Irresistible Thumbprint Appetizers with Pepper Jelly Recipe

There’s something irresistibly charming about Thumbprint Appetizers with Pepper Jelly. Imagine a savory pastry filled with gooey cheese and topped with a sweet, spicy pepper jelly that dances on your taste buds. quick and easy party food It’s like a party for your mouth, where every bite brings a delightful crunch followed by a splash of flavor that leaves you wanting more.

I remember the first time I whipped these up for a family gathering; they disappeared faster than my cousin’s attempts to tell his infamous dad jokes. These appetizers are perfect for any get-together—birthdays, holidays, or just an excuse to gather some friends and eat delicious dip for gatherings/”>perfect pairing for appetizers Get ready for an explosion of flavors that will have everyone raving!

Sharing these thumbprints at my last family reunion left everyone raving about them—what a fun way to spark conversations!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish: make ahead for holiday parties.

• All-Purpose Flour: Use high-quality flour for the best structure and texture in your dough.

• Unsalted Butter: Opt for unsalted butter so you can control the saltiness of your appetizer.

• Shredded Cheese: Cheddar or cream cheese adds delightful creaminess and flavor.

• Pepper Jelly: Choose your favorite brand or homemade version for that sweet heat burst.

• Egg Yolk: This will give your dough a rich color and help bind the ingredients together.

• Salt: A pinch enhances all the flavors beautifully!

• Water: Cold water helps bring the dough together without melting the butter.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Make the Dough: In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs; it should feel like tiny pebbles between your fingers.

Add Egg Yolk and Water: Stir in the egg yolk along with ice-cold water gradually until the dough comes together. You want it moist but not sticky.

Chill Before Rolling Out: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This helps firm up the butter, making rolling easier later on.

Preheat Oven and Roll Out Dough: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a thin sheet about 1/8-inch thick.

Cut Out Circles and Create Thumbprints: Use a round cookie cutter or glass to cut out circles from the dough. Gently press your thumb into each circle to create an indentation—the classic “thumbprint” shape.

Add Cheese and Pepper Jelly Filling: Place shredded cheese into each thumbprint then top with a small dollop of pepper jelly—just enough to fill but not overflow.

Bake Until Golden Brown: Bake in preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown around edges. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will have everyone drooling! For more inspiration, check out this Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders recipe.

Enjoy these savory treats warm from the oven, or let them cool down slightly if you prefer them at room temperature; either way, they’re sure to impress!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Begin by preheating your oven and preparing the dough. Roll into balls, make indents, fill with jelly, and bake until golden brown.

Add Your Touch

Enhance these thumbprint appetizers by experimenting with different jellies like raspberry or peach. You can also sprinkle nuts or cheese on top for added texture.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover thumbprint appetizers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Reheat briefly in the oven to maintain their crispiness.

Creating these thumbprint appetizers was a hit at my last family gathering, where everyone raved about them—especially Grandma, who asked for the recipe!

FAQ

Can I use different types of jelly for thumbprint appetizers with pepper jelly?

For more inspiration, check out this Thai Red Curry Chicken recipe.

Absolutely! Any fruit-flavored jelly works well; try raspberry or apricot for variety.

How long can I store leftover thumbprint appetizers?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to three days without losing quality.

Can I freeze these appetizers before baking?

Yes, you can freeze unbaked thumbprint cookies for up to three months; just bake directly from frozen!

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Thumbprint Appetizers with Pepper Jelly

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• Author: Anastasia Chen
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x

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Description

Savor the delightful combination of cheesy goodness and sweet, spicy pepper jelly in these irresistible thumbprint appetizers. Perfect for any gathering, these bite-sized treats are quick to prepare and sure to impress your guests. Enjoy a satisfying crunch with every bite, making them the ultimate crowd-pleaser!

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Ingredients

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• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or cream cheese)
• 1/4 cup pepper jelly
• 1 egg yolk
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 2–3 tbsp cold water

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Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Cut in chilled butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. Stir in the egg yolk and add cold water gradually until the dough comes together; it should be moist but not sticky.
3. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
4. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to about 1/8-inch thick.
5. Use a round cookie cutter to cut out circles from the dough. Press your thumb into each circle to create an indentation.
6. Fill each thumbprint with shredded cheese and top with a small dollop of pepper jelly.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 appetizer
• Calories: 120
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 125mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 9g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 25mg