Cookies Salés au Jambon et Fromage Recipe
These savory ham and cheese cookies are a delightful appetizer or snack, combining the rich flavors of diced ham, grated cheese, and a hint of mustard in a tender, buttery dough. Perfectly crisped in the oven, these bite-sized treats make an elegant addition to any gathering or a tasty accompaniment to afternoon tea.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 150 g all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Wet Ingredients
- 75 g softened unsalted butter
- 1 large egg
- 1 tbsp whole grain mustard (optional but recommended)
Fillings
- 100 g ham, cut into small dice
- 100 g grated cheese (Gruyère, Comté, or Cheddar)
Instructions
- Combine dry ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, a pinch of salt, and freshly ground black pepper to blend the dry components evenly.
- Add butter and create a crumbly mixture: Incorporate the softened butter into the dry ingredients using your fingertips, rubbing it in until the mixture becomes crumbly and sandy in texture.
- Mix in the egg: Beat the egg lightly and add it to the mixture. Stir thoroughly until a smooth, homogenous dough forms.
- Add ham, cheese, and mustard: Fold in the diced ham, grated cheese, and if using, the tablespoon of whole grain mustard to distribute evenly throughout the dough.
- Shape the dough balls: Pinch off small portions of dough roughly the size of a walnut and roll each between your palms to form smooth balls.
- Prepare for baking: Arrange the dough balls spaced out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased.
- Flatten slightly: Using the back of a spoon, gently press each ball to flatten it slightly to promote even baking.
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 180°C (350°F) to preheat while you finish preparing the cookies.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the cookies turn a lovely golden brown around the edges.
- Cool before serving: Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on a wire rack for a few minutes before enjoying.
Notes
- Using whole grain mustard adds a nice tang but you can omit it if preferred.
- Gruyère, Comté, or Cheddar all provide great flavor; choose based on your taste.
- Be careful not to overwork the dough to keep the cookies tender.
- These cookies are best served slightly warm.
- You can store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Keywords: ham and cheese cookies, savory cookies, French appetizer, baked snacks, holiday appetizers
