Parmesan Shortbread Biscuit

I’m excited to share with you how you can prepare an impressive appetizer for your guests. In this article, I will provide you with a complete easy guide to making Parmesan Shortbread Biscuits. There’s no better cookie to enjoy during happy hours than this!

Not only professionals try it, as it’s a super quick, easy, and delicious recipe, so if you’re a beginner, you can definitely try it.

Ingredients For Easy Parmesan Shortbread Biscuit Recipe

Plain flour – 125 grams

Grated Parmesan cheese – 100 grams

Salted butter – 80 grams

Salt – A pinch

Black pepper – A pinch

Egg – 1 whole egg

Why I Prefer Parmesan Shortbread Biscuit

I prefer this recipe for a few reasons. First, if we look at the sweet aspect, I don’t think there’s a better recipe for beginners. You can impress your guests in no time with delicious cookies. 

All the ingredients used in this recipe are usually available at home. You can prepare it using different types of cheese if parmesan cheese is not available.

Easy Step By Step Guide To Make Easy Parmesan Biscuits

1. Prepare Ingredients

First, add flour and grated parmesan to a bowl. If I share my experience, I tried this directly in the blender; doing it by hand is difficult. Then, add unsalted butter to this and mix it a little. Next, add a pinch of salt; it increases the flavor. Now, combine all these ingredients well.

• Ingredients Mixing Method

You can mix these ingredients in different ways, either by hand or using a food processor. However, I prefer to use the food processor method here. Other chefs will explain various ways to blend it. In short, all methods are fine; just check the texture at the end and ensure all the ingredients are mixed well.

2. Prepare Dough

The next most important step in preparing your dough is to make sure that a small mistake can ruin the texture of your parmesan shortbread cookies. You need to achieve a crumbly texture—neither soft nor hard. If the dough is mixed too much, the cookies will become very chewy.

3. Divide Dough

Then, divide the dough into two and form each part of a long and thin log. Choosing shorter logs: Working with two shorter logs is easier than one long one. It’s easier to shape and cut the cookies later. The logs should be about 3 centimetres, about 1 inch thick. They also flatten the ends of the logs a bit to have a neater shape.

4. Chilling Dough For Perfect Cookies

Don’t use your dough directly after this step. You need to refrigerate it for 30 to 45 minutes. Some people make the mistake of putting it directly in the freezer for 5 to 10 minutes, which is not advisable. It should be solidified after at least 45 minutes, making handling easier. You should roll it out again to make it smoother.

Parmesan Shortbread Biscuit Easy Baking Process

Only one log will be baked, and the baked log should be sliced into coins weighing approximately a centimetre. But remember, the cuts don’t have to be perfect—that’s totally fine.

Spread the slices on a baking tray lined with baking paper. Since they don’t spread as much, you don’t need to leave much space between these cookies. 

They take around 15 minutes in a fan oven or about 15 to 20 minutes until they are nicely baked. They’re ready when the ends are lightly golden, but the bottoms are still slightly golden. When ready, you can serve them separately or with other sweets.

Can I Use Another Cheese Instead of Parmesan?

Yes, it’s not necessary to use parmesan cheese for shortbread cookies. You can also use other cheeses; I do it myself when I don’t have that cheese available, and it doesn’t affect the texture.

Alternatives Are:

1. Cheddar 

Cheddar will add a similar salty flavor, but there might be a minor change in flavor.

2. Grana Padano 

This is almost like parmesan cheese. If you want to use it, use the same quantity as parmesan.

3. Manchego

You should also use this in the same quantity as parmesan. It won’t change the texture, but the flavor might be different.

Note

If you add an alternate ingredient, adjust the taste by adding half the amount first, then add more in the following quantity. This way, your recipe won’t get ruined. Trying different ingredients makes your dish flexible and allows you to experience new flavors.

Tips To Make Perfect Parmesan Shortbread Biscuit

• Use Quality Ingredients  

To get the best flavor in your biscuits, you need to choose high-quality Parmesan cheese. Pre-grated cheese will never taste as good as freshly grated cheese.

However, it also contains anti-caking agents and won’t taste as deep. It really makes a difference to your dish if you are using good ingredients.

• Butter Temperature  

Start mixing when the butter temperature is room temperature. Room-temperature butter blends more easily with other ingredients for a smoother dough, which is why it’s important. 

Additionally, it sets the texture of the biscuits correctly, and they become not dense and heavy, but tender and light.

• Proper Mixing 

Never work the dough too much when mixing. Don’t mix it too much, Just until the ingredients start to come together into a smooth mixture. 

Don’t overwork the dough or you’ll end up with tough biscuits, and gentle handling is necessary for tender, crumbly ones.

Parmesan shortbread biscuit Creative Serving Methods

1. Savory Sandwiches

• Stuff two biscuits full of cream cheese or goat cheese for mini sandwiches. For a simple appetizer, add slices of smoked salmon or roasted vegetables.

2. Bruschetta Style

• Diced tomatoes, basil, & a drizzle of Balsamic glaze go on top of the biscuits to make a fresh bruschetta-inspired bite.

3. Salad Toppers

• Baking the biscuits will give them more crunch and flavor for salads or other foods. These are good over Caesar salads or on mixed greens with vinaigrette.

4. Cheese Board Pairing

• They are also great when served with cheeses, cured meats, and olives—soft cheeses such as Brie or tangy blue match well with their savory flavor.

5. Dips & Spreads

• Serve the biscuits with hummus, pimento cheese, or a creamy spinach dip. These biscuits have a natural crunch, contrasting the dips’ slightly smooth texture.

Conclusion

Thank you for reading my article till the end. Parmesan Shortbread Biscuit is not just a tasty dish; if you make it for guests, it will be enough to impress them. 

If you want to try something unique in sweets, you can try this; it doesn’t require many ingredients, and even if you don’t have Parmesan cheese, you can still prepare it with another.