Pin it
These savory parmesan, chorizo and walnut cookies elevate any appetizer spread into something truly special. The Mediterranean-inspired combination creates the perfect balance between crunchy nuts and tender centers. They've become an essential party snack that wins over even skeptics of savory cookies.
At a recent impromptu gathering, these cookies disappeared within minutes. Every guest asked for the recipe before leaving, eager to recreate them at home.
Essential Ingredients
- Parmesan: Select 24-month aged parmesan for maximum flavor. Grate just before using to preserve the aroma
- Chorizo: Choose slightly dry but not hard chorizo, ideally Iberian style for complex flavor
- Walnuts: Fresh walnuts provide the best buttery taste
- Butter: Room temperature unsalted butter is crucial for proper dough texture
- Flour: All-purpose flour creates the ideal light texture
Step-by-Step Instructions
- 1. Ingredient Prep
- Let butter soften for one hour. Finely dice chorizo into 3mm pieces. Roughly chop walnuts, leaving some larger pieces. Freshly grate parmesan.
- 2. Mix Dry Ingredients
- Sift flour with baking powder. Add freshly ground black pepper and a pinch of salt, noting the parmesan's saltiness. Fold in grated parmesan.
- 3. Add Butter
- Work softened butter pieces into flour mixture until sandy. Avoid overworking for proper texture.
- 4. Form Dough
- Create a well, add beaten egg. Mix gently to combine. Fold in chorizo and walnuts evenly. Dough should be pliable but not sticky.
- 5. Shape and Bake
- Form 30g balls, flatten slightly on lined baking sheet. Space 3cm apart. Bake at 160°C for 18-20 minutes until edges are golden but centers remain light.
These cookies have become a cherished family recipe. They're especially fun to make with children who can help crush the walnuts.
Serving Suggestions
Serving temperature is key. Cool completely on rack to develop crispness. For serving, warm briefly in 150°C oven for 5 minutes to revive the parmesan aroma.
Pin it
Perfect Pairings
These cookies pair beautifully with full-bodied red wine or crisp white wine. For freshness, serve alongside arugula dressed with olive oil.
Seasonal Variations
Summer versions include fresh thyme or rosemary. Winter variations benefit from a pinch of Espelette pepper for warmth.
Final Thoughts: These savory cookies represent the perfect balance of sophistication and simplicity. Each batch reminds us that everyday baking can be both elegant and comforting.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can the cookie dough be frozen?
- Absolutely! You can make the dough ahead of time and freeze it. Shape it into small balls, freeze, and bake directly from frozen, just adding a few extra minutes to the bake time.
- → How do you make the cookies extra crispy?
- Make sure to flatten the dough balls well and keep a close eye on the baking. Using an oven with consistent heat and timing the bake precisely will work wonders.
- → What are some variations I can try?
- Swap the chorizo with bacon, fresh herbs, or spices. Parmesan can also be replaced with another hard cheese of your choice.
- → What’s the best way to store these cookies?
- Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Avoid humidity to preserve their crunch.
- → Are these suitable for kids?
- While delicious, the chorizo and strong cheese might not appeal to every child. You can adjust the ingredients depending on their tastes.