If you are looking for a delightful twist on savory snacks, this Spinach Feta Cookies Recipe is an absolute must-try. Imagine tender, buttery cookies infused with fresh sautéed spinach and tangy feta cheese, complemented by a hint of garlic and Parmesan that simply elevates every bite. These cookies perfectly balance the freshness of greens with the rich creaminess of cheese, making them a cozy, Mediterranean-inspired treat that’s both satisfying and unique. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer for guests or enjoying a wholesome snack, this recipe brings warmth, flavor, and a bit of charm to your kitchen table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Spinach Feta Cookies Recipe lies in its simplicity and how each ingredient plays a vital role in crafting the perfect texture and burst of flavor. From the tender spinach to the salty tang of feta and Parmesan, every component is essential to the final taste and appearance.
- 1 cup fresh spinach (chopped and lightly sautéed): Adds vibrant color and a subtle, mild green flavor that keeps these cookies fresh and inviting.
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The base that gives structure to the cookies, ensuring they hold their shape beautifully.
- ½ teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cookies rise slightly, creating a tender but firm texture.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances the flavors and enhances the natural savoriness of the cheese and spinach.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Brings a gentle warmth and depth without overpowering the other ingredients.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a delicate kick that brightens up each bite.
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened): Delivers richness and creates that coveted crumbly yet tender cookie texture.
- 1 egg: Binds all the ingredients harmoniously, contributing to the cookie’s softness and moisture.
- ¾ cup crumbled feta cheese: The star ingredient with its tangy, slightly salty bite that makes these cookies unforgettable.
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese: Amplifies the cheesy flavor with a sharp, nutty note that rounds out the taste perfectly.
How to Make Spinach Feta Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dry Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper. Whisking these together now guarantees an even distribution of flavors and leavening, which is the foundation of your cookie dough.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Add Egg
In a separate, larger bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter until it is light and fluffy – this step is crucial for that perfect cookie crumb. Once the butter is creamy, add the egg and mix until fully incorporated, creating a smooth, cohesive base to which you will add your delicious fillings.
Step 3: Incorporate Spinach and Cheeses
Next, fold in the sautéed spinach along with the crumbled feta cheese and grated Parmesan. This mixture brings moisture, flavor, and a gorgeous fleck of green throughout each cookie. The combination of these cheeses lends a complex, savory profile that is truly irresistible.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add your dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix; you want everything just combined so the cookies stay tender.
Step 5: Shape and Bake the Cookies
Using a tablespoon, drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for slight spreading. Place them in the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges turn a lovely light golden brown. This gentle baking time ensures the cookies are cooked through with a soft interior but a delicately crisp edge.
Step 6: Cool Before Serving
Once baked, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling helps them set properly and makes handling easier while also locking in that perfect texture.
How to Serve Spinach Feta Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
These cookies are already flavorful on their own, but a sprinkle of freshly chopped dill or parsley right before serving adds a burst of freshness and an herbal note that lifts the entire dish. A light drizzle of olive oil can also enhance their Mediterranean charm.
Side Dishes
Pairing Spinach Feta Cookies with a crisp salad or a bowl of warm tomato soup creates a balanced meal. The cookies’ savory richness contrasts beautifully with refreshing greens or the acidity of tomato, making for a harmonious and satisfying experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these cookies on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of tzatziki, hummus, or a tangy yogurt dip for an inviting Mediterranean-inspired appetizer platter. You can also stack them as mini sandwiches with a sliver of roasted red pepper or a cucumber slice for a playful twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After they’ve cooled, store your Spinach Feta Cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh. They will stay delicious for up to 3 days, making them great for quick snacks or entertaining later in the week.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these cookies at a later time, you can freeze the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. Make sure to separate layers with parchment paper so they don’t stick together. Frozen, they last for up to 2 months.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the cookies in a 300°F oven for about 5 to 7 minutes until heated through and just crisp around the edges again. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them soggy and lose that lovely texture you worked for.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, you can substitute frozen spinach, but be sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out all the excess moisture before sautéing to prevent your dough from becoming too wet.
Are Spinach Feta Cookies suitable for vegetarians?
Absolutely! This recipe contains no meat or animal-derived rennet cheeses, making it perfectly vegetarian-friendly and a great option for meat-free gatherings.
Can I add other herbs or spices?
Definitely! Dill, parsley, or even a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes can add extra layers of flavor that complement the spinach and feta beautifully.
How long do these cookies keep their freshness?
Stored properly in the refrigerator, these cookies will remain fresh for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freezing is your best option.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This can even help the flavors meld together more deeply for an enhanced taste.
Final Thoughts
This Spinach Feta Cookies Recipe has quickly become one of my all-time favorites to whip up when I want something a little different, savory, and downright scrumptious. The combination of fresh spinach, tangy cheeses, and the perfect hint of seasoning comes together effortlessly, gifting you a snack or appetizer that will impress just about anyone. I truly can’t recommend these cookies enough – so grab your ingredients, warm up your kitchen, and give them a try. Your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Spinach Feta Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 20 cookies
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightfully savory spinach feta cookies that combine fresh sautéed spinach, tangy feta, and Parmesan cheese into a soft, flavorful dough. These Mediterranean-inspired appetizer cookies are perfect for snacking or serving at gatherings, offering a unique twist on traditional cookies with a creamy, cheesy bite and a hint of garlic and black pepper.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 egg
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped and lightly sautéed
- ¾ cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper until evenly combined to distribute seasoning throughout.
- Cream Butter and Egg: In a large bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter until light and fluffy, then beat in the egg thoroughly to create a smooth and cohesive base for the dough.
- Incorporate Spinach and Cheeses: Stir in the sautéed chopped spinach, crumbled feta cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese into the butter and egg mixture, blending the flavors uniformly.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until a soft dough forms without overworking it to keep cookies tender.
- Form Cookies: Using a tablespoon, drop rounded portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing each about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading during baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set.
- Cool: Remove from the oven and transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely before serving to enhance the texture and flavor.
Notes
- These savory cookies make an excellent appetizer or snack option for parties or casual get-togethers.
- Add chopped fresh herbs such as dill or parsley into the dough for an added burst of flavor.
- Store leftover cookies in an airtight container refrigerated for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
- For a milder cheese flavor, reduce feta slightly or swap Parmesan with another hard cheese like Asiago.
