Beautiful and delicious, these savory but sweet little thumbprint appetizer “cookies” are easy to make and are sure to be a huge hit at your next party! Easy to prepare onboard in either a conventional oven, convection oven, or even a toaster oven.
Cheddar and Hot Pepper Jelly Thumbprint Bites
They look like cookies but, they are savory! Perfect for snacking or Docktails! Sure to be a hit!
Equipment
- 1 baking pan
- 1 silicone baking sheet or parchment paper
- 1 Large Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper and hot pepper flakes (optional for extra spice)
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup hot pepper jelly
Instructions
Pre-Prep
- Preheat the oven to 375℉
- Line a baking sheet with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper
Prepare the Dough
- In a large bowl, mix the softened butter and shredded cheddar cheese until smooth.
- Gradually add the flour, salt, and cayenne pepper (optional).
- Mix until a soft dough forms.
Shape The Bites
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls.
- Place them on the prepared baking sheet leaving about 1 inch between each ball.
Make Thumbprints
- Using your thumb (or the back of a spoon if you're no fun), gently press an indentation into the center of each ball.
Bake The Bites
- Bake the bites for 10-12 minutes, or until they are lightly golden around the edges.
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the bites cool for 2-3 minutes.
Add The Jelly
- Spoon a small amount of hot pepper jelly into the thumbprint of each bite.
- Sprinkle a few flakes of crushed hot pepper on top for decoration and to add an extra bite.
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
You can make the dough in advance and keep in in the refrigerator, or go all the way and to just before baking, then freeze the bites on the pan for quick baking later. I like to sprinkle a bit of shredded cheddar cheese on top after I put in the hot pepper jelly and stick them back in the oven for 2-3 minutes until the cheese just starts to melt. If you are making this recipe in a toaster oven, you can easily make a 1/2 recipe by just halving the ingredients.
I made these to take to a cocktail party. Filled the indent with jelly before baking. Sprinkled with a few flakes of sea salt after they came out of the oven. Delicious!