Description
These Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers with Hot Pepper Jelly are the perfect blend of savory cheese and spicy sweetness, ideal for any gathering. The creamy cheddar cheese and garlic are perfectly complemented by the heat of the hot pepper jelly. Serve them warm or at room temperature for a crowd-pleasing bite-sized treat!
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 everything together 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, creating a small well.
- Bake the Dough: Bake the thumbprint cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
- Add the Hot Pepper Jelly: Once the cookies are out of the oven, let them cool for 5 minutes. Then, spoon a small amount of hot pepper jelly (about 1/2 teaspoon) into the indentation of each cookie.
- Serve: Allow the jelly to set for a few minutes, then serve warm or at room temperature
Notes
- If you want a spicier kick, add more hot pepper jelly to each thumbprint.
- Dijon mustard is optional, but it gives an extra layer of flavor.
- These appetizers are best served fresh, but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 thumbprint appetizer
- Calories: 100 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg