Frederic Melton
Cookies and cheese may seem like an unusual combination, but it's becoming increasingly popular. The idea is similar to pairing wine and cheese or milk and cookies—balancing the flavours and enhancing the experience. For example, the subtle sweetness of certain crackers can deepen the butterscotch notes in a salty, lactic cheese. When it comes to which cheeses to pair with cookies, the rule is to create combinations of similar types, focusing on balance and enhancement. For instance, a smear of brie on shortbread or gingerbread men topped with gorgonzola dolce. The tanginess of goat cheese also pairs well with fruity cookies, and speciality food shop blogs often reference gourmet snacking through cheese and sweet biscuits.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese to serve with sweet cookies | Cheddar, Parmesan, Brie, Gorgonzola dolce, Goat cheese, Gouda |
| Cheese to serve with savoury cookies | Cheddar, Gouda |
| Additions to cheese and cookies | Fruits, Fruit spreads, Nuts, Herbs, Spices (like Cayenne pepper), Sesame seeds |
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What You'll Learn
Wine and cheese cookies
Wine and cheese have been paired together since the time of the Greeks and Romans. The acidity of the wine complements the creaminess of the cheese. Similarly, the combination of wine and cheese cookies can create a delightful interplay of flavours and textures.
Cheese cookies themselves can be made in a variety of ways, from cheddar cheese straw cookies to cream cheese cookies. The simple dough of a cheese cookie can be enhanced with herbs, spices, or even a hint of salt to bring out the flavour of the cheese. For instance, cayenne pepper can be added for a spicy kick, or sesame seeds for a nutty aroma.
When pairing wine with cheese cookies, consider the type of cheese used in the cookie as a starting point. For cookies with a mild cheese, such as cheddar, a crisp white wine like a Pinot Grigio or a Sauvignon Blanc could complement the cookie's savoury notes. On the other hand, a stronger cheese like gorgonzola or gouda in a cheese cookie might call for a fuller-bodied white wine, such as an oaked Chardonnay, or even a light red wine like a Pinot Noir.
For sweet cheese cookies, such as those made with cream cheese, a dessert wine might be a better match. A late-harvest Riesling or a Moscato d'Asti could complement the sweetness of the cookie while also bringing out the tanginess of the cream cheese. If you're feeling adventurous, a slightly sparkling sweet wine like a Brachetto d'Acqui could add a playful element to the pairing.
Ultimately, the key to successful pairings is balance and enhancement. Don't be afraid to experiment and find the combinations that appeal to your palate. So, the next time you're enjoying some cheese cookies, why not pour yourself a glass of wine and discover your favourite pairing?
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Sweet and savoury pairings
When it comes to sweet and savoury pairings, the key is to create combinations of similar types, prioritising balance and enhancement. For example, the subtle sweetness of certain crackers can deepen the butterscotch notes in salty, lactic cheeses, ultimately mimicking the flavour of browned butter in oatmeal cookies.
Goat cheese, for instance, pairs well with fruity cookies, as the tanginess of the cheese soars alongside the fruit. Fig Newtons, or other fig-filled cookies, are also a good match for goat cheese, creating a sweet-savoury dimension reminiscent of a fruit-filled cheese plate.
For those who enjoy a spicy kick, gingerbread men topped with gorgonzola dolce create a "spice bomb", while cayenne pepper can be added to a cheese cookie dough for a similar effect.
For those with a sweet tooth, a smear of brie on shortbread can be a delicious combination of butter on butter. Alternatively, Keebler Coconut deLites cookies bring out the toasted hazelnut and caramel flavours in Alpine cheese.
For a salty-sweet combination, try sprinkling a small amount of powdered sugar on top of a cheese cookie, or pressing a pecan into the centre.
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Popular cookie and cheese combinations
The idea behind pairing cookies and cheese is similar to that of wine and cheese or milk and cookies. When elements share key aromas, they taste better because 80% of flavour is aroma.
- Goat cheese with fruity cookies
- Gingerbread men topped with gorgonzola dolce
- Keebler Coconut deLites with Alpine cheese
- Brie on shortbread
- Fig Newtons with goat cheese
- Cayenne pepper cookies with a dollop of jalapeno jam
- Parmesan cheese cookies
- Southern-style cheese straw cookies
- Cheddar cheese cookies
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Types of cheese that pair well with cookies
The traditional pairing of milk and cookies is being replaced by a new trend: cheese and cookies. This new combination takes into account elements like flavour, texture, and aroma to add depth to the snacking experience.
