When you think of cookies, sweet flavors like chocolate chip or oatmeal raisin might first come to mind. But have you ever considered a savory twist to your cookie repertoire?
Enter the delightful onion cookie—a unique, crispy, and flavorful treat that combines the natural sweetness of caramelized onions with the satisfying crunch of a perfectly baked cookie. These cookies are not your typical dessert; they are an excellent snack or appetizer, ideal for those who love experimenting with bold, unconventional flavors in their baking.
Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a sophisticated snack, or just want to surprise your family with something new, this recipe will definitely become a favorite in your kitchen. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll find it easy and enjoyable to bake these savory delights.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This onion cookie recipe is a game changer for savory snacks. The combination of caramelized onions and herbs creates a rich, deep flavor profile that’s hard to resist.
Unlike traditional sweet cookies, these offer a complex balance of savory and slightly sweet notes, making them perfect alongside cheese, soups, or salads.
Another reason you’ll love this recipe is its versatility. You can customize it with your favorite herbs, spices, or even cheese to make it your own.
Plus, it’s made with everyday pantry staples, so no need for fancy or hard-to-find ingredients.
Finally, these cookies are incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few steps and minimal hands-on time. Perfect for novice bakers and seasoned pros alike!
Ingredients
- 2 medium yellow onions, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar (to help caramelize onions)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or fresh if available)
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- Optional: ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese for added savory depth
Equipment
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Cooling rack
- Electric mixer or hand whisk
Instructions
- Caramelize the onions: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and sprinkle with sugar. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 20-25 minutes until onions are soft, golden, and caramelized. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Prepare the dough: In a medium mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the caramelized onions and mix until evenly combined.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and baking powder. If using Parmesan cheese, add it here.
- Mix wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet onion and butter mixture. Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the cookies tender.
- Shape the cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into balls, then flatten slightly to form cookie shapes. Place them evenly spaced on the baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 15-18 minutes or until edges are golden brown and the cookies feel firm to the touch.
- Cool: Remove from oven and transfer cookies to a cooling rack. Let them cool completely to firm up and develop full flavor.
- Serve and enjoy: These onion cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature or slightly warm.
Tips & Variations
“Make sure to caramelize the onions slowly and patiently for the best flavor. Rushing this step will result in less sweet, less flavorful cookies.”
- Add cheese: Incorporate shredded sharp cheddar, Gruyère, or Asiago for extra savory richness.
- Herb swaps: Replace thyme with rosemary, sage, or oregano according to your preference.
- Spicy kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the dough for a smoky, spicy flavor.
- Gluten-free option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend.
- Sweet and savory: Drizzle a little honey over the baked cookies for an interesting sweet-savory balance.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per Serving (1 cookie) |
---|---|
Calories | 90 |
Fat | 6g |
Saturated Fat | 3.5g |
Carbohydrates | 8g |
Fiber | 0.5g |
Protein | 1.5g |
Sodium | 150mg |
Serving Suggestions
Onion cookies pair wonderfully with a variety of accompaniments. Serve them alongside a cheese platter featuring soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese.
They also complement savory dips such as hummus, spinach artichoke dip, or tzatziki.
For a more substantial snack, try them with a bowl of warm soup like tomato bisque or roasted butternut squash. Their crunchy texture and savory flavor create a beautiful contrast to creamy soups.
These cookies also make a great addition to your next charcuterie board, adding a unique touch that will impress guests.
Conclusion
Incorporating savory ingredients into cookies may sound unusual, but this onion cookie recipe proves that delicious surprises await those willing to try something different. With the natural sweetness of caramelized onions combined with aromatic herbs and the subtle crunch of a buttery cookie, this recipe offers a delightful snack option that stands out from the crowd.
Easy to prepare and full of flavor, these onion cookies are perfect for parties, casual snacking, or even as a unique gift for food lovers. Give this recipe a try and experience a whole new side of baking that blends savory and sweet in the most delightful way.
Don’t forget to explore other creative recipes in our collection, such as Cheddar Biscuits, Herb Garlic Crackers, and Savory Parmesan Scones for more delicious baking inspiration!
📖 Recipe Card: Onion Cookie Recipe
Description: A unique savory-sweet cookie that combines caramelized onions with a buttery dough. Perfect as a snack or an appetizer treat.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT20M
Total Time: PT35M
Servings: 24 cookies
Ingredients
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Sauté onions in 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat until caramelized, about 10 minutes; let cool.
- In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper.
- In another bowl, cream softened butter with granulated and brown sugar until fluffy.
- Beat in egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix well.
- Fold in the cooled caramelized onions.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until edges are golden.
- Cool on wire racks before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 110 kcal | Protein: 1.2 g | Fat: 6.5 g | Carbs: 13 g
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