Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers with Hot Pepper Jelly
These cheesy thumbprint appetizers are savory, buttery, and packed with flavor. The crumbly cheese-infused dough pairs perfectly with the sweet and spicy kick of hot pepper jelly, making them a standout appetizer for any gathering.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 appetizers 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/2 cups (190 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (100 g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg yolk
- 2 tablespoons cold water
- 1/3 cup (80 ml) hot pepper jelly
Instructions
- Preheat the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- Mix the dry ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika (if using).
- Make the dough:
- In a large bowl, beat the butter, cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese until creamy and well combined.
- Add the egg yolk and water, mixing until fully incorporated.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
- Shape the thumbprints:
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to press a small indentation into the center of each ball.
- Bake the thumbprints:
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden. Remove the cookies from the oven and use the back of a spoon to reinforce the indentations while they’re still warm.
- Add the jelly:
- Spoon about 1/2 teaspoon of hot pepper jelly into the center of each thumbprint. Return the cookies to the oven for 2–3 more minutes to warm the jelly slightly.
- Cool and serve:
- Let the thumbprints cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Make-ahead option: Prepare the dough and shape the thumbprints a day in advance. Store in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
- Jelly variations: Swap hot pepper jelly for fig, apricot, or cranberry jelly if you prefer a milder flavor.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.