These delightful snowflake cookies are a fun twist on the usual sweet treat. With a touch of rosemary and a sprinkle of Parmesan, they are perfect for those who enjoy a savory snack!
I love serving these cookies at gatherings. They always get a lot of smiles! Plus, snacking on these while pretending it’s winter makes me feel extra cozy—even if it’s sunny outside! ☀️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: This is the base for the cookies. If you need a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free flour blend, which will also work well!
Parmesan cheese: Grated Parmesan adds flavor and texture. For a stronger taste, Pecorino Romano is a great substitute. When using alternatives, choose finely grated for the best blend.
Rosemary: Fresh rosemary adds a lovely aroma. If unavailable, 1 tablespoon of dried rosemary works, but remember it’s stronger, so use less!
Butter: Unsalted butter keeps control over the saltiness.Tub margarine can be a substitute, but it may change the texture slightly.
How Do I Avoid Overworking the Dough?
A common struggle with cookie dough is overworking it, which can lead to tough cookies. Here are some quick tips to keep your dough gentle:
- After adding the butter, mix until you see pea-sized pieces; don’t worry about complete incorporation.
- Add water gradually and mix just until the dough begins to come together.
- Once rolled out, cut shapes quickly to minimize handling.
Remember, the less you handle the dough, the more tender your cookies will be!
How to Make Savory Rosemary-Parmesan Snowflake Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup (115g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (100g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh rosemary (or 1 tablespoon dried rosemary)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
- 2-3 tablespoons cold water (as needed)
- Coarse sea salt (for sprinkling on top)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and about 12-15 minutes to bake. So, you’ll have a delicious snack ready in around 25-30 minutes—perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is important so that your cookies will bake evenly. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, which will prevent the cookies from sticking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, grated Parmesan, baking powder, salt, black pepper, and chopped rosemary until everything is well combined. This ensures that the flavors get evenly mixed throughout the dough.
3. Incorporate the Butter:
Add the cold cubed butter to the dry mixture. You can use a pastry cutter, a fork, or your fingers to work the butter into the flour mix until it looks like coarse crumbs. This creates a nice texture for the cookies.
4. Form the Dough:
Gradually add cold water, one tablespoon at a time. Mix gently until the dough starts to come together into a ball. Be careful not to overwork the dough; the goal is to keep it light and tender.
5. Roll Out the Dough:
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it out to about 1/4 inch thick. This thickness is perfect for getting crisp edges while still having a soft center.
6. Cut the Cookie Shapes:
Using a snowflake-shaped cookie cutter, cut out shapes from the dough. Place each cut-out cookie on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch between them for spreading.
7. Add Finishing Touches:
Lightly sprinkle the tops of each cookie with coarse sea salt and, if you like, add a few extra rosemary leaves for decoration. This adds a bit of extra flavor and makes them look lovely!
8. Bake the Cookies:
Put the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until the edges turn golden and the cookies feel firm to touch. Keep an eye on them so they don’t over-bake!
9. Cool Down:
Once they’re baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them maintain their crispiness!
10. Serve and Enjoy:
These savory rosemary-Parmesan snowflake cookies are perfect as an appetizer or snack. They pair wonderfully with a glass of wine or your favorite savory dip. Enjoy your festive treat!
Can I Use Different Cheeses?
Absolutely! While Parmesan is the star of this recipe, you can experiment with other hard cheeses like Pecorino Romano or aged Gouda for a different flavor profile.
How Do I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to a month—just thaw before serving!
Can I Make These Cookies Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it’s a 1:1 ratio blend so that the texture remains similar!
What Can I Serve These Cookies With?
These savory cookies are fantastic on their own, but they also pair nicely with dips like hummus, tzatziki, or a cheesy spread. They make a great addition to a charcuterie board as well!