Salty Animal-Shaped Biscuits

Salty animal-shaped biscuits are a cute and fun idea for an aperitif or a snack for children. Here’s how to prepare them with an Italian touch.

Ingredients

• 250 g of flour
• 100 g of cold butter, cubed
• 1 egg
• 50 g of grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• A pinch of black pepper (optional)
• 1 tablespoon of cold water (if necessary)
• Sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or dried herbs for decoration

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 180 °C.
2. In a large bowl, combine the flour and butter. Work the mixture with your fingertips until it resembles breadcrumbs.
3. Add the egg, Parmesan, salt, and, if you like, a pinch of black pepper. Mix everything together until a dough is formed.
4. If the dough is too dry, add a tablespoon of cold water to help it come together.
5. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface until it is about 3-4 mm thick.
6. Use animal-shaped cutters to cut out the biscuits.
7. Transfer the biscuits to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
8. If you wish, decorate the biscuits with sesame or poppy seeds, or gently press some dried herbs onto the surface of the biscuits to add flavor and a rustic appearance.
9. Bake in the oven for 10-12 minutes or until the biscuits are golden and crispy.
10. Let the animal-shaped biscuits cool on a wire rack before serving.

Fun Fact

In Italy, it is common to find savory biscuits made with aged cheeses like Parmesan or Pecorino, which add a rich and intense flavor. Served as an aperitif, these biscuits can accompany a good glass of sparkling white wine, or be a playful pastime for the little ones. Choosing shapes and ‘animals’ is a way to stimulate the imagination and make the cooking time even more fun.