If you have a craving for something savory, crispy, and utterly delicious, this Golden Cheese Cookies Recipe will be your new favorite snack. These golden wonders are bursting with sharp cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, a hint of Dijon mustard, and just a touch of cayenne pepper to give them a little kick. Baked to perfection, they offer a delightful buttery crunch and a rich, cheesy flavor that makes them impossible to resist. Whether you serve them at a party, alongside your afternoon tea, or simply enjoy them on their own, these cookies will quickly become a beloved treat in your baking repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet essential, each adding its own magic to the flavor, texture, and beautiful golden color of your cheese cookies. From the richness of the cheeses to the subtle heat from the cayenne, every element plays a crucial role in making these cookies truly special.
- All-purpose flour: The sturdy base gives structure and a tender crumb to the cookies.
- Baking powder: Adds a gentle lift, keeping the cookies light and crisp.
- Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the cheese.
- Unsalted butter, softened: Provides richness and a smooth texture that melts beautifully in your mouth.
- Grated sharp cheddar cheese: The star of the show, delivering bold, tangy flavor.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty depth and golden color.
- Dijon mustard: A surprising hint of tanginess that brightens the cheese blend.
- Cayenne pepper: A subtle kick that elevates the savory notes without overpowering.
- Large egg: Helps bind everything together while adding tenderness.
- Water: Used sparingly to bring the dough together to the perfect consistency.
How to Make Golden Cheese Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to ensure your cookies bake evenly and won’t stick. Getting this ready upfront makes the whole process smoother.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This extra step ensures your dry ingredients are well combined, which helps your cookies have a consistent texture and flavor throughout.
Step 3: Cream the Butter
Using an electric mixer or whisk, beat the softened butter until it becomes creamy and smooth. This step is key—it creates a fluffy base that’ll help your cookies have that delicate melt-in-your-mouth feel.
Step 4: Add the Cheeses and Spices
Mix the grated sharp cheddar, Parmesan, Dijon mustard, and cayenne pepper into the butter. The combination of cheeses brings a complex and irresistible taste, while the mustard and cayenne add subtle layers of zing and warmth.
Step 5: Incorporate the Egg
Crack the large egg into the mixture and beat it in completely. This not only binds your dough but also adds richness and moisture that helps make the cookies tender rather than dry.
Step 6: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the flour mixture into your butter and cheese blend, stirring gently just until the dough starts to come together. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so keep it light and easy.
Step 7: Adjust Dough Consistency
Add the water one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough feels smooth and easy to handle. This helps bring the dough together perfectly without making it sticky or tough.
Step 8: Knead and Shape the Dough
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface, and gently knead a few times until it fully comes together. Then roll it into a log about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter and wrap it tightly with plastic wrap.
Step 9: Chill the Dough
Pop your wrapped dough log in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling firms up the dough, making it easier to slice and helping maintain the cookies’ shape while baking.
Step 10: Slice and Bake
Once chilled, slice the dough into roughly 1/4-inch thick rounds using a sharp knife. Arrange these slices on your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about an inch apart to allow room for spreading.
Bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes until their edges turn a beautiful golden brown. This is when you know your Golden Cheese Cookies Recipe is reaching peak deliciousness!
Step 11: Cool the Cookies
Let the cookies rest on the baking sheets for 5 minutes to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This final step ensures they finish crisping without breaking apart.
How to Serve Golden Cheese Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Keep it simple with a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper or tiny bits of parsley for a pop of color. If you’re feeling fancy, a small dollop of cream cheese or a smear of honey mustard on the side pairs beautifully.
Side Dishes
These cookies are brilliant alongside a rich tomato soup or a crisp greens salad. Their cheesy crunch makes them a fantastic accompaniment to dips like spinach artichoke or roasted red pepper hummus.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these cookies stacked on a rustic wooden board alongside a wedge of sharp cheddar and some dried fruit for a delightful cheese platter. Or, use them as a crunchy unexpected topping on creamy soups or casseroles for extra texture and flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your cooled Golden Cheese Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, and they will stay fresh and crisp for up to 3 days. Keeping them in a single layer helps prevent breakage and sogginess.
