Cheesy and buttery with a little kick of spice – these Thyme and Cheddar Cheese Cookies are a uniquely delicious savory cookie that’s PERFECT as an appetizer, on your cheese board, or even as an edible gift! The dough can be made ahead of time and frozen for later.
These thyme and cheddar cheese cookies can be served soft or crisp.
I’ve got a really fun recipe to share with you guys today. I’ve already shared a slew of great cookie recipes in the last couple of weeks – like these Classic Thumbprint Cookies, Classic Shortbread Cookies, and these amazing Chocolate Chip Cookies.
Today’s recipe is an effortless and fun twist on the classic shortbread – a delicious savory shortbread cookie! These Thyme and Cheddar Cheese Savory Shortbread Cookies are just as amazing as they sound! They are great as a party appetizer or even for your cheese board.
Plus, these cheddar cheese cookies come together in a cinch and can even be made in a food processor.
Just like regular shortbread cookies, butter is the main ingredient for these savory shortbread cookies. But they are savory cookies, so there’s no sugar. These cheese cookies are flavored with thyme (dried or fresh), black pepper, and white cheddar cheese – insanely addictive and flavorful.
Can I make these cheese cookies ahead of time?
Yep, the dough can be made a few days ahead and kept in the fridge, OR a month ahead and stored in the freezer. And then when you’re ready to bake these thyme and cheddar cheese cookies, simply thaw out the dough in the fridge, slice and bake. Couldn’t be simpler.
What kind of cheese can I use to make these cheese cookies?
I like to use a good quality white cheddar cheese for these savory cookies, since the cheese is the core flavor in these savory shortbread cookies.
But you can substitute the cheddar cheese with a different type of cheese as well, if you like. Some options are,
- Gruyere
- Gouda
- Muenster
Some less expensive cheese options are,
- Monterey jack
- Pepper jack
- Sharp or mild cheddar (the color of the cheese cookie will change then)
Since we love spice, black pepper is an absolute must for us. You can reduce the amount of black pepper or leave it out, if you’re making these cheddar cheese cookies for someone who isn’t a fan of spices. I do highly recommend the black pepper though, because that combination of smoky, black pepper and sharp cheddar is just wild! Remember NOT to use finely ground black pepper however. Use a coarsely ground black pepper or restaurant cracked black pepper instead. This way the cheese cookies will be studded with the coarsely ground black pepper, and the flavor won’t be overwhelming either.
And for thyme, I prefer using fresh thyme. It’s a pain in the ass to remove leaves from the stalk, but fresh thyme is so worth it. But if you only have access to dried thyme, that’s OK too.
Soft cheese cookies vs crisp cheese cookies
These savory shortbread cookies can be served either soft or crisp. That’s another way in which these savory cookies can be really versatile.
If you bake them for about 9 minutes, these cheese cookies will be buttery, cheesy and soft. And if you bake them for about 12-14 minutes (when the cookies are starting to color on the surface), they’ll be crumbly, cheesy and delightfully crisp.
How to serve these cheddar cheese cookies
Here are a few options.
- Crackers for your cheese board – these savory shortbread cookies will go really well with soft cheeses and other pates that you would schmear on top of crackers.
- Top it with relish, or caramelized onions or dips or herbs for a delicious appetizer that you can serve at any party.
- OR enjoy them as a snack, just as they are! That’s what we like to do… mostly because we can’t bear sharing these with anyone else.
The base for these thyme and cheddar cheese cookies was inspired by a delicious cheese spread that one of my Aunt’s made me when I was little. She’d make a whole tub of this cheese spread, and keep it in my grandmother’s fridge, and I’d spread it on everything!
These cheddar cheese cookies are like a crispy, crunchy, baked version of that cheese spread… all the cheese and buttery goodness, baked into a deliciously crisp savory cookie!
