Description
Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers with Hot Pepper Jelly are delightful, bite-sized savory treats perfect for parties and gatherings. These buttery cheddar cheese cookies have a sweet and spicy surprise center of hot pepper jelly, offering a perfect balance of flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup hot pepper jelly (or jelly of choice)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Cream Butter: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until it becomes creamy and smooth, creating the base for the dough.
- Mix Cheese: Gradually mix in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until well combined with the butter, incorporating a rich, cheesy flavor.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Slowly add the all-purpose flour and salt into the mixture, stirring until a cohesive dough forms that’s soft but not sticky.
- Shape Dough: Roll tablespoon-sized portions of dough into balls and place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
- Create Thumbprints: Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to press an indentation into the center of each dough ball to hold the jelly filling.
- Fill with Jelly: Spoon about 1/2 teaspoon of hot pepper jelly into each thumbprint indentation, adding a sweet and spicy contrast to the cheesy dough.
- Bake: Bake the appetizers for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden, indicating they are perfectly cooked.
- Cool: Allow the appetizers to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Notes
- For a milder flavor, substitute hot pepper jelly with a sweet red pepper jelly or apricot preserves.
- Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier mixing.
- You can prepare the dough ahead and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and promote even baking.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
