Dark Chocolate Rosemary Cookies with Grana Padano

You can, but be mindful of the salt content. Grana Padano is typically milder and nuttier, whereas a highly aged Parmesan (Reggiano) is more aggressive and salt-forward.

No. The Grana Padano acts more like a seasoning than a primary flavor. It provides a savory "pull" and umami depth that makes the chocolate taste more intense. In the "Mystery" box tests, most people couldn't identify the cheese—they just knew the cookie tasted complex and perfectly salted.

You can, but it requires a tactical adjustment. Grana Padano already brings a significant amount of sodium to the dough. If you switch to salted butter, omit any additional salt called for in the recipe entirely. Also, taste a small pinch of your dough before chilling; if the salt is already hitting the back of your throat, you may want to increase the dark chocolate chunks slightly to provide a bitter counterbalance.