And if you want to indulge in some holiday spirit, these cheese cookies are perfect for sharing and gift giving too. 🙂
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If you like this savory cheese cookies recipe, you may also like,
Savory Thumbprint Cookies with Bourbon Tomato Jam
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Thyme and Cheddar Cheese Cookies
Ingredients:
- 6 oz good quality white cheddar cheese from a block, not pre-shredded
- 4 oz unsalted butter ½ cup, softened
- 2 tsp cracked black pepper coarsely ground black pepper
- 1 ½ tbsp fresh thyme leaves or 1 heaped tsp of dried thyme
- ½ tsp sea salt cheddar cheese is salty too, so add more salt only if you’re using a different cheese
- 5.3 oz AP flour about 1 ¼ cup AP flour (spooned and leveled)
Instructions:
- Shred the cheddar cheese using a grater (large grater holes are ideal).
- Place the butter, shredded cheese, black pepper, salt and thyme in a bowl and mix with a hand-held beater on medium speed. Mix for a few minutes until the butter is creamy and the cheese gets mixed in with the butter.
- Add the flour, and mix on low speed until the flour forms wet clumps (and there are no dry spots in the dough).
- Bring the dough together to form a dough ball. Knead it a little if needed (to bring it together). But don't knead too much.
- Form an evenly shaped dough log that's about 6-7 inches long. Wrap it in plastic wrap. Knot the two ends to form a tightly wrapped dough “sausage”. Refrigerate until the dough has chilled - about 30 min to 1 hour. You can also let it chill for up to 5 days in the fridge, or in the freezer for up to 2 months.
- When you're ready to bake - remove the log from the fridge (or freezer). If the dough is too hard to cut through, let it thaw a little (so that it's still chilled, but easier to cut). Unwrap the dough when you’re ready to slice it.
- With a sharp knife, cut ¼ inch thick discs from the dough log. Use your fingers to shape the cookies into nice round shapes, if they lose their shape a bit.
- Place the sliced cookies on a parchment paper-lined baking tray and let the tray chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a half sheet pan with parchment paper.
- Place the chilled cheese cookies on the parchment paper-lined half sheet pan, with about an inch of space between each cookie.
- Bake in preheated oven for 10 - 12 minutes for a soft cheese cookie - remove the cookies from the oven when the bottom edges of the cookie are starting to color.
- Bake for 15 - 20 minutes for a crispy cheese cookie - remove from the oven when the cookies start turning golden in color on top.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Transfer the cookies to a wire rack and let them cool completely. Repeat with the remaining sliced cookies (make sure the half sheet pan is at room temperature for this second batch of cookies - so either use a new half sheet pan, or cool down the previous one to room temp. first).
- Place the cooled cookies in an air-tight container for up to 4 days. OR wrap them in plastic wrap, and then in foil, and store in a freezer bag in the freezer for up to 1 month.
- Serve at room temperature.
Nutrition Information:
“This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the USDA Food Composition Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.”
Megan K says
I loved this recipe so much… I made it 1 night and gifted it to neighbours immediately… but then I made it again and it was too crumbly so I added a bit of water then I probably worked it too much as it was tough 🙁 I am trying it again… thank you!
Lisa Bredin says
Wanted to give these as a Christmas gift and therefore made a double batch. Unfortunately, the pepper amount was just too overpowering. Otherwise delicious.
Tjrich says
OK, I used dried thyme and lactose-free old white cheddar on the first batch. I cooled the dough wrapped up in plastic but missed the part about cooling after the cookies were cut before baking them.
Then, fresh thyme with orange-coloured lactose-free old cheddar was used on the second batch. And I followed the cooling instructions to the letter before baking.
The verdict – everyone liked the first batch more than the second.
Colleen says
An excellent recipe. Nice amount of pepper and herbs. I would not change a thing. I had them on a cheese board for guests last night and received many compliments and requests for the recipe.
Linda Lambert says
These are fabulous!!!… now I’m wondering if I can use almond or coconut flour since I’m trying to cut down on my carbs
Kim says
These are soooo good. I will be making them for Christmas gifts this year. An easy, efficient way to strip thyme of its leaves is to pass the stem through a hole in a sieve and they zip right off and the leaves stay in the sieve. That works for rosemary but requires a sieve with larger holes.
