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- 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened - 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened - 1/2 cup hot pepper jelly (store-bought or homemade) - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika - Fresh herbs (like chives or parsley) for garnish When I make Cheesy Hot Pepper Jelly Thumbprints, I love the mix of flavors. Each ingredient plays a key role in making these bites a hit. First, all-purpose flour gives the dough its structure. It's the base that holds everything together. Then, I use sharp cheddar cheese for a bold, rich flavor. This cheese melts well and adds a nice tang. Unsalted butter and cream cheese make the dough soft and creamy. They blend beautifully, giving you a rich taste. The hot pepper jelly adds a sweet and spicy kick. You can use store-bought jelly or make your own if you feel adventurous. Seasonings like salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika add depth. They enhance the cheese's flavor, making each bite exciting. Finally, fresh herbs like chives or parsley give a pop of color and freshness. These ingredients work together to create a delightful treat. Enjoy exploring this tasty recipe! {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even baking. 2. In a large bowl, mix the softened butter and cream cheese. Beat them until smooth and creamy. This step makes the dough rich and tasty. 1. Next, add the grated sharp cheddar cheese to the creamy mix. Stir it well to blend all the flavors. 2. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. This adds depth to your thumbprints. 3. Gradually combine the dry mix with the cheese mixture. Mix until a soft dough forms. The dough should be easy to handle. 4. Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on your baking sheet, leaving space between each one. This helps them bake evenly. 1. Now, make an indentation in the center of each dough ball. You can use your thumb or the back of a spoon. 2. Fill each indentation with about half a teaspoon of hot pepper jelly. Be careful not to overfill, or the jelly will spill. 3. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes. Check for doneness when the edges turn lightly golden. This shows they are ready to come out. 4. Once baked, let them cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack. This helps maintain their shape. To get even baking, always preheat your oven. This helps the dough rise and cook well. Use the middle rack for the best heat flow. Keep an eye on your thumbprints as they bake. You want the edges to be lightly golden, not too dark. To avoid jelly overflow, fill each thumbprint carefully. Use about half a teaspoon of hot pepper jelly. If you add too much, it will spill over during baking. If you want a different flavor, try other cheeses. Pepper jack adds a nice kick. For a milder taste, use mozzarella. For gluten-free options, use almond flour or a gluten-free blend. These work well in this recipe and taste great. Serve your thumbprints warm or at room temperature. They make a great snack or appetizer. You can also arrange them on a platter with fresh herbs for a pop of color. Pair these thumbprints with drinks like iced tea or red wine. They balance the spicy jelly and rich cheese nicely. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh herbs and high-quality cheese. The freshness will enhance the overall taste of your thumbprints. Chill the Dough: If your dough is too soft to handle, refrigerate it for about 15-30 minutes. This will make rolling easier and help maintain their shape during baking. Customize the Heat: Adjust the amount of hot pepper jelly based on your spice tolerance. For a milder version, use less jelly or opt for a mild pepper jelly. Experiment with Cheese: While sharp cheddar adds a great flavor, feel free to mix in other cheeses like pepper jack or gouda for a unique twist. {{image_2}} You can switch up the cheese to create new flavors. Try using gouda for a smoky taste. Or, go with pepper jack for a spicy twist. Each cheese adds its own charm. You can also change the jelly. If you want something sweeter, use raspberry jelly. For a fruity kick, apricot jelly works great too. Toppings can add extra fun. Chopped nuts or crispy bacon bits can give a nice crunch. Make your thumbprints stand out with simple garnishes. Fresh herbs like chives or parsley look nice and add flavor. You can also serve them on a wooden board. Arrange them in a circle or in rows. Use colorful napkins to brighten up the table. This makes for a great party display. A little creativity goes a long way in impressing your guests. If you want to make these thumbprints vegan, swap the dairy. Use vegan cream cheese and a plant-based butter. For a low-sodium option, look for low-sodium cheese. You can also cut back on added salt in the dough. These changes keep the taste while fitting different diets. Enjoy your thumbprints without worry! To keep your cheesy hot pepper jelly thumbprints fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. They will stay fresh for about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Reheat thumbprints in the oven for the best texture. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the thumbprints on a baking sheet. Heat for about 5 to 7 minutes. This keeps the cheese melty and the dough nice. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make them chewy. To freeze thumbprints, let them cool completely first. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. You can use other jams or jellies. Sweet fruit jams work well. Try peach, apricot, or raspberry. They add a nice touch of sweetness. If you want heat, consider using spicy salsa. Just remember, it will change the flavor. Yes, you can make them ahead. Prepare the dough and shape the balls. Store them in the fridge for up to two days. When ready, add the jelly and bake. You can also freeze the unbaked dough for later use. To adjust spice, change the jelly. Use milder jelly for less heat. You can also mix in some spices. Add less black pepper or garlic powder. For more heat, use spicier jelly or add crushed red pepper. Taste and adjust as you like. You learned how to make Cheesy Hot Pepper Jelly Thumbprints, from ingredients to baking tips. Remember to mix the butter and cream cheese well for a smooth dough. Use different cheeses or jellies to create your own flavors. Don’t forget to store leftovers properly to keep them fresh. Enjoy your tasty treats, and feel free to innovate with your own ideas. Happy baking!

Cheesy Hot Pepper Jelly Thumbprints

Delicious thumbprint cookies filled with spicy hot pepper jelly and cheesy goodness.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 24
Calories 100 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
  • 1 2 unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 4 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 1 2 cup hot pepper jelly
  • 1 2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • none Fresh herbs for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy.
  • Gradually add the grated sharp cheddar cheese to the mixture, stirring well to combine.
  • In another bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
  • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the cheese mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
  • Roll the dough into small balls (about 1 inch in diameter) and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each ball.
  • Using your thumb or the back of a round measuring spoon, make an indentation in the center of each dough ball.
  • Fill each indentation with about half a teaspoon of hot pepper jelly, being careful not to overfill.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
  • Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
  • Once cooled, garnish with fresh herbs if desired before serving.

Notes

Garnish with fresh herbs for added flavor.
Keyword appetizer, cheesy, jelly, thumbprints