Greek pastries with olives

Savory Feta, Parmesan, and Olive Cookies - A Delicious Treat for Any Occasion

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Servings: 20-25 cookies

We present to you a recipe for savory cookies with feta, parmesan, and olives that is sure to become your favorite! These cookies are crispy, savory, and full of flavor, perfect for enjoying as an appetizer or snack, as well as a companion for a movie night or a gathering with friends. So, gather your ingredients and let’s get cooking!

Ingredients:

- 180 g butter (82% fat)
- 230 g feta cheese
- 230 g flour
- 30 g grated parmesan
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- A pinch of turmeric
- Olives (preferably green or black, according to preference)
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

Preparing the Savory Cookies

1. Preparing the Ingredients
Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature. It’s important for the butter to be cold but soft to achieve the perfect texture. You can cut the butter into cubes to mix it more easily with the other ingredients.

2. Mixing the Ingredients
In a large bowl, add the cubed butter and crumbled feta cheese. Use a fork or a hand mixer to combine the ingredients until you achieve a smooth paste. Add the beaten egg, grated parmesan, baking powder, and a pinch of turmeric. The turmeric will not only add a beautiful yellow hue to the cookies but also has nutritional benefits, being a natural anti-inflammatory.

3. Incorporating the Flour
Start adding the flour gradually, mixing well after each addition. You’ll notice that the dough will begin to thicken. If you prefer a more intense flavor, you can also add a bit of freshly ground black pepper.

4. Kneading the Dough
When the dough becomes difficult to mix with a spoon, start kneading it with your hands. This is the stage where you'll put love and energy into your cookies! Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and homogeneous, without lumps.

5. Rolling Out the Dough
On a well-floured surface (or you can roll it out directly on a baking sheet, as I do), place the dough and roll it out with a rolling pin until you achieve a thickness of about 0.5 cm. It’s important to have an even thickness to ensure the cookies bake uniformly.

6. Cutting the Cookies
Use a knife or a pizza cutter to cut the dough into 8 vertical strips and 8 horizontal strips, creating squares. Now is the time to add sliced olives on each square of dough. You can use both green and black olives, depending on your preference.

7. Rolling the Cookies
Rolling is a fun part! Take each square of dough and carefully roll it up, making sure the olives are well wrapped in the dough. Cut each roll in half and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving a little space between them to expand while baking.

8. Baking
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the tray in the oven and let the cookies bake for about 20 minutes, or until they become golden and crispy. You will instantly fall in love with the aroma that will fill your kitchen!

9. Serving
Once the cookies have cooled slightly, you can serve them warm or at room temperature. They are excellent alongside a garlic yogurt dip or even a spicy tomato sauce.

Helpful Tips

- Ingredient Variations: You can experiment with different types of cheese, such as goat cheese or mozzarella. You can also add dried herbs like oregano or rosemary for an extra flavor boost.
- Storing the Cookies: These cookies can be stored in an airtight container for a few days. You can even freeze them to have on hand whenever you crave a savory snack.

Nutritional Benefits

- Feta: It is a good source of calcium and protein, with a lower fat content compared to other cheeses.
- Olives: They are rich in antioxidants and healthy fatty acids, beneficial for heart health.
- Turmeric: Contains curcumin, a compound with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use other types of flour?
Absolutely! Whole wheat flour can be a healthy alternative, but you will need to adjust the liquid amount to achieve a good texture.

- Can I add other ingredients?
Yes, you can add chopped nuts, chili peppers, or even sesame seeds to vary the flavor.

- What can I serve these cookies with?
These cookies pair perfectly with a glass of white wine or a craft beer, but you can also serve them with a refreshing cocktail.

Savory feta, parmesan, and olive cookies are more than just a snack; they are a culinary experience that will impress anyone who tastes them. So, don’t hesitate! Gather your ingredients and enjoy a simple and delicious recipe that will bring smiles to your loved ones' faces!