Leen says
Hi,
I always use your dough as a base to make any kind of savoury cookie. I often make them as an appetizer for when I have company and they are always so impressed! I have tried many combinations with respect to your original recipe:
– bacon bits and jalapeno
– blue cheese and walnut
– blue cheese and blueberry (freezedried)
– rosemary and garlic
– sundried tomato and olive
– herbs and lemon zest
Lupy Chi says
This recipe looks sooo yummy. I have been looking for a savory cookie recipe. Will definitely try it. Just out of curiosity, what is the purpose of refrigerating the dough? Almost all recipes say that, but I personally don’t taste the difference.
Thanks!!
Dini says
Hi Lupy
The refrigeration is not for flavor. By chilling the dough, it helps the cookie keep it’s shape during baking. Without it, the cookie might spread too thin while baking.
I hope that helps!
Jay Bremer says
You pictures shows a whole cup of butter instead of half. Which is it?
Jay Bremer says
Please ignore my previous comment. I’m just going to go ahead with half cup, which makes more sense. Thank you.
Dini says
Hi Jay
Which picture are you referring to?
There’s only one picture with the butter – 1 stick of butter, which is 1/2 cup, in a bowl with cheese and herbs)
Bob Haley says
These cookies/biscuits turned out so delicious! Your detailed instructions were very helpful. I substituted Emmenthaler because I had a big chunk from Costco. I used Thyme from my garden and added a small amount of Rosemary from garden as well. I used my Kitchenaid mixer to cream the butter and cheese together. My family liked the crispy version better but both were delicious.
Bob Haley says
These cookies/biscuits turned out so delicious! Your detailed instructions were very helpful. I substituted Emmenthaler because I had a big chunk from Costco. I used Thyme from my garden and added a small amount of Rosemary from garden as well. I used my Kitchenaid mixer to cream the butter and cheese together. My family liked the crispy version better but both were delicious.
Helen says
Made these for neighbor gifts: a bottle of wine with a small tin of these cheese cookies. Used a good quality extra sharp cheddar cheese. Baked a test run to sample. I chose the crispier version. My husband loved them with olives for an appetizer. I made smaller cookies and used a little less fresh thyme than the recipe. Next time, I’m using the amount listed in the recipe. Either way, they’re just delicious. Will definitely make again.
Nellie says
These tasted better than they looked. Our house thought these a bit spicy and the black pepper made them rather gray. I think next time I will use white paper and useless. My dough was a bit dry but adding a bit of water fixed it.
Dini says
Hi Nellie
I’m glad these tasted good!
The black pepper needs to be cracked coarse pepper. If you use ground pepper (especially finely ground pepper), it will turn the dough grey. Using cracked pepper will disperse flecks of black pepper through the dough and not “color” it. The flavor of freshly cracked black pepper is more floral than pre ground black pepper as well. White pepper can be used too if you prefer.
I’m glad that you added extra water when needed as well. Each flour is different and hydration amounts will change with the type of flour and/or the weather (drier days may require more water in the dough).
Hope that helps for next time!
TC says
Thanks for the recipe! I am not big on thyme or rosemary but had a bunch of chives laying around so I tweaked it a bit. Also added parmesan, garlic plus seasoning, paprika and bacon bits! To DIE for.. I also omitted the salt entirely due to the bacon.
Also, double your recipe, these are hard to resist! Haha
Wanda says
Hi, I think that your butter conversion is incorrect. I doubled the recipe and should read 1/2 lb. not cup. Cheers from Canada!
Dini says
Thank you for letting me know!
The lighter colored text in the recipe do not increase when portions are increased in the older recipes, but I will be fixing that soon!
Thank you again!
Crystal O Novaky says
Thanks for this wonderful recipe! These bite size morsels are great to enjoy, from time to time!
Lulu says
Wow, these are delicious. My son does not enjoy sweet biscuits, so I made these for him. Can’t wait to hear what he thinks of them.
