When the first hint of winter's chill fills the air, there's something truly delightful about the cozy scents wafting from my kitchen. This is the perfect time to whip up a batch of Rosemary-Parmesan Snowflake Cookies, a treat that beautifully combines the herbal warmth of fresh rosemary with the nutty richness of Parmesan cheese.
I stumbled upon this unique recipe while searching for a way to elevate my holiday baking. At first glance, it might seem unconventional to mix herbs and cheese into cookies, but trust me, this delightful surprise brings a burst of flavor that you won't find in your typical sweet treats.
Perfect for elegant holiday gatherings or simply to enjoy with a warm cup of tea, these cookies are remarkably easy to prepare and sure to impress. With just 27 minutes from start to finish, they’ll quickly become a favorite in your baking repertoire, enticing everyone to ask for just one more! Join me as we dive into this scrumptious recipe that’s both simple and wonderfully sophisticated.
Why You'll Love This Rosemary-Parmesan Snowflake Cookies
- These Rosemary-Parmesan Snowflake Cookies are incredibly easy to make, allowing you to whip up a delightful batch in just 27 minutes.
- The unique combination of rosemary and Parmesan creates a flavor profile that is both intriguing and savory, perfect for those looking for something different.
- Their elegant snowflake shapes make them visually stunning, sure to impress at any holiday gathering or special occasion.
- Lastly, these cookies appeal to a wide range of tastes, making them a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love, whether paired with a warm drink or served on a festive platter.
Rosemary-Parmesan Snowflake Cookies Ingredients
Get ready to whip up these delicious Rosemary-Parmesan Snowflake Cookies with these simple ingredients!
For the Cookie Dough
- All-purpose flour – This is the base that gives structure to your cookies.
- Unsalted butter – Using room temperature butter ensures a creamy, smooth dough.
- Fresh rosemary – Finely chopped for that burst of herbal flavor throughout the cookies.
- Grated Parmesan cheese – Adds a delightful depth and savory note to your cookies.
- Granulated sugar – This balances the savory elements and gives a slight sweetness.
- Salt – Enhances all the flavors and ties the ingredients together.
- Large egg yolk – Helps to bind the dough and gives richness to each bite.
Happy baking!
How to Make Rosemary-Parmesan Snowflake Cookies
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it's warming, line two baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick.
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Cream together the unsalted butter and granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl. Use an electric mixer to beat them until light and fluffy—this should take about 3 minutes for that perfect texture.
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Incorporate the egg yolk, freshly chopped rosemary, and grated Parmesan cheese into the mixture. Stir well to combine, ensuring every ingredient is evenly distributed for maximum flavor.
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Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to your buttery mixture. Mix gently until just combined—don't overwork it, or your cookies may become tough.
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Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about half an inch thick. Use cookie cutters to create beautiful snowflake shapes, giving your cookies their festive flair.
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Bake the cookies on your prepared baking sheets for 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them until the edges are golden brown, indicating they’re perfectly baked. Enjoy them warm or let them cool to room temperature.
Optional: Dust with extra grated Parmesan for a fancy touch!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Rosemary-Parmesan Snowflake Cookies
Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days, keeping them fresh and flavorful for your snacking delight.
Fridge: If you want to extend their life, keep the cookies in the fridge for up to a week in an airtight container. Just allow them to come to room temperature before enjoying!
Freezer: To freeze your Rosemary-Parmesan Snowflake Cookies, wrap each one individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
Reheating: For warm cookies, simply place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes. Enjoy the delightful aroma as they warm up!
What to Serve with Rosemary-Parmesan Snowflake Cookies?
Indulge in a delightful experience that elevates your cookie enjoyment with these scrumptious pairings.
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Savory Cheese Platter: Pairing these cookies with a selection of cheeses enhances their savory notes, making for a delightful balance of flavors.
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Herbal Tea: Enjoy with a fragrant cup of chamomile or mint tea, which complements the rosemary beautifully and soothes the palate.
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Fresh Fruit Medley: A mix of seasonal fruits like pears and apples adds a refreshing contrast to the rich, cheesy cookies, creating a colorful plate.
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Buttery Shortbread Fingers: The crunchy, non-herbed sweetness of buttery shortbread balances the unique flavors of rosemary and Parmesan, making it a great duo.
