Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers with Hot Pepper Jelly are the perfect blend of rich, savory cheese and sweet heat, all in one elegant bite-sized treat. These buttery, cheesy shortbread-style cookies are baked to golden perfection, then topped with a spoonful of vibrant hot pepper jelly that creates an irresistible combination of textures and flavors. Ideal for holiday parties, game day spreads, or casual gatherings, these appetizers are a sophisticated twist on the traditional thumbprint cookie. Easy to prepare and always a conversation starter, they are as beautiful on a platter as they are bold in flavor.
Ingredients
For the Cheesy Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
For Assembly
- 1/2 cup hot pepper jelly (store-bought or homemade)
- Fresh thyme or parsley, finely chopped (optional garnish)
Preparation
Step 1:
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter until smooth. Add shredded cheddar cheese and mix until well incorporated.
Step 2:
In a separate bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, salt, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter-cheese mixture. Mix until a firm dough forms.
Step 3:
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This step ensures the cookies retain their shape when baked.
Step 4:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 5:
Scoop the chilled dough and roll into 1-inch balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart.
Step 6:
Use your thumb or the back of a small spoon to make a deep indentation in the center of each ball. Don’t press all the way through.
Step 7:
Bake for 14–16 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden and the tops are set. Remove from oven.
Step 8:
While still warm, gently reinforce the indentations with the back of a spoon. Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheet.
Step 9:
Once cooled, spoon a small amount of hot pepper jelly into the center of each thumbprint. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Variations
- Substitute pepper jelly with fig jam, red onion marmalade, or cranberry sauce
- Add a cube of brie under the jelly for extra creaminess
- Mix Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese into the dough for a twist
- Sprinkle with smoked paprika after baking for a smoky flavor
- Swap cheddar for blue cheese or goat cheese for a gourmet version
Cooking Notes
- Refrigerating the dough prevents spreading and helps hold the thumbprint shape
- For clean indents, dip your thumb/spoon in flour to avoid sticking
- Don’t overbake, cookies should be just set with golden bottoms
- Use room temperature jelly for easy spooning and spreading
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days
Serving Suggestions
- Serve on a holiday appetizer board with cured meats and olives
- Pair with sparkling wine or festive cocktails
- Arrange on a white platter with rosemary sprigs for a holiday touch
- Offer warm or at room temperature
- Great as finger food for cocktail parties or brunch buffets
Tips
- Use a block of sharp cheddar and grate it yourself for best flavor and texture
- Adjust cayenne to your heat preference or omit entirely for a milder bite
- For extra flakiness, don’t overwork the dough when mixing
- Add jelly right before serving to prevent sogginess
- Double the batch, they go quickly at parties!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Bake Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Yield: About 24 appetizers
Nutritional Information (Per Appetizer):
Calories: 120
Fat: 8g
Carbohydrates: 9g
Protein: 3g
Sodium: 105mg
Sugar: 2g
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
- Yes, bake and store the thumbprints without jelly for up to 3 days. Add jelly just before serving.
Can I freeze the dough?
- Yes, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
Can I use different types of cheese?
- Absolutely. Gouda, Monterey Jack, or Parmesan are all delicious alternatives to cheddar.
Is there a non-spicy version?
- Use sweet pepper jelly, cranberry preserves, or apricot jam instead of hot pepper jelly.
What if I don’t have cornstarch?
- You can use 2 cups flour total, but cornstarch makes the texture lighter and more tender.
Conclusion
Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers with Hot Pepper Jelly are a standout addition to any festive gathering. Their cheesy, tender texture and sweet-spicy topping make them both elegant and comforting. With just a handful of ingredients and easy steps, these savory bites are simple enough for weeknight entertaining yet fancy enough for holiday celebrations. Customize them with different cheeses and jellies, and you’ve got a versatile appetizer everyone will love. Add them to your appetizer rotation this season, they’ll disappear in no time!