Description
Cheese Bunny is a delightful baked snack featuring a tender dough enriched with shredded cheddar cheese and fresh parsley, shaped into adorable bunny silhouettes. Perfect for tea time or a savory treat, these cheese bunnies combine a flaky texture with a rich cheesy flavor, making them a charming and tasty addition to any snack table.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Wet Ingredients
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure an even distribution of leavening and seasoning.
- Add Cheese: Incorporate the shredded cheddar cheese into the dry mixture, ensuring each piece of cheese is coated in flour to prevent clumping.
- Cream Butter and Milk: In a separate bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and milk using a hand mixer or whisk until smooth and homogenous.
- Incorporate Egg: Crack the large egg into the butter mixture and beat thoroughly until fully incorporated, adding richness and helping bind the dough.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently just until a dough starts to form, being careful not to overmix.
- Add Parsley: Fold in the fresh chopped parsley evenly throughout the dough to lend a fresh herbal note.
- Knead Dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently for 1-2 minutes until smooth and cohesive, which helps develop a tender texture.
- Roll Out Dough: Roll the dough out evenly to about 1/4 inch thickness, preparing it for cutting.
- Cut Shapes: Use a bunny-shaped cookie cutter or a knife to cut the dough into bunny shapes, making the snack visually appealing.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the bunny shapes on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart to allow for even baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is bubbling, signaling they are perfectly baked.
- Cool Slightly: Remove the cheese bunnies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for several minutes so they firm up slightly.
- Cool Completely: Transfer the bunnies to a wire rack to cool completely before serving, ensuring the perfect texture and flavor.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming and better dough consistency.
- Be careful not to overwork the dough to maintain a tender texture in the baked bunnies.
- Use fresh parsley to maximize flavor and color contrast in the dough.
- For a sharper cheese flavor, substitute cheddar with aged or smoked varieties.
- These cheese bunnies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