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Olive Oil Drizzle: A light drizzle of high-quality olive oil over the cookies adds an extra layer of flavor, making them irresistibly gourmet.
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Sparkling Water with Citrus: Refreshing citrus-infused sparkling water cleanses the palate beautifully between bites, enhancing the savory experience.
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Decadent Chocolate Ganache: A small side of rich chocolate ganache to dip these cookies can satisfy your sweet tooth while still keeping a savory feel.
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Wine Pairing: A glass of crisp Sauvignon Blanc can elevate your cookie tasting, as its acidity complements the cheese's richness perfectly.
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Cinnamon Sugar Dusting: A light dusting of cinnamon sugar adds a sweet twist that contrasts with the savory flavors, making each bite even more delightful.
Rosemary-Parmesan Snowflake Cookies Variations
Feel free to explore these delightful twists to make this recipe truly your own!
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a similar texture that everyone can enjoy.
- Cheese Options: Use crumbled feta or aged cheddar instead of Parmesan to experiment with new flavors.
- Herbal Infusion: Try swapping rosemary for thyme or sage for a different herbal note that will run wild in your taste buds.
- Savory Add-In: Incorporate finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a flavorful surprise that adds a hint of sweetness.
- Nutty Crunch: Add ¼ cup of finely chopped walnuts or pine nuts to the dough for an extra dimension of flavor and crunch.
- Sweet & Savory: Mix in a teaspoon of honey, for a hint of sweetness that complements the savory elements beautifully.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a touch of heat that will make your taste buds dance.
- Seasonal Flair: Garnish with a dusting of powdered sugar or festive sprinkles before serving to brighten up your snowy cookies!
These variations not only enhance the flavor but also invite your creativity to shine through in every batch. Happy baking!
Make Ahead Options
These Rosemary-Parmesan Snowflake Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the hectic holiday season! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 3 days in advance. Simply mix all the ingredients as directed, then wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, roll out the dough and cut into shapes as usual—don’t worry, the cookies will bake up just as delicious! If you're short on time, you can also freeze the cut shapes on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. When you need them, bake directly from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time for these festive treats!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When making Rosemary-Parmesan Snowflake Cookies, ensure your butter is at room temperature for easier creaming with sugar, which helps achieve that light, fluffy texture.
- Avoid overmixing the dough after adding the flour to keep your cookies tender and delicate.
- For an even distribution of flavors, finely chop the fresh rosemary and mix it in thoroughly with the other ingredients.
- Keep an eye on your cookies while baking, as oven temperatures can vary; bake them until the edges are just golden brown to prevent overbaking.
Rosemary-Parmesan Snowflake Cookies Recipe FAQs
How do I select the best rosemary for my cookies?
Absolutely! When choosing fresh rosemary, look for sprigs that are vibrant green and have a fresh, fragrant aroma. Avoid any rosemary that looks wilted or has dark spots. I often buy organic rosemary if I can find it, as it usually has a stronger flavor and is free from pesticides.
How should I store my Rosemary-Parmesan Snowflake Cookies?
The best way to keep your cookies fresh is to store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you'd like to enjoy them longer, you can refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to a week. Just let them warm to room temperature before savoring each bite!
Can I freeze Rosemary-Parmesan Snowflake Cookies?
Yes, you can! To freeze your cookies, wrap each one individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They will stay delicious for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy them, simply preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake them for about 5 minutes to warm them up and restore their lovely texture.
What should I do if my cookie dough is too dry?
Very! If you find your cookie dough is too dry, it could be that you added too much flour. You can remedy this by adding a teaspoon of milk or water at a time until the dough holds together better. Make sure to mix gently, as you want to avoid overworking it!
Are there any dietary considerations for my guests?
Certainly! These cookies contain dairy and gluten; the Parmesan cheese and butter may not be suitable for lactose-intolerant or gluten-sensitive individuals. If you have guests with these dietary restrictions, I recommend trying lactose-free butter and a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend as substitutes for a delicious alternative!
Rosemary-Parmesan Snowflake Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream together the unsalted butter and granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy.
- Incorporate the egg yolk, chopped rosemary, and Parmesan cheese into the mixture, stirring well.
- Gradually add the flour and salt to the buttery mixture, mixing gently until combined.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about half an inch thick and cut out snowflake shapes.
- Bake the cookies on your prepared baking sheets for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden brown.
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