Ingredients for Savory Shortbread

To create these delectable savory shortbread cookies, you’ll need a few key ingredients that work together to deliver the perfect balance of flavor and texture. Freshly grated cheddar cheese, high-quality flour, and that crucial Everything Bagel seasoning are essential.

• Cheddar cheese: Freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese is essential. It provides the dominant savory flavor and contributes to the cookie’s tender texture. The recipe calls for both ounces and cups to ensure accuracy. Using pre-shredded cheese isn’t recommended, as it often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the dough’s consistency.
• All-purpose flour: This forms the base of the cheese cookies. Make sure to measure your flour accurately using the spoon and level method for optimal results. This prevents the cookies from becoming too dry or dense.
• Baking powder: While traditional shortbread recipes often skip this ingredient, a small amount of baking powder in this recipe offers a subtle lift, ensuring the cookies are tender and not overly dense.
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness and binds the dough together. It’s important to melt the butter and let it cool slightly before mixing it into the other ingredients.
• Everything Bagel seasoning: This savory blend provides crunch and a burst of flavor to the cookie exterior. It’s a fantastic complement to the cheddar cheese and adds a delightful aroma.

See the detailed recipe card below for complete information on ingredients and precise quantities.

How to Make Savory Cheddar Shortbread Cookies

Making these savory shortbread cookies is a straightforward process that involves preparing the dough, chilling it for optimal flavor and texture, and then slicing and baking to golden perfection. Follow these simple steps to create delicious, crowd-pleasing cookies.

Prep the Dough

1. Start by grating the cheddar cheese using the smallest holes on a box grater. You should end up with approximately 1 ½ cups of loosely packed cheese.
2. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking powder until well combined.
3. Stir the grated cheddar cheese into the flour mixture, ensuring it’s evenly distributed.
4. Add the melted butter to the mixture and stir just until a cohesive dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.

Shape and Chill the Dough

5. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured work surface. Gather it into a ball and knead it a few times until smooth.
6. Roll the shortbread dough into a log approximately 2 inches in diameter.
7. Wrap the dough log securely in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. Pro Tip: Store the wrapped dough upright in a drinking glass to prevent flattening on one side.

Slice and Bake

8. Pour the Everything Bagel seasoning into a shallow bowl. Unwrap the chilled dough and roll it in the seasoning, pressing gently to help it adhere. For best results, chill the dough again for a minimum of 1 hour, or even overnight.
9. Using a sharp knife, slice the savory dough log into ¼-inch-thick rounds.
10. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the shortbread cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving a small space between each cookie. Bake for approximately 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges are pale golden and the cookies are set in the center. Let them cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheets before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Essential Tips for Baking Success

To ensure your savory cheddar shortbread cookies turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips. From using freshly grated cheese to chilling the dough adequately, these practices can make all the difference.

• Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can negatively impact the dough’s texture. Freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly and provides a better overall flavor.
• Don’t Skip the Chilling Steps: Chilling the dough is crucial for both flavor development and texture. Cold butter takes longer to melt in the oven, which helps the cookies maintain their shape as they bake. Storing the dough upright in a drinking glass while chilling prevents it from flattening on one side.
• Melt Butter Properly: Ensure the melted butter is cooled slightly before adding it to the dough. Butter that is too hot can affect the dough’s texture by prematurely melting the cheese or making the dough greasy.
• Achieve a Crispier Texture: If you prefer a crispier texture, slice the cookies a bit thinner and bake them for an additional 2-3 minutes, keeping a close eye to avoid overbaking.

Delicious Recipe Variations

Want to add a personal touch to your savory shortbread cookies? Here are a few exciting variations to try. Experiment with different cheeses, spices, and herbs to create unique flavor combinations.

• Different Cheese: Swap the cheddar for Parmesan cheese or another favorite hard cheese like smoked Gouda for a different flavor profile.
• Add a Spicy Kick: Incorporate ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper into the dough for a hint of heat.
• Incorporate Herbs: Mix a teaspoon of your favorite dried herbs, such as thyme, rosemary, or oregano, into the dough for an earthy twist.
• Seed Swaps: Instead of Everything Bagel seasoning, try using sesame seeds or poppy seeds for a simpler, nutty flavor.

Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions

These savory shortbread cookies are perfect for making ahead of time. Whether you want to freeze the dough or store the baked cookies, here are some helpful guidelines.

• Freezing the Dough: Wrap the dough log securely in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 1 month. Defrost it in the refrigerator before slicing and baking.
• Storing Baked Cookies: Baked cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
• Freezing Baked Cookies: Cool the baked shortbread cookies completely, then arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze until firm. Transfer the frozen cookies to an airtight container or freezer bag, separating the layers with parchment paper. They can be stored for up to 3 months. To serve, thaw them at room temperature or reheat them briefly in a low oven to refresh their texture.

Serving Suggestions: How to Enjoy

These savory cheddar cookies are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in numerous ways. Here are some ideas for serving and pairing these delectable treats.

Pair them with your afternoon tea or a glass of your favorite wine, such as a crisp Sauvignon Blanc. They also make a fantastic addition to any cheese board, alongside fresh fruit, nuts, jam, and a variety of cheeses for a stunning presentation. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply treating yourself, these cookies are guaranteed to be a hit!

More Savory Snack Recipes You’ll Love

If you’re a fan of unique, savory snacks, you’ll adore these additional recipes. Explore new flavors and textures with these delightful treats.

• Homemade Chex Mix
• Pie Crust Cookies
• Easy Pizza Dough Soft Pretzel Bites
• Party-Perfect Cheese Straws
• Everything Parmesan Cheese Crisps

Detailed Recipe: Savory Cheddar Shortbread Cookies

Appetizer

Savory Shortbread Cookies Recipe

These savory shortbread cookies are made with sharp cheddar cheese and Everything Bagel seasoning. They’re the perfect addition to charcuterie boards, cheese platters or as a standalone treat. Easy to make and absolutely irresistible!

Author: Kelly Senyei

Rate this recipe:
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(5 from 2 votes)

⏱

Prep Time: 2 hrs

Cook Time: 12 mins

Total Time: 2 hrs 12 mins

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Servings:
12 cookies

Print Recipe

Ingredients

• 4 oz. sharp cheddar cheese, cold
• 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting work surface
• ¼ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
• ½ cup Everything Bagel seasoning

Instructions

1. Grate the cheese on the smallest hole of a box grater. You should have about 1 ½ cups loosely packed cheese.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder then stir in the grated cheese.
3. Add the melted butter and stir just until a cohesive dough forms.
4. Lightly flour your work surface.
5. Transfer the dough onto your work surface, gather it into a ball and knead it a few times until smooth. Roll the dough into a log with a 2-inch diameter.
6. Wrap the dough log securely in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for 30 minutes.
7. Add the Everything bagel seasoning to a shallow bowl.
8. Unwrap the dough and roll it in the Everything seasoning, pressing it to adhere. Re-wrap the dough log in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for a minimum of 1 hour and up to overnight.
9. When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
10. Remove the dough log from the fridge and using a sharp knife, slice it into 1/4-inch-thick rounds. Arrange the rounds at least 2 inches apart on the baking sheets.
11. Bake the cookies until pale golden and set in the center, 12 to 15 minutes. Remove them from the oven and let them cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheets before transferring them to a wrack to cool completely then serve.

Kelly’s Notes

• Freshly grated cheese is essential for the dough texture and to avoid crumbly cookies, so that’s why the cheese is listed in ounces AND cups.
• Add cayenne pepper for heat, if desired (start with ¼ teaspoon).
• Don’t skip the chilling steps! Chilling the dough makes the cookies a lot more flavorful and helps the cookies maintain their shape as they bake. Store the dough upright in a drinking glass while chilling to prevent one side from becoming flat.
• The dough can be stored in the freezer for up to 1 month if wrapped securely in plastic wrap.
• Baked cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
• ★ Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!

Nutrition

Calories: 154kcal,
Carbohydrates: 10g,
Protein: 4g,
Fat: 11g,
Saturated Fat: 7g,
Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.5g,
Monounsaturated Fat: 3g,
Trans Fat: 0.3g,
Cholesterol: 30mg,
Sodium: 873mg,
Potassium: 23mg,
Fiber: 0.4g,
Sugar: 0.1g,
Vitamin A: 331IU,
Calcium: 76mg,
Iron: 1mg