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Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers – Easy Sweet & Spicy Bites

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Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers are buttery, golden, bite-sized cheese cookies filled with sweet and spicy hot pepper jelly. These easy, make-ahead appetizers are perfect for holidays, parties, or any occasion that calls for an irresistible savory snack.

Ingredients

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  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup hot pepper jelly (red or green)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, salt, cayenne, and black pepper.
  3. In another bowl, beat softened butter until creamy. Add shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheese, and mix until smooth.
  4. Gradually add dry ingredients to the butter mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms. If the dough is crumbly, add 1 teaspoon milk at a time until it comes together.
  5. Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on the baking sheet about 1 inch apart.
  6. Press your thumb gently into the center of each ball to make an indentation.
  7. Bake for 8–10 minutes, remove, and reinforce indentations if needed. Fill each thumbprint with about 1/2 teaspoon hot pepper jelly.
  8. Return to the oven and bake another 5–6 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
  9. Cool for 5 minutes before transferring to a rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

  • Use freshly shredded cheese for best texture — pre-shredded cheese can make the dough dry.
  • For a milder flavor, use apricot or fig jam instead of hot pepper jelly.
  • Chill the dough before baking if your kitchen is warm to prevent spreading.
  • Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
  • Freeze unbaked dough balls for up to 1 month; bake from frozen, adding 2–3 minutes to the time.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://recipeeasily.com/cheesy-thumbprint-appetizers/