Bill Mostoller says
Made these cookies, very easy great taste
Nancy says
This cookie sounds terrific. Would it be appropriate for a wedding reception cookie? If so, would recommend soft or crispy version?
Dini says
Hi Nancy
I really can’t comment on that because it would depend entirely on the wedding and what the bride and groom would like. It is entirely a personal preference. The crispy version also becomes a little softer the longer the cookies are stored, so that would be something to consider too.
Hope that helps!
Inge says
I tried these today and they are amazing. I added a dash of paprika as well, what a great recipe!
Sasha says
I love love this recipe! A change from sweet cookies. Really easy and quick to whip up with ingredients you can find lying around at home. A true winner at my family gathering!
Derekblake says
What a beautiful and simple recipe that’s full of so much flavour. The thyme wafted throughout the kitchen. I used white cheddar but next time I will use red cheddar-as that’s what I have. Def plenty of pepper, it works so well with the salty sharp cheddar (yes use strong cheddar). Thanks for the recipe:)
Sara says
Great recipe – something different and love make ahead recipes!
Agni says
This is such an amazing recipe! I’m 12, I cook and bake A LOT (like an unhealthy addiction) and I bribe my mom with these cookies whenever I want something. She usually gives in.
Maria says
Sooo Goood. I really love this recipe.
Mel says
these are incredible in taste and the texture is AMAZING aswell
Tara Mason says
This recipe is so good. I am officially addicted and going to make another batch tonight. Thank you!!!
KRISTIN k TOMPKINS says
Do you think you could sub fresh rosemary for thyme? I have a giant bush!!
Dini says
Hi Kristin
Yes you can use fresh rosemary instead. You can add as much or as little as you like.
Hope that helps!
Jenny says
These are very moorish – however mine were not quite biscuity enough for me – I feel my butter was not soft enough before blending with cheese – also feel the dried thyme added nothing – will make again as I feel these are probably amazing made properly with fresh thyme.
Derekblake says
Hi Jenny, I used fresh thyme and it was stunning! I didn’t have the patience to be pulling off the leaves, so ended up with about 3tsp. Gorgeous!
Laura says
Absolutely delicious! Recipe is perfection!
Judy says
Can this recipe be molded into a Nordic Ware metal shortbread pan?
Dini says
Hi Judy
I haven’t tried before, so I’m not sure.
Since this has cheese, it will be important to make sure the melted cheese doesn’t stick to the mold though.
Fatema says
Made these and everyone loved them. But they were brittle. Are they meant to be that way? Or did I do something wrong?
Dini says
Hi Fatema
They can be soft if they are baked for time. However if you bake them longer they have a cracker like texture instead. I have mentioned this in the post as well in the section “soft cookie vs crisp cookie”.
If they are too crumbly, it is most likely because there was too much flour in the dough. This can happen if the flour was measured with a cup (cup measurements can vary depending on how you fill the measuring cup)
I hope that helps
Laura says
Perfect biscuits for dinner party nibble
nicky says
Delicious recipe….. However if i use Pepper Jack cheese should i reduce the butter as this cheese is of a softer texture? What do you think?
A says
Delicious savory cookies and not overly complicated. A great way to use up left over cheddar cheese. Thank you!
SC says
clear instructions, well tested recipe and totally achieveable! Thanks!!!
Katrina says
Hi there! Just wanted to know should the butter be softened first or do I take it straight from the fridge? These look sooo yummy!
Dini says
Hi Katrina, the butter should be softened, as it needs to be creamed. I hope you enjoy the cookies! 🙂
Katrina says
Awesome thank you!!
Happy holidays!!
Michelle says
I don’t think 5.3 oz of flour is 1 ¼ cup. What is the right amount?
Dini says
Hi Michelle,
Yes, that is the right amount. 1 cup of AP flour is 4.4 oz (125 g). So 5.3 oz is approximately 1 ¼ cups.
As a side note, these dry ingredient weight measurements are totally different from fluid oz measurements that are marked on the side of measuring cups. I’ve explained it more on this page here.
Shannon says
what is AP flour?
Dini says
Hi Shannon
AP flour is All Purpose flour.
