• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Intentional Hospitality
  • Recipes Index
  • Occasions
  • Resources
  • Printables
  • CONTACT
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipes Index
  • Occasions
  • Resources
  • Printables
  • CONTACT
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×

    RECIPES » Appetizers + Snack » Savory Parmesan Rosemary Shortbread

    Savory Parmesan Rosemary Shortbread

    Dec 13, 2020 · Last updated: Aug 31, 2021 by Gina · This post may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy.

    I appreciate your shares! xox

    • Yum It
    • Share
    • Email
    Jump to Recipe
    parmesan rosemary shortbread

    These savory and easy to make parmesan rosemary shortbread cookies are an elegant appetizer or special late-night snack with a glass of wine.

    Savory Parmesan and Rosemary Shortbreads being held in a stack
    Jump to:
    • 😋 Why make this recipe
    • Ingredents
    • How to make shortbread dough
    • How to bake shortbread
    • Making shortbread ahead of time
    • Tips for storing and freezing
    • Gifting savory shortbread
    • What to serve shortbread with
    • More savory cracker recipes
    • Recipe

    😋 Why make this recipe

     These little shortbreads were a hit with everyone in the family. So much so, my daughter kept asking if I was finished photographing for this post so she could eat them for breakfast. 

    Are shortbread and butter cookies the same thing?

    Butter cookies contain more sugar and flour and are baked at a higher temperature than shortbread cookies. Also, butter cookies tend to hold their shape when baked. Shortbread cookies typically have a higher butter ratio to the flour and are baked at a lower temperature. A shortbread is dry and crumbly with a melt-in-your-mouth quality.

    What is the difference between Scottish shortbread and regular shortbread?

    Historically, Scottish shortbread was traditionally made with remnants of bread dough, oatmeal and yeast, resulting in a dry, biscuit-like cookie. Over time the recipe has evolved into the much tastier, buttery treat we know it to be today. Scottish shortbread should not be confused with Scottish cookies, which contain butter and shortening. The addition of shortening makes the cookie less crumbly than shortbread cookies.

    Why do people poke holes in shortbread?

    You might have noticed many shortbread cookies have holes poked in them. Poking holes in the top of the shortbread dough allow the heat to penetrate the cookie, baking evenly. For this recipe, I did not poke holes. If you roll your cookie dough in an even diameter log and cut each slice the same thickness, the cookie will cook evenly in this recipe.

    Savory Parmesan Rosemary Shortbread

    Ingredents

    What kind of parmesan to use

    While in Italy this past summer, I visited the most dreamy cheese shop called Giolito Cheese in Bra. I purchased a large block of parmesan, carefully wrapping it in wax paper, and then shrink-wrapped it so it would travel well in my suitcase back to the states.  Sadly, my cheese block is almost gone now, so I wanted to find a very special recipe to use my last little bit in.  

    A word of caution, do not use the green jar shaker kind of parmesan. It will not work. Also, choose a good-quality parmesan. If you use a cheaper pre-shredded from your local grocery, the cheese will not cream into the batter. When you bake them, the pieces of cheese will brown on top of the cookie before the edges leave a speckled look. There is nothing wrong with the taste; it just would be better with a quality hard parmesan cheese.

    What kind of herbs to use

    Use dried, not fresh rosemary and thyme for this savory cookie. Be sure to chop or crumble the herbs into small pieces.

    How to make shortbread dough

    • The key to making a good smooth shortbread dough is to allow the butter to come to room temperature. Do not melt it in the microwave. Place the butter in a stand mixer with the paddle attachment and mix butter on medium until creamy.
    • Add the parmesan, salt, pepper, herbs, and flour. Mix on low until evenly combined.

    Tips for rolling out shortbread dough

    • Start with a flat surface that has been dusted lightly with flour.
    • Form the dough into a ball shape. If the dough is sticky, add a little flour to it and work until smooth.
    • Place the ball on the flat working surface. Pushing with both hands, fingers spread, roll the dough into a log shape about 12 inches long. Be sure the log is the same diameter throughout.

    Should I chill my shortbread dough?

    It is advised to chill parmesan shortbread dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes or longer. Chilling it will firm up the dough and solidify the butter. This will help keep them from spreading too much when baked.

    Tips for cutting shortbread dough

    First, carefully spread a little butter using a paper towel onto the edges of a sharp knife. Then remove your dough log from the refrigerator and immediately slice it into even-sized pieces, about 1/2 inch thick.

    What if my shortbread is dry?

    • Make certain your butter is softened to room temperature all the way through the stick.
    • When measuring dry ingredients like flour, fill your measuring cup to overflowing, then run the back edge of a butter knife evenly over the top of the cup to remove the excess flour. Recipes call for exact amounts. Even a little extra can be a problem.
    • Be sure to mix the flour into the butter mixture thoroughly. When stirring your batter, there shouldn’t be any unabsorbed or loose flour in your bowl. I like to use a Kitchen Aid stand mixer for this recipe to incorporate the ingredients.

