These savory cheese and basil cookies bring together grated cheese, fresh herbs, and a little lemon zest. Serve them warm or at room temperature as a simple snack, alongside a light salad, or as part of a cheese board.

Makes: 10 cookies
Prep: about 15 minutes
Chill: 30 minutes
Bake: 20–25 minutes
Total: about 1 hour 5–10 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour (120 g), plus a little more only if needed
• Salt, to taste (start with a small pinch; the cheese adds salt)
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• 1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons neutral vegetable oil (25 ml)
• 1 large egg
• Finely grated zest of ½ lemon
• 2 ounces hard cheese, finely grated (60 g), such as Parmesan or aged cheddar
• About ⅓ cup lightly packed fresh basil leaves (10 g), finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (15 ml)
• 1 tablespoon water (15 ml)

Instructions

1. Prepare the cheese, basil, and lemon. Finely grate the cheese, chop the basil, and zest half a lemon, avoiding the bitter white pith.
2. Mix the dry ingredients. In a mixing bowl, stir together the flour, salt, and baking powder.
3. Add the remaining ingredients. Add the oil, egg, lemon zest, grated cheese, and chopped basil. Mix to combine, then add the water and lemon juice last.
4. Bring the dough together. Gently knead just until you have a soft dough. If it is too sticky to shape, sprinkle in a little extra flour, a teaspoon at a time; avoid adding more than necessary.
5. Chill. Wrap the dough and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
6. Heat the oven and shape. Preheat the oven to 355°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Divide the chilled dough into 10 equal pieces, roll each into a ball, and flatten slightly. Arrange on the prepared baking sheet with a little space between them.
7. Bake. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until golden brown. Let the cookies rest briefly on the baking sheet, then transfer to a wire rack. Serve warm or allow to cool completely.

Recipe Notes

• For the most consistent dough, weigh the flour and cheese. Spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level it if using cups.
• Use fresh basil for the flavor of the original ingredient combination. Measure the leaves before chopping; the cup measurement is approximate.
• Cheeses vary in saltiness and moisture. Start with a small pinch of salt, especially when using Parmesan.
• The original baking temperature is 180°C, approximately 355°F. If your oven only offers 25-degree increments, use 350°F and check the cookies at 20 minutes, allowing a little more time if needed.

Serving and Storage

Serve with tea or coffee, pair with a light vegetable salad, or add to a savory snack board. These are best freshly baked. Once completely cool, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days; briefly warm in a low oven before serving.