Savory Herb Shortbread is a delightful twist on the classic buttery shortbread, with the addition of fragrant herbs that bring a savory and aromatic quality to every bite. Made with a simple dough of butter, flour, and seasonings, these shortbread cookies are mixed with finely chopped herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley, and often a touch of Parmesan cheese. The result is a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookie with the perfect balance of richness from the butter and a burst of freshness from the herbs.
The first time I made Savory Herb Shortbread, I was surprised by how much flavor could come from such a simple recipe. The shortbread was so buttery and light, yet the herbs made it taste more sophisticated and unique. What I love most about this recipe is how versatile it is—you can adjust the herbs to suit your tastes, try adding a bit of garlic powder, or even sprinkle the tops with a pinch of sea salt before baking for an extra touch. These shortbreads are great as an appetizer, served alongside a cheese board, or even as a snack with a cup of tea. It’s a perfect balance of savory and buttery goodness!
Perfect for:
- Appetizers
- Cheese boards
- Afternoon tea
- Holiday gatherings
- Herb lovers
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are 10 reasons why Savory Herb Shortbread will become your go-to savory treat:
- Buttery Goodness: The base of this shortbread is rich and buttery, creating a perfect contrast with the savory herbs.
- Herb-Infused Flavor: A blend of rosemary, thyme, and garlic adds a fragrant, earthy depth to each bite.
- Perfect for Pairing: These shortbreads pair wonderfully with cheeses, dips, or wine for a sophisticated snack.
- Crisp and Crumbly: The texture is delightfully crisp and crumbly, perfect for serving at parties or gatherings.
- Customizable Herbs: Feel free to experiment with different herbs like basil or oregano to suit your preferences.
- Versatile Snack: Serve them as appetizers, on a cheese platter, or as a snack on their own.
- Make-Ahead Option: These shortbreads store well, so you can prepare them ahead of time for easy entertaining.
- Elegant Presentation: The golden, flaky shortbreads are as beautiful as they are delicious, adding a touch of elegance to your table.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, these shortbreads come together quickly.
- Gluten-Free Option: Swap out the regular flour for a gluten-free alternative to accommodate dietary preferences.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including chilling time)
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 40 minutes
- Chilling Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 24 servings
- Calories per serving: Approximately 120-130 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 2g, Carbs: 14g, Fat: 7g
Ingredients
For the Savory Herb Shortbread:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon cold water
Optional Garnish:
- Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme) for topping
Ingredient Highlights
- Fresh Rosemary and Thyme: Add a fragrant, earthy flavor to the shortbread.
- Butter: Provides a rich and flaky texture that’s essential for the perfect shortbread.
- Garlic Powder: Enhances the savory profile with a subtle garlic flavor.
- Cold Water: Helps bring the dough together for easy handling.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Make the Dough:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine flour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add Herbs: Stir in the chopped rosemary and thyme.
- Cream Butter: In a large bowl, beat butter until soft and creamy.
- Combine Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter and mix until the dough begins to come together.
- Add Water: If the dough is too dry, add a tablespoon of cold water to help it come together.
Form the Shortbread:
- Roll the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it into a log shape about 1-inch thick.
- Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
Bake the Shortbread:
- Slice the Dough: Remove the dough from the fridge and slice it into ¼-inch thick rounds.
- Place on Baking Sheet: Arrange the shortbread rounds on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between them.
- Bake: Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the shortbread is crisp.
Serve:
- Garnish and Cool: Optionally, garnish with fresh herbs and allow the shortbread to cool before serving.
How to Serve
Here are 9 serving suggestions for Savory Herb Shortbread:
- As an Appetizer: Serve with cheese, dips, or a charcuterie board for a savory snack.
- With Soup: Pair with a bowl of tomato or vegetable soup for a hearty, comforting meal.
- On a Cheese Platter: These shortbreads are perfect for complementing cheeses like brie or goat cheese.
- For Afternoon Tea: Add a savory touch to your afternoon tea spread.
