Description
Indulge in these irresistible Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers with Hot Pepper Jelly – a quick and easy party-pleasing bite that combines a buttery shortbread cookie base, a sweet and spicy hot pepper jelly filling, and a melted cheese topping for the perfect savory-sweet flavor explosion.
Ingredients
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 1/2 cup hot pepper jelly
– 1 cup shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese
Instructions
1. – Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. – In a large bowl, beat the butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
3. – Add the flour, salt, and pepper, and mix until a dough forms.
4. – Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
5. – Use your thumb to make an indentation in the center of each ball.
6. – Fill each indentation with about 1 tsp of hot pepper jelly.
7. – Top each cookie with about 1 tbsp of shredded cheese.
8. – Bake for 18-20 minutes, until the cookies are lightly golden and the cheese is melted.
9. – Allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
For a spicier kick, use a hotter variety of hot pepper jelly. These appetizers can be made ahead and frozen unbaked, then baked straight from the freezer when ready to serve.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American