If you are looking for a scrumptious and delightfully different snack that brings together tender greens and bold cheese, the Spinach and Feta Savory Cookies Recipe is an absolute must-try. These cookies are a brilliant way to enjoy the fresh earthiness of spinach combined with the salty tang of feta, baked into golden, buttery bites that feel comforting yet elegant. Whether you’re hosting friends, looking for a quick breakfast idea, or just craving something utterly delicious, these savory cookies will become your new favorite go-to.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—the ingredients are straightforward yet each plays a vital role, contributing to the perfect balance of taste, texture, and that lovely Mediterranean flair.
- Olive oil: Adds a subtle fruitiness and helps soften the onions beautifully.
- Small onion (finely chopped): Brings a mild sweetness and depth once sautéed.
- Garlic clove (minced): Lends an aromatic punch that complements both spinach and cheese.
- Fresh spinach (chopped): Offers freshness, vibrant color, and essential nutrients.
- All-purpose flour: The sturdy base that gives the cookies structure without heaviness.
- Baking powder and baking soda: Work together to create a light, tender crumb.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing all flavors together.
- Dried dill or oregano: Infuses a wonderful herbal note that brightens the cookies.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and contributes to a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Large egg: Helps bind all the ingredients while adding moisture.
- Crumbled feta cheese: Provides that iconic salty tang and creamy bite.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional): Adds a subtle nutty sharpness for extra flavor complexity.
How to Make Spinach and Feta Savory Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Spinach Mixture
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep things neat. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then gently sauté the finely chopped onion until it turns translucent and sweet, about 3 to 4 minutes. Adding minced garlic next, cook it until fragrant for just about a minute. Finally, toss in the chopped spinach and cook until just wilted, which usually takes 1 to 2 minutes. Set this mixture aside to cool slightly, ensuring you don’t lose any moisture in the cookies.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, black pepper, and your choice of dried dill or oregano. This blend of dry ingredients is key to giving the cookies a subtle lift and infusing the herbaceous notes throughout.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Egg
Take your softened unsalted butter and beat it in a large bowl until it’s creamy and light. This step is crucial because it incorporates air, which helps create a tender cookie. Add in the egg and blend thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and cohesive.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Stir the cooled spinach mixture gently into the butter and egg base, letting those fresh veggies meld with the richness. Next, fold in the crumbled feta cheese along with the optional Parmesan for an extra layer of flavor. Finally, gradually mix in your dry ingredients until you have a soft, slightly sticky dough that’s ready to be shaped.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, portion tablespoon-sized mounds of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for a perfect rise and spread. Slide it into the oven and bake for 14 to 16 minutes, or until the edges turn a light, inviting golden color. Once out, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely before enjoying.
How to Serve Spinach and Feta Savory Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
These cookies are delightful on their own but can be elevated with a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper or a few crumbles of feta on top. A light drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a fresh herb like dill or parsley can add a pop of color and aroma that truly makes the serving special.
Side Dishes
Pairing these spinach and feta savory cookies with a crisp garden salad or a bowl of chilled gazpacho brings refreshing contrast. They also complement rich dips like tzatziki or roasted red pepper spread, making your snack or appetizer platter feel vibrant and complete.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond just serving them on a plate. Arrange them stacked on a wooden board accompanied by olives, cherry tomatoes, and slices of cucumber for a Mediterranean-inspired spread. You can even serve these cookies alongside a soft cheese platter or as a savory surprise tucked into lunchbox sandwiches.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover spinach and feta savory cookies keep wonderfully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, maintaining their soft interiors and gently crisp edges. For longer storage, refrigeration is better to keep the cheese fresh, although cookies may firm up slightly.
Freezing
If you want to prepare a batch ahead of time, these cookies freeze extremely well. After cooling completely, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They will keep for up to 3 months, making for a convenient grab-and-bake snack whenever the craving hits.
Reheating
To bring frozen or refrigerated cookies back to life, warm them gently in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 5 to 8 minutes. This reheating method revives their delicate crispness without drying them out. Avoid microwaving, which can make them soggy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the frozen spinach fully and squeeze out any excess water before adding it to the dough; this prevents sogginess and keeps the dough consistency just right for baking.
What’s the best cheese to substitute if I don’t have feta?
Go for a salty, crumbly cheese like goat cheese or cotija if feta isn’t on hand. They offer a similar tang and texture that complements the spinach well, though the flavor will be a bit different but just as delicious.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that includes xanthan gum to mimic the structure of wheat flour. Keep in mind the texture might be slightly different but still delightful.
How long do these savory cookies last after baking?
For optimal freshness, enjoy them within two days when kept at room temperature in an airtight container. Beyond that, refrigeration or freezing is ideal to maintain flavor and texture.
Are these cookies suitable for a vegetarian diet?
Definitely! The Spinach and Feta Savory Cookies Recipe contains no meat or animal-derived rennet in the cheeses, making it a perfect vegetarian option for snacks or appetizers.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Spinach and Feta Savory Cookies Recipe that elevates the humble cookie into a savory delight bursting with flavor and character. Easy to make, packed with wholesome ingredients, and incredibly versatile, these cookies will quickly become a favorite to share with friends and family. Don’t hesitate to try them soon—you’ll wonder why savory cookies haven’t been part of your repertoire all along!
