Description
These Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers with Hot Pepper Jelly are the perfect combination of savory and sweet, with a buttery, cheesy base complemented by a spicy kick of hot pepper jelly. These bite-sized treats are sure to impress your guests at any gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups (190 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
Wet Ingredients:
- 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
Additional:
- 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
- You can customize these appetizers by using different types of cheese or jelly to suit your taste preferences.
- These thumbprints can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container, then reheated in the oven before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 thumbprint
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers, Hot Pepper Jelly, Party Appetizers, Finger Foods
