Savory Animal-Shaped Cookies
- Easy
- 25 min
Savory basil biscotti are kind of a big deal at Italian gatherings, especially in places like Liguria and Campania where basil is, you know, everywhere. These aren’t your usual sweet biscotti; they’re a whole different thing, packed with grated Parmesan and tons of fresh, chopped basil. Really, each bite gives you an herby kick and some crispiness—so so good. People love having these green-speckled savory biscotti during aperitivo. It's that chill time when you have a drink and some snacks before dinner. Plus, the bright color? It often makes people wonder about the secret ingredient. The basil biscotti recipe has this golden, nutty aroma from the cheese melting in the oven—which is great.
In the north, some folks might swap Parmesan for Pecorino Romano or Asiago, just for fun. And look, there’s this playful vibe when these savory basil biscotti hit the table. They’re crunchy, tender in the center, and so good for dipping or snacking. Not a heavy dish, nope. It’s more like those savory Italian cookies that go with anything—from a dry white wine to a cold soda on a hot day. Perfect for parties, picnics, or just hanging out with friends. The basil's color? Makes them look kinda special. Really, experiment with different herbs or cheeses for some variety. But honestly, nothing beats the moist, tangy taste from real basil and freshly grated cheese. For anyone into savory baking recipes, this is a simple, tasty win that lets you play around with ingredients and still stick to Italian roots. It’s easy, seriously delicious, and kind of addictive—people keep coming back for more until the plate’s empty. So, whether you're hosting a get-together or just want a fun snack, these biscotti are sure to impress with their bold taste and Italian charm.
To make the savory basil cookies, first place the washed and dried basil leaves in a tall glass, add an egg 1 and blend everything with the immersion blender 2 to obtain a cream that you will set aside. In a bowl, pour the flour and grated cheese 3.
Add the cold butter cut into cubes 4. Crumble the mixture with your fingers 5, then pour in the previously prepared basil cream 6.
Knead by hand, gathering all the ingredients, then transfer the dough to a work surface 7 and compact it well. Wrap the dough with plastic wrap 8 and place it in the refrigerator for 20 minutes. After the resting time, take the dough and roll it out with a rolling pin on a lightly floured work surface 9.
When you have obtained a sheet about 1/4 inch thick 10, cut out the cookies with a cutter approximately 2 inches in diameter 11: we used a cutter with fluted edges 12. By re-kneading the scraps, you will get a total of about 35-36 cookies.
Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper 13 and bake in a preheated static oven at 350°F for 25 minutes. Once baking is complete, remove the savory basil cookies 14, let them cool, and then serve them 15!