Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers with Hot Pepper Jelly

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Golden, buttery, and bursting with flavor, these Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers with Hot Pepper Jelly are little bites of heaven that will steal the show at any gathering. The moment you sink your teeth into their crispy edges and creamy centers, you’re met with a bold pop of hot pepper jelly that instantly elevates the savory cheese base. These delightful morsels are equal parts elegant and playful—perfect for holiday parties, cocktail hours, or anytime you’re craving a bite-sized treat that packs serious flavor.

Think of them as a savory twist on classic thumbprint cookies. Each tender round of cheesy dough is gently indented and filled with a dollop of spicy-sweet jelly that caramelizes slightly during baking, adding depth and a subtle kick. The contrast of creamy cheese, rich butter, and tangy pepper jelly is unexpectedly addictive, making them a go-to easy appetizer recipe when you need impressive yet effortless party food ideas.

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Ingredients for this Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers with Hot Pepper Jelly

• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
• ⅓ cup hot pepper jelly (store-bought or homemade)
• Fresh thyme leaves or chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

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Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and butter. Beat with a hand mixer until smooth and creamy. Add the shredded cheddar cheese and mix until fully incorporated. Gradually add in the flour, salt, and garlic powder (if using), mixing just until the dough comes together. The dough should be soft but not sticky.

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Step 2: Chill the Dough

Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps the dough firm up, making it easier to shape and preventing the bites from spreading too much during baking.

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Step 3: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Remove the dough from the fridge and scoop into 1-inch balls using a cookie scoop or spoon. Roll each into a smooth ball and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.

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Step 4: Make the Thumbprints

Using your thumb or the back of a teaspoon, gently press a small indentation into the center of each dough ball. Be careful not to press all the way through—just enough to create a little well for the jelly.

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Step 5: Fill and Bake

Spoon about ½ teaspoon of hot pepper jelly into each indentation. Don’t overfill, as the jelly will bubble slightly during baking. Bake for 13–15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the cheese is lightly crispy.

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Step 6: Cool and Garnish

Remove from the oven and let the appetizers cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Sprinkle with fresh thyme or parsley for a burst of color and flavor, if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature.

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Storage Instructions

To store your Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers with Hot Pepper Jelly, allow them to cool completely first. Place them in an airtight container, layering with parchment paper if stacking. They’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply pop them into a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5–7 minutes until warmed through—this will help bring back the crispy edges.

For longer storage, these can also be frozen. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag or airtight container. Reheat directly from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per appetizer (approximate values based on a batch of 24):

• Calories: 105
• Total Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Cholesterol: 25mg
• Sodium: 115mg
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Sugar: 2g
• Protein: 2g

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make these appetizers ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare and bake them up to 2 days in advance, then store in the fridge. Warm them up just before serving.

2. What’s the best hot pepper jelly to use?

Any store-bought or homemade variety works. Look for one with a balance of sweetness and heat. Jalapeño, habanero, or red pepper jelly are great options.

3. Can I substitute the cheese?

Absolutely. Try swapping sharp cheddar with pepper jack, gouda, or a blend of cheeses for a new twist.

4. Are these spicy?

The level of heat depends on the jelly you use. Choose a mild or medium hot pepper jelly if you’re serving to a crowd with varying spice preferences.

5. Can I use a mini muffin pan for shaping?

Yes! Press the dough into mini muffin cups and indent the centers—this creates uniform bites and catches any jelly overflow.

6. Is it possible to make these gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking blend for similar texture and taste.

7. What herbs work well as garnish?

Fresh thyme, chopped parsley, or even rosemary can elevate the flavor and appearance.

8. Can I freeze the dough instead of the baked bites?

Definitely. Roll the dough into balls, freeze on a tray, then store in a freezer bag. When ready, thaw slightly, indent, fill, and bake.

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