When it comes to which cheeses to pair with different cookies, the rule is to create combinations of similar types or to contrast them. For example, buttery cookies go well with buttery cheeses, and creamy cheeses pair well with crumbly cookies.
- Goat cheese or chèvre is a good match for fruity cookies, as well as Oreos, due to its tanginess.
- Brie, a creamy cheese, is a suitable pairing for shortbread cookies, creating a "butter on butter" combination.
- Gouda, specifically Roomano, which is known as "candy cheese", is a good match for classic Chips Ahoy! cookies due to its sweet-and-salty flavour profile.
- For oatmeal cookies, a Norwegian cheese called Gjetost is a good choice as it has a caramel flavour and texture, complementing the earthy taste of the cookie.
- For cookies with chocolate, such as Mom's oatmeal cookies, a young Manchego is a good option as it has more fat and protein content, creating extra flavour.
- For gingery biscuits, gorgonzola dolce can be a good pairing as it adds a fruity and spicy dimension.
- For Effie's Oatcakes, which have a buttery and flaky texture, a block of creamy cheddar is a recommended pairing.
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Recipes for cheese cookies
There are several recipes for cheese cookies, including cream cheese cookies, cheddar cheese cookies, and cheese straw cookies.
Cream Cheese Cookies
Cream cheese cookies are fluffy and melt in your mouth with a delightful flavour that is perfectly sweet with a nice tang from the cream cheese and a hint of vanilla. To make these cookies, you will need flour, baking powder, salt, butter, cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla. First, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt, and set the bowl aside. Then, cream the butter and cream cheese together in a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment or in a large bowl using an electric hand mixer. Next, add the sugar to the butter mixture and beat until light and fluffy. Finally, scoop out the dough with a cookie scoop and place the balls about two inches apart on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Transfer the cookie sheet to the middle rack of the oven and bake for approximately 10 minutes at 350°F. You can dust the cookies with powdered sugar after baking or drizzle them with melted white chocolate for a bit of visual interest.
Cheddar Cheese Cookies
Cheddar cheese cookies are a nice change from sweet cookies and can be used as appetizers or snacks. They can be made with different types of cheese, such as cheddar or Monterey jack, and you can add spices like cayenne pepper, garlic powder, or black pepper to kick up the flavour. To make these cookies, melt the butter and mix it with shredded cheese, salt, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper until smooth. Then, gradually add the flour and mix well. Refrigerate the dough for about an hour, then roll it into walnut-sized balls and place them about two inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet. You can also press a small cube of ham into the centre of each ball before baking. Bake the cookies at 350°F for about 12 minutes, or at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, until set.
Cheese Straw Cookies (Cheese Happies)
Cheese straw cookies, also known as cheese happies, are a Southern classic and are usually served at bridal and baby showers, afternoon weddings, and other gatherings. They have a distinct toasted cheese flavour and a crispy texture. To make these cookies, blend shredded cheese with butter, salt, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper until smooth. Then, gradually add the flour and mix well. Use a cookie scoop to scoop out the dough and place the balls about two inches apart on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. You can use a fork to gently press into the top of each dough ball to create a design and texture. Bake the cookies at 350°F for about 12 minutes, until the edges are set and just starting to turn colour.
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Frequently asked questions
Some popular combinations include smearing brie on shortbread, topping gingerbread men with gorgonzola dolce, and pairing Keebler Coconut deLites with Alpine cheese.
Wine is a good pairing with cheese cookies, as the acidity of the wine brings out the creaminess of the cheese.
A simple recipe for cheese cookies involves taking equal parts of flour, butter, and good quality cheddar cheese, along with an egg yolk. You can also add herbs, spices, or sesame seeds to the dough before baking.
There are many variations of cheese cookies, including cream cheese cookies, parmesan cheese cookies, and gouda cheese cookies. There are also cheese straw cookies or "cheese happies", which are similar to classic southern cheese straws but easier to make.
If you are making cookies with a high proportion of cheese in the dough, the dough may be sticky. It is a good idea to dampen your hands before rolling out the dough, and to wash your hands if they get too caked with batter.