Kathi says
There is no liquid in this recipe? My ‘ dough’ is a dry crumbly mess! What did I do wrong?
Dini says
Hi Kathi
The butter should be sufficient to bring the dough together. As per the pictures, the dough is crumbly, but you should be able to press it together to form a dough. If you squeeze some of the dough in your hand and it holds together, then the dough has enough moisture. If for some reason your mix is too dry and doesnt form into a dough when squeezed, then you can add a little water at a time until it’s moist enough. Hope that helps.
Olivia says
Hi! Looking forward to making these – I need to make 12 dozen. Would you recommend doubling up the batches (or tripling etc) or doing this recipe 7 separate times. Thank you!
Dini says
Hi Olivia
This recipe should be fine to be made as a double batch in a stand mixer! 🙂 I haven’t tried it as a triple batch just because I don’t want to risk overworking the dough.
Hope that helps!
Rosalie says
Terrific recipe! Definite make again.
Dini says
Thank you Rosalie, so glad you liked the recipe! 🙂
Vidya Ramachandran says
Hi, Dini, I live in Bangalore (India) and last week I bought some extra cheddar cheese by accident. Not having any other plan for it, I came across your recipe and tried it. I mixed in a bit of dried rosemary instead of thyme but otherwise, followed your instructions exactly. Wow! Loved it, shared it around, and plan to bake more.
Nicola says
Can I roll this dough out and cut it into shapes for my toddler inside of rolling it into a log?
Dini says
Hi Nicola
Unfortunately I haven’t tried rolling it out and cutting it into shapes to bake. So I can’t be certain how they would turn out out.
Since the cookie has a shortbread like texture, if you want to roll it out, you will have to do so between two pieces of parchment paper to avoid sticking. Also it will need to be chilled well before baking, as it does spread a little as it bakes and you may lose the shape a little.
Merryn says
Found this recipe on a random google search when I needed to use up some thyme, and so glad I did! These are absolutely delicious and go down such a treat at morning tea time. Thank you!!
Dini says
Thank you so much for letting me know Merryn, so glad you liked the cookies! 🙂
Beverly Green says
can you use half Cheddar half Parmesan
Dini says
Hi Beverly
You could use half cheddar, half parmesan. I haven’t tried it myself, so I’m not sure how it will effect the texture of the dough. But you may need to reduce the salt a little in the dough because of the parmesan.
monika says
Hello. I have a few questions…Can these be made with Bergeron cheese or is it too mild?
Is it possible to bake the cookies and then freeze them for a later date? I need them for an event on Saturday morning…and I won’t have time to bake them Friday night…
And although not ideal, would these work with margarine?
Dini says
Hi Monika
I prefer to use a stronger tasting cheese for these crackers, but a milder cheese could work as long as it’s a hard cheese. It may make the cookies more mild tasting, but if that’s ok with you it should be fine.
As stated in the recipe, you can freeze the cookies. You will need to thaw them out before serving, and if you want to, you can reheat them in the oven to make them crispier if needed.
I wouldn’t recommend using margarine because margarine has a higher water content that will make the cookies spread more. You could add extra flour to prevent this, but I wouldn’t know how much extra flour to add. I hope that helps!
Drew says
Hi, would you recommend using fresh basil too? Thank you!!
Dini says
Hi Drew!
Yes you can used chopped fresh basil in this recipe too 🙂
Renee Goerger says
These will be perfect for New Year’s Eve snacking with some cheese and our champagne. Thanks for the great recipe. I’m excited to make these!!
Tabassum says
I noticed that this recipe doesn’t mention any baking powder or baking soda. Will the cookies rise without them? Please advise. Really want to try this recipe. Thanks
Dini says
Hi Tabassum
This cookie does not need any leavening agents, like baking powder or soda. It’s like a shortbread cookie, but savory.
Hope that helps.
Tatiana says
I doubt i ever had a savory cookie before, that is making me even more excited to try it!
Nellie Tracy says
I have never tried savory cookies but these look awesome! Can’t wait to make them!