently knead the dough or add a small splash of cold water or milk to bring it together without overmixing.
Can I Add Anything Else to The Dough?
For a stronger taste, you can use half parmesan and half pecorino; you can make these delicious biscuits in the shape you prefer and replace the rosemary with oregano, thyme or basil.
Why Are my Cookies so Tough and Hard?
Tough and hard cookies usually result from overmixing the dough, which activates gluten, or from overbaking. To prevent this, mix just until the dough comes together and bake until the edges are lightly golden, not browned.
What Can I Serve These Cookies With?
You can offer them to guests accompanied by olives, cubes of cured meats and cheeses, or fill them in pairs with a dollop of robiola, for a richer and more delicious effect.
Can I Make These Savory Parmesan Cookies Ahead?
Yes, Parmesan cookies can be made ahead of time! You can prepare and refrigerate the dough for up to 3 days or freeze it for a month. Baked cookies also store well in an airtight container for up to a week, maintaining their flavor and texture. Perfect for planning ahead!
Do These Savory Parmesan Cookies Freeze Well?
Of course they do! Put them in freezer bags and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Some More Savory Cookies You're Going to Adore!
How to Store Savory Parmesan Cookies
You can store the parmesan cookies for 3-4 days in a tin or in a special container with an airtight seal.
Ingredients
How to Make Savory Parmesan Cookies
Cut the cold butter into cubes and collect them in a bowl.
Cut the cold butter into cubes and collect them in a bowl.
Finely chop the tender rosemary needles and add them to the butter together with a sprinkling of pepper.
Finely chop the tender rosemary needles and add them to the butter together with a sprinkling of pepper.
Also add the grated parmesan and salt.
Also add the grated parmesan and salt.
Mash everything with a fork trying to mix the ingredients as much as possible.
Mash everything with a fork trying to mix the ingredients as much as possible.
Add the flour and knead with your fingers, softening the butter.
Add the flour and knead with your fingers, softening the butter.
Knead again, possibly add a spoonful of cold water and mix until you obtain a smooth dough.
Knead again, possibly add a spoonful of cold water and mix until you obtain a smooth dough.
Using a rolling pin, roll out the dough into a sheet of even thickness (about half a cm). Then, use a cookie cutter to cut out the biscuits.
Using a rolling pin, roll out the dough into a sheet of even thickness (about half a cm). Then, use a cookie cutter to cut out the biscuits.
Gradually arrange the biscuits on a baking tray lined with baking paper. Then brush them with the beaten egg.
Gradually arrange the biscuits on a baking tray lined with baking paper. Then brush them with the beaten egg.
Cook the biscuits in a static oven preheated to 360°F (180°C) for approximately 10 minutes.
Cook the biscuits in a static oven preheated to 360°F (180°C) for approximately 10 minutes.
Remove them from the oven when they appear golden brown on the surface. Let them cool completely before serving them.
Remove them from the oven when they appear golden brown on the surface. Let them cool completely before serving them.
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
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