These Golden Cheese cookies are a delightful blend of savory and buttery goodness, with every bite leaving you craving more. The sharpness of the cheese beautifully balances the richness of the butter, creating a melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s just irresistible. As the cookies bake, your kitchen fills with an inviting aroma that’s almost too tempting to resist. It’s one of those scents that immediately makes you feel at home, cozy, and ready to dive into something delicious.
The secret to their addictive crunch lies in the way the dough is handled. Unlike regular cookies, this dough isn’t meant to be overly soft or sticky. You’ll want it to be firm enough to roll into little rounds that hold their shape perfectly in the oven. This results in that satisfying crisp exterior, while the inside stays tender and packed with flavor. And if you haven’t already tried the trick of sprinkling a bit of extra cheese on top before baking, now’s the time! It adds a nice golden touch and an even richer cheesy finish, making these cookies look as good as they taste.
If you’re anything like me, these cookies are the perfect snack to have on hand for those unexpected guests or when you’re just craving something salty but not too heavy. They pair beautifully with a hot cup of tea or even a glass of chilled wine. Trust me, once you’ve made these once, they’ll become your go-to for all your gatherings, or simply a treat to brighten your day.
Key Ingredients for Golden Cheese Cookies
– **All-purpose flour**: The base of the dough, providing structure and holding everything together. It gives the cookies their delicate crunch and light texture.
– **Baking powder**: A little leavening magic to give the cookies a slight lift. It helps achieve that perfect, airy crispness that makes each bite so satisfying.
– **Salt**: Enhances all the flavors in the dough, from the cheese to the butter. Just the right amount of salt adds depth and balances the richness of the other ingredients.
– **Unsalted butter**: The star of the show when it comes to creating a melt-in-your-mouth texture. It’s rich, creamy, and brings all the ingredients together to form a smooth dough. Plus, it adds that irresistible buttery flavor.
– **Grated sharp cheddar cheese**: The bold, tangy flavor that defines these cookies. Sharp cheddar melts beautifully into the dough, creating pockets of savory goodness in every bite.
– **Grated parmesan cheese**: Adds a salty, nutty depth to complement the cheddar. Parmesan gives the cookies an extra layer of flavor that takes them from delicious to unforgettable.
– **Dijon mustard**: A touch of sharpness that brightens the overall flavor profile. The mustard adds just enough tang to balance the richness of the cheese and butter.
– **Sugar**: A small amount of sweetness to offset the savory ingredients. The sugar helps with the dough’s texture, contributing to that delicate crispiness, without overpowering the overall flavor.
– **Large egg**: Binds everything together and helps the dough hold its shape during baking. The egg also adds to the richness of the flavor and gives the cookies their lovely golden color.
– **Garlic powder**: A subtle savory kick that enhances the cheese without overwhelming it. The garlic flavor marries perfectly with the other ingredients, adding a fragrant warmth that fills the kitchen as they bake.
How to Make Golden Cheese Cookies
- STEP 1: Preheat the Oven Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and let it heat up while you prepare the dough. This ensures your cookies bake evenly and get that perfect golden finish.
- STEP 2: Prepare the Baking Sheets Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This will help the cookies bake evenly and prevent them from sticking, making cleanup a breeze.
- STEP 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients In a large bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tsp of baking powder, ½ tsp of salt, and 1 tsp of garlic powder. This ensures that all the dry ingredients are well distributed, giving your dough a smooth, uniform texture.
- STEP 4: Cream the Butter and Sugar In a separate bowl, beat 1 cup of unsalted butter (softened to room temperature) and 2 tbsp of sugar until light and fluffy. This process helps incorporate air into the dough, giving your cookies a crisp texture. You can use an electric mixer or do this by hand with a wooden spoon.
- STEP 5: Add the Egg and Dijon Mustard To the butter and sugar mixture, add 1 large egg and 1 tsp of Dijon mustard. Beat everything together until fully combined. The egg binds the dough together, and the mustard adds that subtle tangy note that makes the cookies extra special.
- STEP 6: Incorporate the Cheeses Grate 1 ½ cups of sharp cheddar cheese and ½ cup of parmesan cheese, then fold them into the butter mixture. Mix until the cheese is evenly distributed throughout the dough, creating pockets of cheesy goodness in every bite.
- STEP 7: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring until everything is fully incorporated. You’ll know the dough is ready when it comes together into a firm, slightly crumbly ball. If the dough feels too sticky, add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time.
- STEP 8: Shape the Cookies Roll the dough into small 1-inch balls, placing them evenly spaced on your prepared baking sheets. Use your fingers or the back of a spoon to gently flatten each ball into a round cookie shape. For an extra cheesy touch, sprinkle a little additional grated cheddar on top of each cookie.
