Savory Corn Cheese Cookies

These delicious corn cheese cookies offer a unique twist with their blend of cheese and cornmeal, making them a delightful treat for both sweet and savory snack lovers. Featuring fresh and semi-hard cheeses, they present an intriguing texture—soft yet crisp around the edges, adding to the culinary experience. The recipe allows for versatility, adaptable to sweet throats with a hint of sugar or to savory seekers with a pinch of salt. Adding to their charm is their ease of preparation, perfect for casual family experiences or more refined gatherings. These cookies also lend themselves well to creative endeavors, allowing shapes and forms that appeal to your artistic side. Their preparation requires simple ingredients available in most households, making them a go-to recipe when you need something quick and tasty. Whether you prefer them plain, rolled in sugar, or shaped imaginatively, these cookies never fail to impress. A true delight, their subtle cheese flavor pairs perfectly with a variety of accompaniments, from simple teas to robust wines. Enjoy these tempting cookies fresh from the oven for a taste that is both comforting and sophisticated.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

100 g fresh cheese
100 g butter or margarine
50 g grated semi-hard cheese (e.g., Russian, Dutch type)
Cornmeal as needed (approximately 2-3 cups)
1 egg

Optional

1 teaspoon salt or 3 tablespoons sugar (depending on sweet or savory preference)

Preparation Time

Total time: 60 minutes (including prep and cook time)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Dough: Cut butter into small pieces and mix with 1 cup of cornmeal. Add in the fresh cheese and egg yolk, mixing by hand until combined.
Add the Cheese: Incorporate the grated semi-hard cheese, along with either salt or sugar depending on your preference for savory or sweet cookies.
Mix the Dough: Gradually add the remaining cornmeal. The dough should be soft and pliable but not sticky. Form it into a ball and wrap it in a plastic bag or cover it. Chill in the refrigerator for one hour.
Roll the Dough: Preheat your oven to 200°C. Roll out the chilled dough as thick as you like, usually about 1/8 to 1/4 inch is ideal for cookies.
Prepare the Cookies: It's best to roll the dough out on parchment paper to avoid sticking, and you won't need extra flour. Cut out cookies in your desired shapes using cookie cutters or the rim of a glass.
Egg Wash: Gently beat the egg white and brush it over the shaped cookies for a glossy finish.
Bake: Arrange the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake in the preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes until they are lightly golden.
Shape Variations: Feel free to experiment with shapes, from simple circles to playful figures like rabbits or spirals sprinkled with sugar.
Finishing Touches: Allow cookies to cool on a wire rack. Enjoy warm or store in an airtight container.
Enjoy the Flavor: These cookies are crumbly and tender, with an interesting cheese flavor that is sure to please. Pair with your favorite beverage or serve as a delightful addition to any gathering.

Tips

For a softer texture, consider using cream cheese as your fresh cheese option.
Customize the flavor by adding herbs like rosemary for savory cookies.
To make the cookies sweeter, increase the sugar according to your liking.

Nutritions

Calories: Approx. 90 per cookie
Protein: 2g
Fats: 6g
Carbs: 7g

Variations

For a gluten-free option, replace cornmeal with almond flour or any gluten-free flour blend.
Make it vegan by substituting cheese with vegan cheese alternatives and using a flax egg instead of a regular egg.

Serving Suggestions

Pair these cookies with a light salad or serve alongside a platter of cheeses and olives for a sophisticated snack.
Enjoy with tea or coffee for a perfect tea-time treat.

Best Places

The Cookie Bar - Renowned for its artisan cookies with unique flavors. Location: 12 Maple St, New York, USA.
Cheese & Cheers - A cozy spot offering cheese-centric delicacies. Location: 45 Rue des Petits Champs, Paris, France.
Biscuit Bliss - Specializes in both sweet and savory biscuits. Location: 32 Biscuit Lane, London, UK.
The Savory Spot - Known for its creative takes on classic treats. Location: 5 Flinders Ln, Melbourne, Australia.
Cookie Crumble Café - A favorite for cookie enthusiasts. Location: 220 Bloor St, Toronto, Canada.
Goudash & Gals - Superb cheese-infused snacks. Location: 3 Gouda Rd, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Sweet & Savory Bakes - Perfectly balanced flavors in each bite. Location: 14 Baker's St, Dublin, Ireland.
Crisp & Cream - A blend of textures in every offering. Location: 400 Bremer Bay, Perth, Australia.
Crumb & Crust - Offers an array of interesting cheese cookies. Location: 12 Olive Rd, Rome, Italy.
Cheese & Sun - A sunny spot famous for its unique cheese cookies. Location: 100 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, USA.