Description

Savory shortbread cookies with rosemary are a delightful twist on the traditional sweet version, infused with cheddar cheese and the aromatic flavor of fresh rosemary. Perfect for pairing with tea or as an appetizer.

Ingredients

1 ½ cups (about 6 oz or 170 g) good quality white cheddar cheese, from a block, not pre-shredded

½ cup (113 g or 1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature

2 Tablespoons granulated sugar

1 ½ Tablespoons coarsely chopped fresh rosemary, or 1 ½ teaspoons dried rosemary

1–2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper

½ teaspoon sea salt

1 ¼ cups (156 g) all-purpose flour

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Shred the cheese from a block to avoid anti-caking agents found in pre-shredded cheese.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cheese, butter, sugar, rosemary, black pepper, and sea salt. Beat the mixture until creamy (about 2 minutes).
Gradually add the flour, stirring until fully combined.
Transfer the dough to a clean surface and roll it into an 8-inch log shape. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and chill for 30 to 45 minutes in the fridge.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Remove the dough from the fridge and unwrap it. Cut the dough into discs about ¼-inch thick using a sharp knife.
Place the discs on the prepared baking sheet, about 1 inch apart.
Bake for 15 minutes, or until golden brown around the edges.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

For a different flavor, try parmesan, manchego, or asiago instead of cheddar.
If using dried rosemary, reduce the amount to 1 ½ teaspoons to avoid overpowering the dough.
To add texture, stir in chopped pecans or walnuts.
If you prefer a softer cookie, reduce the baking time to 12 minutes. For a crispier cookie, extend the time to 18 minutes.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Snack
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 120
Sugar: 1 g
Sodium: 200 mg
Fat: 9 g
Saturated Fat: 5 g
Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 9 g
Fiber: 0 g
Protein: 3 g
Cholesterol: 20 mg