Olive and Parmesan Shortbread Cookies are a savory twist on traditional shortbread, combining the rich flavors of Parmesan cheese and briny olives. These delightful cookies are perfect as an appetizer, snack, or addition to a cheese board.
📋 Ingredients:
🧈 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
🧀 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
🍞 2 cups all-purpose flour
🧂 1/4 tsp salt
🌿 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
🫒 1/2 cup finely chopped black or green olives
🌿 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves or 1 tsp dried thyme (optional)
📝 Directions:
- Prepare the Dough:
- Mix Butter and Cheese: 🧈 In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and grated Parmesan cheese until smooth and well combined.
- Add Flour and Seasonings: 🍞 Gradually add the flour, salt, and black pepper, mixing until a crumbly dough forms.
- Add Olives and Herbs: 🫒 Fold in the chopped olives and thyme (if using), mixing until the ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Form the Dough:
- Shape into a Log: 🍞 Transfer the dough onto a sheet of parchment paper. Use your hands to shape it into a log about 2 inches in diameter. Wrap the log tightly in the parchment paper and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until firm.
- Preheat Oven:
- Prepare to Bake: 🔥 Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Slice and Bake:
- Slice the Cookies: 🍪 Remove the dough log from the refrigerator and unwrap it. Using a sharp knife, slice the log into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Place the rounds on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
- Bake: 🍪 Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Be careful not to overbake, as they can quickly go from golden to too dark.
- Cool and Serve:
- Cool on a Rack: ❄️ Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
🍽 Serve:
Enjoy your savory Olive and Parmesan Shortbread Cookies as a delicious appetizer or snack, perfect with a glass of wine or alongside a charcuterie board!
⏱ Preparation Time: 15 minutes (plus 1 hour chilling time)
⏱ Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
⏱ Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
🍽 Servings: 24-30 cookies
🔥 Calories: 80 kcal per cookie
💡 Notes:
- These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For an extra kick, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dough.
Enjoy your flavorful and unique Olive and Parmesan Shortbread Cookies! 🫒✨