Italian Recipes

Savory Animal-Shaped Biscuits with Parmesan and Sesame

Published
Feb 20, 2025
Reading time
2 min
Collection
Italian Recipes
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Category: Appetizer
Yield: 18 pieces

These adorable savory animal-shaped biscuits are perfect as a fun appetizer for any occasion. With the richness of Parmigiano Reggiano DOP, the crispiness of sesame seeds, and the delightful crunch, they are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just indulging in a homemade snack, these biscuits are a charming and tasty treat that everyone will love.


Ingredients

Ingredient Quantity
Parmigiano Reggiano DOP 100g
Salt To taste
Butter 80g
All-purpose flour 125g
Milk As needed
Black sesame seeds To taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough
    Begin by preparing the dough. On a clean, flat surface (like a cutting board or countertop), sift the flour. Create a well in the center of the flour using a spoon.

  2. Incorporate Butter and Salt
    Cut the butter into small cubes and add them into the well, along with a pinch of salt. Using your fingers, quickly rub the ingredients together until the mixture forms a smooth dough.

  3. Form the Dough Ball
    Once the dough is smooth, shape it into a ball (or “panetto”) and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Allow the dough to rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

  4. Shape the Biscuits
    After the dough has rested, roll it out on a lightly floured surface. Using animal-shaped cookie cutters (such as butterflies, bears, or bunnies), cut out the biscuits.

  5. Prepare for Baking
    Arrange the animal-shaped biscuits on a tray lined with parchment paper. Gently brush the surface of each biscuit with a little milk to ensure a golden finish after baking. For a decorative touch, sprinkle black sesame seeds on top of each shape.

  6. Bake the Biscuits
    Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) if you’re using a static oven. If you have a fan-assisted oven, set it to 160°C (320°F). Bake the biscuits for about 10 minutes (or 5-6 minutes in a ventilated oven) until they are golden and crisp.

  7. Cool and Serve
    Once baked, remove the biscuits from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack. Once cooled, your savory animal-shaped biscuits are ready to be enjoyed!


These delightful animal-shaped biscuits are perfect as a crunchy snack or a festive appetizer. Whether serving them at a party or as part of a casual meal, their crispy texture and savory flavor will make them a hit.