Pin it
These soft, crumbly treats put a fresh spin on traditional Greek spanakopita. Fresh spinach mixed with sharp feta and fragrant herbs makes for savory bites that pack all the real Mediterranean tastes in a brand new way. Working with these foods reminds me of times in my grandma's kitchen, where herbs and warm baked goods filled every corner with amazing smells.
The first time I made these cookies I couldn't believe how such basic ingredients turned into something so surprisingly tasty. I keep coming back to this recipe because I love how the feta gets a bit melty while baking, creating little pockets of salty goodness throughout.
Key Ingredients Breakdown
- Baby spinach: Go for fresh, vibrant green bunches with no yellow spots for top-notch taste and health benefits.
- Feta cheese: Real Greek sheep's milk feta brings the most genuine tanginess and smooth feel.
- Fresh dill: Pick bright, fluffy sprigs that aren't droopy to get the boldest flavor.
- Self-rising flour: This flour type guarantees good lift and softness in every cookie.
Crafting Your Spanakopita Bites
- Getting Started:
- Rinse your spinach thoroughly in cold water. Dry it by patting with clean kitchen cloths to get rid of extra water. Roughly cut it into smaller bits that will spread well through your mixture.
- Blending Basics:
- In your biggest bowl, toss your cut spinach with broken-up feta, letting these main items mingle. Throw in your fresh dill and cut scallions, using your fingers to mix everything lightly, making sure herbs spread out evenly.
- Making Your Mix:
- Slowly add wet items to your spinach blend, working gently to keep the light texture. Add flour bit by bit, stirring until you get that just-right, slightly sticky feel that'll make tender cookies.
- Forming Your Cookies:
- Use a light touch to shape each cookie carefully, making them all the same size so they bake evenly. Set them on your cookie sheet with room between each one for a bit of spreading while they cook.
- Baking To Perfection:
- Watch as they change in the oven, getting golden outside while staying tender inside. Your kitchen will smell like a Mediterranean vacation.
Pin it
After trying tons of different ways to make these, I've found that using raw spinach instead of frozen really changes both how they feel and taste. My family especially likes how the feta gets a bit crispy on the outside but stays creamy on the inside.
Tasty Partners
These handy snacks go great with a fresh Greek salad or a hot bowl of tomato soup. For a fancy starter plate, put them on a tray with sliced cucumbers and kalamata olives.
Make It Your Own
Switch things up to match your tastes by adding dried tomatoes for extra tang, or try goat cheese instead of feta if you want something milder. For folks who can't have gluten, just swap in your go-to gluten-free flour mix with some baking powder thrown in.
Storage Smarts
Keep these goodies in a sealed container in your fridge for up to five days. When you want to eat them again, warm them in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes to bring back their original texture.
Pin it
Through years of making both old-school spanakopita and these creative cookies, I've noticed this version brings all the wonderful flavors in a much easier, grab-and-go form. The way these treats mix flaky outsides with savory insides makes them a hit at any get-together.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can these be made before serving?
- Definitely! You can chill the dough in the fridge for up to a day. Baked cookies will stay fresh in a sealed container for 3 days.
- → Can I freeze the bites?
- Yes! Cool them completely after baking, then freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Let thaw at room temp before digging in.
- → What goes well with these bites?
- They're awesome with dips like tzatziki, hummus, or a simple Greek yogurt blend. Try them alongside a crisp Greek salad, too!
- → Can frozen spinach replace fresh?
- Totally fine! Thaw it completely, squeeze out all the water, and measure about 1/2 cup of squeezed spinach to substitute fresh.
- → How do I tell they’re ready?
- Once they're a nice golden shade on top and feel firm to touch, they should be done baking. This usually takes around 17-20 minutes at 350°F.