Description
These Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers with Hot Pepper Jelly are buttery, bite-sized, and irresistibly savory with a sweet-heat kick. Perfect for holiday parties, game days, and gatherings, they combine sharp cheddar cheese with a touch of spice for a crowd-pleasing appetizer everyone loves.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 cup hot pepper jelly (or any pepper jelly)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream together the softened butter and shredded cheddar cheese until well combined.
- Add the flour, salt, garlic powder, and paprika. Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the baking sheet.
- Use your thumb or the back of a teaspoon to press an indentation into each dough ball.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and gently press the indent again if needed.
- Spoon a small amount of hot pepper jelly into each indentation.
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
These appetizers can be made ahead! Bake the cookies without adding the jelly, store in an airtight container, then add the jelly just before serving. Use sharp or extra-sharp cheddar for the best flavor. Try jalapeño jelly for a slightly milder heat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 appetizer
- Calories: 75
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: cheesy thumbprints, hot pepper jelly appetizers, holiday appetizers, party bites, cheese cookies, savory thumbprint cookies