These Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers with Hot Pepper Jelly are a delightful combination of creamy cheese and spicy sweetness, making them the perfect bite-sized appetizer for any occasion. The savory cheese pairs beautifully with the sweet heat of hot pepper jelly, creating a snack that’s irresistible!

Ingredients:

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional, for extra flavor)
1/4 cup hot pepper jelly (or more to taste)

Instructions:

Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Make the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, flour, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add Dijon mustard if desired. Mix until the dough forms a smooth, cohesive ball.
Shape the Dough:
Use your hands or a small cookie scoop to form the dough into 1-inch balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spaced about 1 inch apart.
Create the Thumbprint:
Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to make an indentation in the center of each dough ball.
Bake the Dough:
Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
Add the Hot Pepper Jelly:
Let the cookies cool for 5 minutes. Then spoon about 1/2 teaspoon of hot pepper jelly into the center of each one.
Serve:
Allow the jelly to set for a few minutes, then serve warm or at room temperature.

Variation:

Swap the Jelly:
If hot pepper jelly isn’t your thing or you’re serving guests with milder palates, try using sweet chili sauce, fig jam, or apricot preserves. These still offer a nice contrast to the cheesy base but with different flavor notes from fruity to tangy to subtly spicy. A dollop of balsamic onion jam also works wonderfully for a more savory twist.
Change the Cheese:
Sharp cheddar is classic here, but don’t be afraid to experiment. Smoked gouda adds a deep, smoky flavor, while pepper jack brings in an extra kick. For a milder profile, try Monterey Jack or even cream cheese mixed into the dough for a silkier texture.
Add Fresh Herbs:
Mix finely chopped fresh rosemary, thyme, or chives into the dough for an herby upgrade. These herbs enhance the savory elements and add a pop of freshness that pairs beautifully with the jelly’s sweetness.

Cooking Notes:

Chill the Dough (Optional):
If your kitchen is warm or the dough feels too soft to shape, chill it in the fridge for 15–20 minutes. This helps the cookies hold their shape better and prevents too much spreading in the oven.
Use a Measuring Scoop:
For even baking, use a small cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion the dough. This ensures consistent size and doneness across all the thumbprints no under- or over-baked surprises.
Don’t Overbake:
Keep a close eye near the end of the baking time. The cookies should be lightly golden on the edges but still soft in the middle when they come out. Overbaking can make them dry and crumbly rather than tender and buttery.

Serving Suggestions

Perfect Party Platter:
Serve these appetizers on a festive platter with sprigs of rosemary or thyme for a decorative touch. Pair with a selection of olives, nuts, or charcuterie to round out your appetizer spread.
Make It a Brunch Item:
Add them to your brunch menu alongside quiches, fruit platters, or savory muffins. They bring a little indulgence and a pop of color, especially with red or orange pepper jelly.

Tips

Make-Ahead Friendly:
You can prepare the dough up to 2 days in advance. Keep it tightly wrapped in the fridge until ready to bake. Alternatively, shape the dough into balls and freeze them on a tray once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag and bake as needed (no thawing required, just add 1–2 minutes to baking time).
Customize the Heat Level:
Choose a hot pepper jelly that matches your spice preference. Some brands are milder with more sweetness, while others bring serious heat. You can also mix in a touch of chili powder or cayenne into the dough if you want the spiciness more evenly distributed.
Double the Batch:
These go fast at parties, so consider making a double batch. They store well and reheat beautifully in the oven for a few minutes at 300°F. Just be sure to cool fully before storing in an airtight container.

Prep Time:

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: ~75 kcal
Protein: 2g
Sodium: 90mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the dough up to 2 days in advance and store it in the fridge, or freeze the unbaked dough balls for up to a month. Simply bake from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to the baking time. You can also bake them fully and reheat in the oven before serving.
What if I don’t have hot pepper jelly?
No problem try using sweet chili sauce, fig jam, red pepper relish, or even cranberry sauce with a pinch of cayenne. The goal is to balance sweet and heat, so feel free to get creative with what you have on hand.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. The texture may vary slightly, but they’ll still be deliciously cheesy and crisp.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftover thumbprint appetizers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5–7 minutes to bring back that just-baked texture.

Conclusion

These Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers with Hot Pepper Jelly are a crowd-pleasing blend of savory and sweet with a hint of spice in every bite. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, bringing a dish to a potluck, or just want a quick and delicious snack, these little bites are a guaranteed hit. Easy to make, even easier to love this recipe might just become your new go-to appetizer.

Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers with Hot Pepper Jelly

Author: Avery
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 24 thumbprint appetizers 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional, for extra flavor)
1/4 cup hot pepper jelly (or more to taste)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Make the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, flour, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add Dijon mustard if desired. Mix until the dough forms a smooth, cohesive ball.
Shape the Dough:
Use your hands or a small cookie scoop to form the dough into 1-inch balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spaced about 1 inch apart.
Create the Thumbprint:
Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to make an indentation in the center of each dough ball.
Bake the Dough:
Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
Add the Hot Pepper Jelly:
Let the cookies cool for 5 minutes. Then spoon about 1/2 teaspoon of hot pepper jelly into the center of each one.
Serve:
Allow the jelly to set for a few minutes, then serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

Make-Ahead Tip: You can form the dough balls and freeze them before baking. Just thaw slightly, indent, and bake as directed.
Jelly Swap: If you don’t have hot pepper jelly, try fig jam or apricot preserves with a pinch of chili flakes.
Cheese Tip: A sharper cheddar gives the best flavor contrast against the sweet jelly.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Appetizer, Snack
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 appetizer
Calories: ~75
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 90mg
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 3.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 4g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 15mg

Keywords: cheesy thumbprint appetizers, hot pepper jelly snacks, savory holiday appetizers, cheddar jelly bites