Description
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
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