- As a Snack: Enjoy them on their own for a satisfying, savory treat.
- For Holiday Entertaining: Serve these at your next holiday gathering as a delicious appetizer.
- With Butter or Olive Oil: Try them with a dollop of butter or a drizzle of olive oil for extra flavor.
- On a Picnic: Pack them in your picnic basket for a delightful outdoor snack.
- With a Salad: Serve alongside a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Additional Tips
- Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough helps maintain the shortbread’s crisp texture while baking.
- Uniform Slices: Use a sharp knife to slice the dough evenly for consistent baking.
- Customize the Herbs: Experiment with your favorite herbs, such as basil, oregano, or parsley, to create your own flavor combination.
- Don’t Overwork the Dough: Mix the dough just enough to combine the ingredients, as overworking it can result in a tough texture.
- Check for Crispness: If you prefer a crispier shortbread, bake it a few extra minutes until golden brown.
Recipe Variations
- Parmesan Herb Shortbread: Add freshly grated Parmesan cheese to the dough for an extra savory bite.
- Gluten-Free Version: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Spicy Herb Shortbread: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Olive and Herb Shortbread: Incorporate finely chopped olives into the dough for a Mediterranean twist.
- Lemon Herb Shortbread: Add lemon zest to the dough for a refreshing citrus note.
- Sun-Dried Tomato and Basil Shortbread: Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil for an Italian-inspired flavor.
- Smoked Paprika Herb Shortbread: A touch of smoked paprika will add a smoky depth to the flavor profile.
- Vegan Option: Replace butter with vegan butter and use a plant-based flour to make these shortbreads vegan-friendly.
- Cheddar and Chive Shortbread: Combine sharp cheddar cheese and fresh chives for a savory, cheesy version.
Special Equipment
- Baking Sheet: To bake the shortbread evenly.
- Parchment Paper: To prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Sharp Knife: For slicing the dough into uniform rounds.
- Plastic Wrap: To wrap and chill the dough before baking.
- Rolling Pin: To roll out the dough evenly.
FAQ Section
- Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Yes, dried herbs work well. Use about 1 teaspoon of each dried herb to replace 1 tablespoon of fresh. - How long do these shortbreads last?
Store the shortbreads in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. - Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before slicing and baking. - Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, margarine can be used, but it may affect the texture slightly. - How do I keep them crispy?
Make sure the shortbreads are fully cooled before storing them, and avoid sealing them in a container while they’re still warm. - Can I double the recipe?
Yes, double the ingredients and bake in batches to ensure even baking. - How can I make these more flavorful?
Add more herbs or experiment with different combinations to adjust the flavor to your liking. - Can I skip the chill time?
Chilling the dough is recommended to achieve the best texture, but you can skip it if you’re short on time. - Can I add nuts to the shortbread?
Yes, finely chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts can be added for extra texture. - Can I skip the herbs?
While herbs are key to this recipe, you can omit them for a basic shortbread flavor.
Conclusion
Savory Herb Shortbread is a delightful twist on the traditional sweet shortbread, bringing together the buttery richness of the classic biscuit with the aromatic, earthy flavors of fresh herbs. This crispy, melt-in-your-mouth treat is infused with herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage, making it the perfect accompaniment to soups, cheeses, or even as a light snack on its own. The balance of flavors offers a savory snack that’s both sophisticated and comforting.
What makes this shortbread so special is its versatility. You can experiment with different herbs, spices, or even add a touch of grated cheese for an extra layer of flavor. Whether served as part of an appetizer spread, with a charcuterie board, or enjoyed with a cup of tea, Savory Herb Shortbread is a unique and flavorful addition to any table.
I can’t wait to see how your Savory Herb Shortbread turns out! Be sure to snap a photo and share it on Instagram, tagging me so I can admire your delicious creation. Don’t forget to leave a comment and tell me how you made this shortbread your own—I’d love to hear your creative spin on it!