Description
There’s something magical about the smell of buttery cheese-filled pastries baking in the oven—especially when it’s the holiday season, or when you’re just craving a warm bite-sized treat to share. These Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers with Hot Pepper Jelly are a little bite of comfort, joy, and just the right amount of kick.
This recipe has become a personal favorite around my house—especially during fall gatherings, Christmas parties, or even lazy Sunday afternoons when everyone just wants a cozy snack. It’s one of those appetizers that disappears within minutes, and guests always ask for the recipe.
The idea behind these thumbprint-style bites is inspired by classic thumbprint cookies—but instead of something sweet, you get a savory, cheesy base with a little pocket of spicy jelly in the middle. It’s playful, familiar, and totally irresistible. And trust me, once you try them, they’ll earn a permanent spot in your recipe box.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, finely grated
- 1/2 cup Monterey Jack cheese, finely grated
- 1/2 cup hot pepper jelly (or your favorite pepper jelly)
Instructions
Step 1: Prep your kitchen mood
Turn on some music, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This is a recipe you’ll want to enjoy making, not rush through—so set the scene.
Step 2: Mix the dry ingredients
In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and cayenne pepper. The cayenne adds a subtle kick, but don’t worry—it’s more warming than fiery.
Step 3: Cream the butter and cheeses
In a larger bowl, beat the butter until smooth and creamy. Then add the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. This mixture smells like a dream—rich, savory, and deeply comforting.
Step 4: Combine wet and dry
Gradually add the flour mixture into the cheesy butter, mixing until it comes together into a soft dough. You may need to use your hands to bring it together—it’s a very forgiving dough.
Step 5: Roll and press
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, about 1 inch apart. Use your thumb (or the back of a small spoon) to gently press a small indentation in the center of each ball. This is where the magic happens.
Step 6: Bake, then fill
Bake the unfilled thumbprints for 10 minutes. Pull them out of the oven and gently press the centers again to deepen the indentations, then spoon in about 1/4 teaspoon of pepper jelly into each center.
Step 7: Finish baking
Return the tray to the oven and bake for another 5-7 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the cheese is bubbly. Let them cool slightly before serving—if you can resist.
Notes
These little cheesy thumbprints are endlessly adaptable. Feel free to try other cheese combinations—Gouda and Gruyère work beautifully. And the jelly? Any kind of sweet-tart preserve you love will pair well with the richness of the cheese.