    How to bake shortbread

    1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
    2. Line a large cookie sheet with parchment paper.
    3. Place one inch thick sliced shortbread on the parchment-lined cookie sheet.
    4. Bake approximately 22-25 minutes, just until the edges of your savory shortbread cookies turn golden brown.
    Savory Parmesan and Rosemary Shortbreads are easy to make and elegant to serve.

    Making shortbread ahead of time

    These are great little savory bites that are easy to prepare ahead and serve warm right out of the oven when it's time for your party. To make it simple, prepare your dough and roll it into a log shape. Wrap the log in parchment paper and then place it in a ziplock bag. This can be done several days before you want to serve them. Then when it is party time, just slice and bake. Your guest will be so impressed!

    Tips for storing and freezing

    Parmesan shortbread cookies can be baked and then frozen in an airtight container for up to 2 months. To thaw, place in the refrigerator overnight. Warm in a 250-degree oven for 10 minutes

    Gifting savory shortbread

    Savory Parmesan Rosemary Shortbread would also be great to give as a gift or take along as an appetizer to share at parties. Place them in a cute cookie bakery treat box.

    What to serve shortbread with

    Parmesan rosemary shortbread would be a great accent to a charcuterie board. Get board ideas, tips, a shopping list, and a styling guide to help you make a beautiful board and serve it to family and friends at your next get-together.

    More savory cracker recipes

    The best Pimento Cheese Crackers recipe is easy to make with only 4 simple ingredients. These homemade crackers are perfect for serving as an appetizer or enjoying as a savory snack.

    Recipe

    parmesan rosemary shortbread on a plate

    Savory Parmesan Rosemary Shortbread

    Gina
    These savory and easy to make parmesan rosemary shortbread cookies are an elegant appetizer or special late-night snack with a glass of wine.
    Prevent your screen from going dark
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Share by Email
    Prep Time 20 mins
    Cook Time 22 mins
    Total Time 42 mins
    Course Bread
    Cuisine American
    Servings 20 cookies
    Calories 42 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 1/2 cup butter room temperature
    • 1/2 cup Parmesan freshly grated, not the green can kind. Allow warm to room temperature after you grade it.
    • 1/2 teaspoon salt
    • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
    • 1/2 teaspoon thyme finely chopped dried leaves
    • 1/2 teaspoon rosemary finely chopped dried leaves
    • 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

    Instructions
     

    • Place room temperature butter in a stand mixer with the paddle attachment and mix butter on medium until creamy.
    • Add the room temperature parmesan, salt, pepper, herbs, and flour. Mix on low until evenly combined.
    • Roll dough in a log form and wrap in wax paper, chill for at least 30 minutes
    • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
    • Slice shortbread 1 inch thick. Place on parchment lined cookie sheet.
    • Bake for approximately 22-25 minutes, just until they turn golden on the edges.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1cookieCalories: 42kcalCarbohydrates: 6gProtein: 2gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 2mgSodium: 105mgPotassium: 19mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 29IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 38mgIron: 1mg
    Hungry For More?Join my members email list to get the latest recipes and party ideas. You will also have access to my members only printables library.

    I appreciate your shares! xox

    • Yum It
    • Share
    • Email

    About Gina

    Hey y'all, I am here to help you build community and nurture faith around your table. You will find fun party ideas and delicious recipes for easy-to-make meals and party food. I want to help you create a table where people come together, enjoy a meal and linger with good conversation.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. WhitBit's Indian Kitchen

      November 13, 2015 at 2:53 pm

      These look absolutely fabulous! I want to go to Italy and bring back cheese! Definitely going to pin these to make during the holidays!

      Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    Welcome, y'all

    It's good to have you stop by. I'm Gina, the recipe developer, and party planner for Intentional Hospitality. I have created this site to help you serve easy crowd-worthy appetizers to delicious desserts for your next memorable celebration or gathering. Read More…

    Dinner Party Ideas

    • 60 Fun Dinner Party Themes and Ideas
    • Greek Dinner Party

    Peach Season

    • The Masters Peach Ice Cream Sandwich
    • Canning Peach BBQ Sauce
    party in freezer cookbook cover with people toasting

    Party Tips

    • Party Tips: How Long Does Brewed Tea Last At Room Temperature?
    • How Much Taco Meat Per Person (Recipe For A Party)

    BBQ condiments

    • Easy Homemade Yellow Mustard
    • Spicy Orange and Coffee BBQ Sauce
    • Bacon and Whiskey BBQ Sauce
    • Canned Cowboy Candy

    Canning season recipes

    • Canned Chili Recipe
    • Pressure Canning Potatoes
    • Learn How To Pressure Can
    • Canned Vegetable Soup
    • How To Can Soup
    • Canning Chickpeas
    Featured in for intentional hospitality

    Party ideas 🎉

    • 37 Best Dress Up Party Themes For Adults
    • 20 Best Party Themes For Adults
    • Greek Dinner Party
    • Italian Dinner Party

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    party in the freezer cookbook cover

    About

    • About
    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclaimer
    • Terms & Conditions
    • Accessibility Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails & updates

    Contact

    • Contact
    gina intentional hospitality

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2022 Intentional Hospitality

    69 shares