Name: Savory Parmesan Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American/Italian
Ingredients: 3/4 cup all-purpose flour; 3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese; 1 pinch salt; 1-2 dashes pepper; 1/4 cup + 1 tablespoon cold cubed butter; 1-2 tablespoons water; 1 large egg; 1 tablespoon water; 1-2 sprigs rosemary; 1-2 sprigs fresh thyme or oregano; 1 tablespoon various seeds; 1 tablespoon various herbs

Jump to Recipe·5.1 from 10 reviews

If you’re searching for a snack that will absolutely wow your taste buds, these Savory Parmesan Cookies are about to become a new favorite. Imagine buttery, golden rounds bursting with nutty Parmesan and flecked with fragrant herbs, so simple to whip up and perfect for any occasion—appetizer, snack, or even with a cozy bowl of soup. The best part? No need to chill the dough, so you can go straight from craving to munching in just 30 minutes! Once you try these, you’ll understand why Savory Parmesan Cookies are a staple in my kitchen.

Savory Parmesan Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Savory Parmesan Cookies rely on just a handful of straightforward ingredients, each one making a special contribution. From the sharp, salty Parmesan to the rich butter and fresh herbs, it’s the combination that creates that delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture and big, bold flavor.

All Purpose Flour: The classic cookie base, giving structure and lightness to every bite.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: Use fresh, finely grated for the best nutty flavor and perfect texture.
Salt: Just a pinch—enough to let the cheese and herbs shine.
Pepper: A dash or two, for a gentle, lingering warmth with each nibble.
Cold Butter (cubed): The secret to crumbly, tender cookies—keep it nicely chilled so it works its magic!
Water: Just enough to bring the dough together; add a tablespoon at a time for the perfect texture.
Large Egg (for egg wash): Gives that gorgeous golden sheen and helps the toppings adhere.
Fresh Herbs (rosemary, thyme, or oregano): A sprinkle transforms these cookies into little bites of Mediterranean joy.
Various Seeds (sunflower, poppy, or sesame): Optional, but they add a bit of visual flair and extra crunch on top.
Additional Herbs for Topping: Go wild with your favorites—think chives or parsley for added color and flavor.

How to Make Savory Parmesan Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Sheet and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper so your Savory Parmesan Cookies slide right off with zero sticking and even easier cleanup. A little prep goes a long way here!

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In the bowl of a food processor (or a large mixing bowl if you prefer old-school), add the flour, grated Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Use a whisk or a fork to combine them thoroughly. You want every bite to have that delightful unity of flavors.

Step 3: Cut in the Butter

Add your cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Pulse in the food processor or use a pastry blender until you see pea-sized crumbs forming. This step is what helps create the signature flaky texture of Savory Parmesan Cookies—don’t over-blend!

Step 4: Add Water and Form the Dough

Drizzle a tablespoon of water over the mixture, pulsing gently to combine after each addition. Stop as soon as the dough starts to clump together and is almost fully combined—too much water and you risk tough cookies.

Step 5: Knead and Roll Out

Transfer the crumbly dough onto a lightly floured work surface. Knead it just a few times, until you have a soft, smooth dough—think gentle, loving pats! Dust both the dough and your rolling pin with a bit of flour, then roll it out to about 1 centimeter thickness (thicker than a cracker, but still quite delicate).

Step 6: Cut Out Cookies and Prep for Baking

Grab a small round cookie cutter and cut out your shapes, gathering up the scraps and rerolling as needed. Line the cookies up on your prepared baking sheet, giving a little space between each so they bake evenly.

Step 7: Egg Wash and Top

In a small bowl, beat together the egg and a tablespoon of water. Brush each cookie lightly with this egg wash—it’s like giving them a little spa treatment! Now, go wild with toppings: sprinkle with your favorite herbs, a smattering of seeds, or both for extra flair and flavor.

Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake for 10–12 minutes, just until the edges turn a gentle golden and the cookies smell heavenly. Let them cool slightly on the sheet before transferring to a wire rack. That irresistible aroma? Pure Savory Parmesan Cookie magic at work.

How to Serve Savory Parmesan Cookies

Garnishes

Top each cookie with an extra sprig of rosemary or a confetti of chopped fresh thyme right before serving. A tiny crack of black pepper or a whisper of lemon zest lifts the flavor and brings a touch of elegance to your platter.

Side Dishes

These Savory Parmesan Cookies sing when served alongside a vibrant green salad, a creamy tomato soup, or nestled on a cheese board with olives and cured meats. They’re also wonderful as part of a brunch spread or a cozy evening snack with a glass of chilled white wine.

Creative Ways to Present

A little presentation goes a long way! Try stacking the cookies in a rustic basket lined with a linen napkin or thread onto skewers with cherry tomatoes and mozzarella balls for an antipasto twist. Hosting a party? Tie a few cookies in cellophane bags with a fresh herb sprig for a delicious edible favor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your Savory Parmesan Cookies have fully cooled, store them in an airtight container in the fridge where they’ll stay crisp and flavorful for up to 6 days. Tuck a sheet of wax paper between layers to prevent sticking and keep them picture-perfect.

Freezing

These cookies freeze beautifully! Simply pop the baked (and cooled) cookies into a freezer-safe bag or container. Or, if you prefer, shape the dough and freeze it tightly wrapped; either way, you’ll have Savory Parmesan Cookies at the ready for up to two months (three if freezing dough alone!).

Reheating

If you want to revive that fresh-baked vibe, reheat stored cookies in a 325°F (160°C) oven for just a few minutes. They’ll crisp right up and taste like you made them that day—who could resist?

FAQs

Can I use pre-grated Parmesan instead of freshly grated?

You can, but for peak savory flavor and the best melt-in-your-mouth texture, freshly grated Parmesan is the way to go. Pre-grated cheese can have anti-caking agents that make the cookies less tender.

How thick should I roll the dough?

A thickness of about 1 centimeter is ideal. Any thinner and your Savory Parmesan Cookies can get too crispy; much thicker and they’ll risk being doughy. Aim for that happy medium.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! The dough can be wrapped tightly and refrigerated for up to 3 days, or popped in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just let it come to room temperature before rolling out and baking for best results.

What other herbs work well in this recipe?

Freshly chopped chives, parsley, or even a tiny hint of sage are delicious, either scattered on top or mixed right into the dough. Experiment with blends to give your Savory Parmesan Cookies a personal flair.

What’s the best way to serve these at a party?

Arrange the cookies on a pretty platter with little bowls of dipping sauces—think herbed cream cheese or roasted pepper spread. Watch them disappear! They also hold up well in lunchboxes or as a shareable snack for outings and picnics.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about a platter of homemade Savory Parmesan Cookies—the buttery crunch, the burst of cheese, and the aromatic herbs are totally irresistible. If you’ve never made a savory cookie before, this recipe will have you hooked from the first bite. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself baking these on repeat for parties, gatherings, and, frankly, any time you want a treat that’s a little bit special. Give them a go, and get ready for big smiles and empty plates!