Freezing
You can freeze the dough log before slicing it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, freezing for up to one month. When ready, thaw in the fridge, slice, and bake as usual for fresh, homemade cookies anytime.
Reheating
Rewarm leftover cookies in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes to restore their crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it can make them soft and gummy. Reheating this way brings back that fresh-from-the-oven joy.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese for this recipe?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar and Parmesan give these cookies their classic flavor, you can experiment with cheeses like Gruyère, Asiago, or even a smoky Gouda to create your own tasty variations.
Is it okay to skip the cayenne pepper?
Yes, if you prefer your cookies without any heat, you can leave out the cayenne pepper altogether. The cookies will still be flavorful and cheesy, just milder.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
You can try substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, but results might vary. Be sure the blend contains xanthan gum or a similar binder to maintain the right texture.
Why do I need to chill the dough?
Chilling the dough helps it firm up, so when you slice the cookies and bake, they hold their shape better and don’t spread too much. It also lets the flavors meld together for a richer taste.
How should I store these cookies to keep them crunchy?
The best way is to store them in an airtight container at room temperature, avoiding any humidity. Adding a small food-safe silica packet or a piece of bread can help absorb moisture and keep your cookies crisp longer.
Final Thoughts
This Golden Cheese Cookies Recipe is a true gem, combining cheesy richness with buttery crunch in every bite. It’s an easy recipe that feels special enough for entertaining yet simple enough for a comforting snack at home. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a go-to that you can enjoy anytime. So grab your ingredients, get baking, and prepare to fall in love with this golden cheesy delight!
Print
Golden Cheese Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 20m
- Total Time: 0h 35m
- Yield: About 40 cookies
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Golden Cheese Cookies are a delightful savory treat combining sharp cheddar and Parmesan cheeses with a hint of Dijon mustard and cayenne pepper. These crisp, buttery cookies are perfect for snacking or serving alongside soups and salads. Easy to prepare and bake, they offer a perfect balance of cheesy richness and subtle spice.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons water
Cheese and Flavorings
- 1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined to ensure even distribution.
- Beat Butter: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer or hand whisk to beat the softened unsalted butter until creamy and smooth for a light texture.
- Add Cheese and Flavorings: Incorporate the grated sharp cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, Dijon mustard, and cayenne pepper into the butter mixture, blending until evenly combined.
- Incorporate Egg: Crack the large egg into the mixture and mix thoroughly until the egg is fully blended, adding moisture and binding the dough.
- Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the butter and cheese mixture, stirring gently with a wooden spoon or spatula until the dough starts to come together.
- Add Water: Add the water one tablespoon at a time, mixing after each addition until the dough becomes smooth and easy to handle.
- Knead Dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead a few times to incorporate all ingredients evenly.
- Shape Dough: Roll the dough into a log shape approximately 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap.
- Chill Dough: Refrigerate the wrapped dough for at least 30 minutes to firm it up, making slicing easier and maintaining shape.
- Slice Dough: After chilling, remove the dough from the refrigerator and slice it into rounds about 1/4-inch thick using a sharp knife.
- Arrange on Baking Sheets: Place the cookie slices on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch of space between each to allow spreading.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the cookie edges turn golden brown, signaling they are perfectly baked.
- Cool on Sheets: Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool for 5 minutes to firm up before transferring.
- Transfer to Wire Rack: Move the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring crisp texture.
Notes
- For sharper cheese flavor, use extra sharp cheddar.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to your preferred spice level or omit for a milder taste.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- These cookies freeze well; freeze sliced dough before baking for fresh cookies anytime.
- Ensure butter is softened but not melted to achieve the right dough consistency.
