Irresistible Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers with Hot Pepper Jelly Recipe

Crisp appetizers with a tangy twist spark excitement at every gathering.

These cheesy thumbprint appetizers with hot pepper jelly deliver a perfect balance of creamy and spicy flavors that dance on your palate.

Sharp cheddar and cream cheese create a luxurious base for the zesty jelly nestled in each golden-brown bite.

The combination of warm, melted cheese and vibrant pepper jelly makes these small bites irresistible.

Elegant yet simple, these appetizers come together quickly with minimal ingredients.

Guests will devour these delectable morsels before you can even set down the serving plate.

Prepare to be the star of your next party with this crowd-pleasing recipe.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 106 kcal

Servings: 23

Everything In Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers With Hot Pepper Jelly

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides the fundamental structure and texture for the crispy, delicate thumbprint base.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the richness of cheese.
• Black Pepper: Adds a subtle warmth and depth to the savory cookie.
• Smoked Paprika: Introduces a smoky, complex undertone that complements the cheesy profile.

• Butter: Creates a rich, tender crumb and carries the deep golden color when baked.
• Cheddar Cheese: Delivers a sharp, tangy flavor and helps bind the dough with its melting properties.
• Parmesan Cheese: Contributes a nutty, aged essence and enhances the overall cheese complexity.
• Egg Yolk: Provides richness, helps bind ingredients, and ensures a smooth, cohesive dough.
• Water: Helps to hydrate and bring the dough together with the perfect consistency.

• Hot Pepper Jelly: Introduces a vibrant, spicy-sweet contrast that elevates the cheesy base with a surprising kick.

Tips And Twists For Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers With Hot Pepper Jelly

• Cheese Quality Matters: Use freshly grated, high-quality cheddar and Parmesan for maximum flavor depth and smoother texture. Pre-shredded cheeses contain anti-caking agents that can affect dough consistency.
• Perfect Thumbprint Technique: Chill dough for 15 minutes before shaping to prevent spreading and maintain crisp edges. Wet your thumb slightly with water to prevent sticking when creating indentations.
• Jelly Selection Magic: Select artisan hot pepper jellies with balanced heat levels. Experiment with different varieties like jalapeño, habanero, or roasted red pepper jelly for unique flavor profiles.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare dough balls and refrigerate up to 2 days before baking. Freeze unbaked thumbprints for up to 1 month, baking directly from frozen state with minimal temperature adjustment.
• Gluten-Free Option: Replace wheat flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Add 1/4 teaspoon xanthan gum to improve dough structure and prevent crumbling.
• Vegetarian Adaptation: Substitute butter with plant-based margarine and use aged vegetarian cheeses.

Serving Up Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers With Hot Pepper Jelly

• Festive Party Platter: Arrange these cheesy thumbprints on a rustic wooden board with fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme scattered around for an elegant appetizer display.
• Cocktail Companion: Pair these spicy-sweet bites with crisp white wine, sparkling prosecco, or a zesty margarita to complement the hot pepper jelly's kick.
• Game Day Delight: Serve these appetizers during sports gatherings, placing them alongside other finger foods like mini sliders or chicken wings for a crowd-pleasing spread.
• Brunch Brilliance: Include these thumbprints on a weekend brunch buffet alongside charcuterie selections and fresh fruit for a sophisticated morning treat.

How To Store Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers With Hot Pepper Jelly

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store these appetizers in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before storing to maintain their crispy texture.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the dough up to 2 days in advance and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let the dough soften slightly at room temperature for easy shaping and baking.
• Freezing Friendly: Unbaked dough balls can be frozen for up to 1 month. Place them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 2-3 extra minutes to cooking time.
• Jelly Swap Tip: If hot pepper jelly isn't available, experiment with other jellies like raspberry, apricot, or jalapeño jam. Each variation creates a unique flavor profile for these cheesy appetizers.

Tools To Make Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers With Hot Pepper Jelly

• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining butter and cheeses.
• Medium mixing bowl: Ideal for whisking dry ingredients together.
• Baking sheets: Essential for creating the thumbprint cookies.
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats: Prevents sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
• Whisk: Helps blend dry ingredients smoothly.
• Electric mixer or hand mixer: Makes creaming butter and cheese effortless.
• Tablespoon: Helps portion out dough evenly.
• Spoon or thumb: Creates the signature thumbprint indentation.
• Wire cooling rack: Allows cookies to cool completely without getting soggy.

How To Whip Up Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers With Hot Pepper Jelly

• Oven Preparation

Warm up the oven to create the perfect cozy baking environment. Cover baking sheets with protective liners to ensure easy cookie removal.

• Dough Creation

Whip together creamy butter and rich cheeses until they form a smooth, irresistible mixture. Blend in a splash of liquid and softly fold in dry ingredients until a beautiful dough emerges.

• Cookie Shaping

Craft small, delicate balls of dough and arrange them with gentle care on the prepared baking sheets. Create a loving indentation in each ball, giving them their signature thumbprint look.

• First Baking Cycle

Slide the trays into the warm oven and let the magic happen. Watch as the edges transform into a lovely golden hue, signaling they’re almost ready.

• Jelly Filling

Carefully nestle a dollop of spicy pepper jelly into the center of each tender cookie. Return to the oven for a quick warm-up that will make the jelly shimmer and shine.

• Cooling and Serving

Allow the cookies to rest and settle, letting them cool gracefully. Transfer to a serving plate and enjoy these delightful little bites of cheesy, spicy heaven.

Spicy Thumbprint Appetizers

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• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 23 1x

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Description

Cheesy thumbprint appetizers with hot pepper jelly offer a perfect blend of creamy cheese and spicy jelly. Guests will savor these zesty bites that combine rich cream cheese with tangy pepper jelly for an irresistible party snack.

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Ingredients

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• 1 cup (100 g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups (190 g) all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg yolk
• 2 tbsps cold water
• ⅓ cup (80 ml) hot pepper jelly
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)

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Instructions

1. Workspace Preparation: Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Preheat oven to 375F (190C) for consistent heat distribution.
2. Dry Ingredient Fusion: Whisk flour, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika in a medium bowl to create a robust flavor foundation.
3. Cheese Base Assembly: Cream butter, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses until silky smooth. Blend in egg yolk and water, ensuring complete integration of liquid components.
4. Dough Formation: Gently fold dry ingredients into cheese mixture, creating a cohesive, malleable dough with uniform consistency.
5. Shaping and Indenting: Roll dough into tablespoon-sized spheres, positioning them 2 inches apart on prepared sheets. Craft a gentle thumb impression in each ball’s center, maintaining structural integrity.
6. Initial Baking: Slide sheets into preheated oven, baking for 10-12 minutes until edges turn golden brown. When warm, reinforce center wells using a spoon’s back to create perfect jelly reservoirs.
7. Jelly Incorporation: Delicately spoon hot pepper jelly into each thumbprint’s center. Return to oven for 2-3 minutes to slightly warm the condiment.
8. Cooling and Serving: Allow appetizers to rest on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Serve at room temperature for optimal flavor and texture, ideally within a few hours of preparation.

Notes

• Cheese Temperature Matters: Allow butter and cheeses to soften at room temperature for smooth, easy blending and consistent dough texture.
• Perfect Thumbprint Technique: Create indentations gently and uniformly, using the back of a rounded measuring spoon to maintain consistent depth without breaking the dough.
• Jelly Selection Strategy: Choose hot pepper jelly with balanced heat and sweetness; adjust spice levels based on personal preference or guest tolerance.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare dough balls in advance and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking, enhancing flavor development and saving preparation time.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 23
• Calories: 106
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 135 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 31 mg