- STEP 9: Bake the Cookies Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies turn golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them towards the end to ensure they don’t overbake. The aroma in your kitchen will tell you they’re almost done!
- STEP 10: Cool and Serve Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. These cookies are best enjoyed warm, but they also store beautifully for a few days in an airtight container.
Serving Suggestions for Golden Cheese Cookies
1. **Pair with a Fresh Salad** These Golden Cheese Cookies are the perfect accompaniment to a light, refreshing salad. Try serving them alongside a mixed greens salad with a tangy vinaigrette. The crisp, savory cookies balance out the freshness of the greens and make every bite feel like a little celebration.
2. **Serve as a Cocktail Snack** If you’re hosting a cocktail hour, these cookies are a fantastic addition to your spread. Their bold cheesy flavor pairs wonderfully with a glass of white wine or a light, crisp beer. Trust me, they’ll disappear in no time—your guests won’t be able to resist the combo!
3. **Make a Cheesy Sandwich** For a fun twist, use these cookies as the “bread” in a mini cheese sandwich. Layer them with slices of your favorite cheese (brie or gouda would be divine) and a little bit of prosciutto or arugula. You’ll have a savory bite that’s crunchy, creamy, and utterly delicious!
How to Store Golden Cheese Cookies
To keep your Golden Cheese Cookies fresh and delicious, storing them properly is key. If you have any leftover cookies (which, let’s be honest, is rare!), let them cool completely before you store them. For short-term storage, simply place the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay wonderfully crisp for about 3-4 days, and you can easily grab one whenever you’re craving a snack.
If you want to keep them for a bit longer, pop them in the fridge. Just make sure they’re in an airtight container to prevent moisture from affecting their texture. Chilled cookies can last up to a week, but be sure to let them come to room temperature or warm them up in the oven for a few minutes before serving. This will bring back that crispy bite and melt-in-your-mouth flavor.
For longer storage, these cookies freeze beautifully. Just layer them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag with a sheet of parchment paper between each layer to prevent them from sticking. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw at room temperature or pop them into the oven for a quick reheating. The result? A perfectly crispy, cheesy treat, just as fresh as the day you baked them!
Conclusion
And there you have it—your new go-to recipe for Golden Cheese Cookies! From the moment you take that first bite, you’ll understand exactly why these little savory treats become so addictive. They’re the perfect balance of buttery, cheesy goodness with just the right amount of crispiness. Whether you’re preparing them for a gathering, pairing them with a salad, or enjoying them all by yourself with a cup of tea, they’re sure to steal the show.
I hope this recipe brings as much joy to your kitchen as it has to mine. It’s so simple yet packed with flavor, and honestly, there’s nothing like the satisfaction of baking something that makes your house smell incredible. If you give these cookies a try (and I really hope you do), I’d love to hear how they turn out! Drop me a comment or ask any questions if you need help—I’m here for all your cheesy, buttery baking adventures!
Golden Cheese cookies
Description
These Golden Cheese Cookies are a savory treat with a perfectly crisp exterior and a melt-in-your-mouth cheesy center. With a rich, buttery flavor and just the right hint of salt, they’re irresistibly addictive and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
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In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
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In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer or a hand whisk to beat the softened unsalted butter until creamy and smooth.
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Add the grated sharp cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, Dijon mustard, and cayenne pepper to the butter, and mix until the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
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Crack the large egg into the mixture and mix again until the egg is fully blended into the dough.
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Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the butter and cheese mixture, stirring gently with a wooden spoon or spatula until the dough begins to come together.
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Once the dough starts to form, add the water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough is smooth and easy to handle.
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Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it a few times to bring it all together.
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Roll the dough into a log shape about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter and wrap it in plastic wrap.
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Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm up before slicing.
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Once chilled, remove the dough from the refrigerator and use a sharp knife to slice it into approximately 1/4-inch thick rounds.
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Arrange the dough slices on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
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Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are golden brown.
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Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes.
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After 5 minutes, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
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Enjoy your freshly baked golden cheese cookies!
Note
- Chilling the dough is crucial for easier slicing and to help maintain the shape of the cookies while baking.
- You can use a combination of other cheeses like Gruyère or Gouda for a different flavor profile.
- For a spicier kick, adjust the cayenne pepper or add a pinch of smoked paprika.
- If you prefer a softer texture, reduce the baking time slightly and check the cookies for doneness.
- Be sure to measure the flour properly by spooning it into the cup and leveling it off to avoid dense cookies.
