Cheesy Thumbprint Cookies with Red Pepper Jelly
Ingredients
- 8 tbspunsalted butter
- 2 tbspgranulated sugar
- 1egg
room temperature
- 2 call-purpose flour
- 4 tbspcornstarch
- ½ tspkosher salt
- 8 ozsharp cheddar cheese
- 1 tbspwhole milk
room temperature
- 1 cred bell pepper
- 1 tbspfresno chili or jalapeño
seeds included
- ½ capple cider vinegar
- 1 tbspclassic pectin
HM
- 1 ½ cgranulated sugar
Directions
For the red pepper jelly:
- 1
Add the red bell pepper, fresno or jalapeño and apple cider vinegar to a medium/large saucepan and use an immersion blender to break down some of the pepper pieces. This is optional, but recommended for ideal consistency.
- 2
Whisk in the pectin and turn the heat to medium high. Bring the mixture to a boil for one minute, then add in the sugar slowly, whisking as you pour to prevent clumping.
- 3
Continue to cook the mixture until it reaches 220˚F / 104.5˚C, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and let cool for a few minutes.
- 4
Transfer the jelly into a jar or bowl, let it cool, then cover and refrigerate to cool completely. It will thicken as it cools.
For the cheesy thumbprint cookies:
- 1
To a medium mixing bowl, add the butter and sugar. Using a hand mixer, cream the butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
- 2
Add the egg and continue mixing until the egg is evenly incorporated.
- 3
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, and kosher salt.
- 4
Pour the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, and use the mixer or a spatula to combine them. The mixture should look dry, but pea-sized pieces of dough should start to form.
- 5
Add in the shredded cheddar cheese and 1 tablespoon of milk and use your hands or the mixer to work the cheese into the dough.
- 6
At this point, your dough may have come together or it may look a bit dry. Add more milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough is soft and workable, not dry and crumbly. The cheese should be mostly worked into the dough, but you should still seem some small pieces of cheese.
- 7
Cover and chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
- 8
Preheat your oven to 350˚F / 175˚C. Prepare a large rimmed baking sheet with a piece of parchment paper.
- 9
After your dough has chilled, use a tablespoon to scoop out heaping tablespoon-sized portions of dough. We weighed ours, and each was 30g, which yielded exactly 24 cookies.
- 10
Use your hands to shape the dough into a ball or hockey-puck shaped piece of dough about 1.5 inches in diameter. Place the dough down onto your prepared cookie sheet, and use a 1/2 teaspoon measuring spoon, or your thumb, to make an indent in the cookie. Repeat until the sheet pan is full (they don't spread much, so you can place them close together).
- 11
Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the bottoms are golden brown and the cheese starts to ooze out and brown.
- 12
Remove from the oven and immediately use the 1/2 teaspoon measuring spoon to reinforce the indentation in the center of each cookie.
- 13
Transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely. Fill each cookie with pepper jelly and enjoy!
Cheesy Thumbprint Cookies with Red Pepper Jelly
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About this Recipe
Irresistible Cheesy Thumbprint Cookies with Red Pepper Jelly
Looking for a show-stopping snack or appetizer that’s anything but ordinary? Our Cheesy Thumbprint Cookies with Red Pepper Jelly are a delightful revelation, offering a sophisticated twist on the classic thumbprint cookie. These aren't your typical sweet treats; instead, they deliver a beautifully balanced flavor profile that's mostly savory with just the right hint of sweetness and a gentle spicy kick. They are truly something special and an absolute must-try for your next gathering or holiday celebration.
What makes these cheese thumbprints so captivating? It’s the perfect marriage of a rich, buttery cheddar cookie base and a vibrant, homemade red pepper jelly. Each bite offers the sharp, comforting taste of cheddar, complemented by the sweet, tangy, and subtly spicy jelly. This unique combination makes them incredibly addictive and a fantastic conversation starter. Forget standard holiday cookies; these savory thumbprints stand out from the crowd!
These versatile cookies shine as an elegant holiday appetizer, a unique snack for any time of year, or even a delightful savory "dessert" for those who prefer less sweetness. They pair wonderfully with a glass of wine or as part of a sophisticated cheese board.
Tips for Perfection & Variations:
- Cheese Choices: While sharp cheddar is fantastic, feel free to experiment with other hard cheeses like Gruyère, Parmesan, or even a smoked gouda for a different depth of flavor in your cheesy thumbprints.
- Jelly Your Way: If you're short on time, a high-quality store-bought red pepper jelly can be a convenient substitute. However, making your own allows you to control the spice level and freshness – we use Fresno chilis for that perfect warmth!
- Spice It Up (or Down): Adjust the amount of fresno chili or jalapeño in the red pepper jelly recipe to suit your palate. For more heat, leave in extra seeds; for less, remove them.
- Perfect Presentation: For a stunning platter, arrange these colorful cheesy thumbprint cookies alongside fresh herbs like parsley or chives.
Whether you're hosting a festive party or simply want to indulge in a unique culinary experience, these cheesy thumbprint cookies are sure to become a new favorite.