Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers with Hot Pepper Jelly

Imagine your favorite holiday cookie—now make it savory, cheesy, and just the right amount of spicy. That’s what you get with Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers with Hot Pepper Jelly. These little gems are like savory thumbprint cookies, but instead of jam and sugar, you get melty sharp cheddar, buttery cream cheese dough, and a hit of hot pepper jelly that brings the heat and sweet.

These cheese and jelly appetizers hit all the right notes: they’re rich, crisp-edged, and just gooey enough in the center. Perfect as party finger food, these bite-sized appetizers are always the first to disappear at holiday gatherings, game nights, or any time you’re trying to impress without the stress.

Ingredients for Cheddar Cream Cheese Bites with Hot Pepper Jelly

Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  
• 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
  
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
  
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
  
• 1/4 tsp salt
  
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder (optional)
  
• 1/3 cup hot pepper jelly (store-bought or homemade)
  

Optional Garnish:

• Fresh thyme or parsley
  

Step-by-Step Instructions for Spicy Cheese Bites

Step 1: Prepare the Dough for Cheddar Thumbprint Cookies

• Beat together cream cheese and butter until smooth.
  
• Mix in shredded cheddar.
  
• Stir in flour, salt, and garlic powder (if using) until just combined.
  

Chef tip: Don’t overmix—this is how you get that tender biscuit-like texture.

Step 2: Chill the Dough for Cream Cheese Thumbprints

• Wrap the dough in plastic wrap.
  
• Chill for 30 minutes. This helps the dough firm up so it’s easier to handle.
  

Step 3: Preheat and Prep Your Party Finger Food

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  
• Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
  

Step 4: Make the Thumbprints for Cheese and Jelly Appetizers

• Use your thumb or the back of a small spoon to press a deep indentation in each dough ball.
  

Most people mess this up by flattening the whole ball—just press the center.

Step 5: Fill and Bake Your Spicy Sweet Appetizer

• Spoon about 1/2 tsp hot pepper jelly into each indentation.
  
• Bake for 13–15 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
  

Step 6: Cool and Garnish Your Festive Appetizer Ideas

• Let them cool on the sheet for 5 minutes.
  
• Garnish with fresh herbs if you like that festive finish.
  

Storage Instructions for Baked Cheese Appetizers

Short-Term Storage of Cheddar Cheese Appetizers:

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
  

Reheating Mini Cheese Biscuits:

• Warm in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes to refresh texture.
  

Freezing Thumbprint Party Snacks:

• Freeze raw dough balls or baked appetizers.
  
• Reheat frozen ones at 350°F for 10–12 minutes.
  

FAQs About Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers with Hot Pepper Jelly

More and Related Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers with Hot Pepper Jelly:

• Fun Halloween cheese snacks 👉 Baked Cheese Mummies
  
• Bite-sized tropical appetizers 👉 Coconut Pineapple Bites
  
• Spooky meatball slider ideas 👉 Halloween Monster Meatball Sliders
  
• Easy, crowd-pleasing appetizers 👉 Easy Bruschetta Recipe
  
• Rich and savory flavor inspiration 👉 Savory Caramelized Onion Meatloaf
  
• Bold cheesy sauce recipes 👉 Creamy Cajun Parmesan Sauce
  

Conclusion

Whether you’re looking for holiday appetizer recipes, spicy cheese bites, or just some easy cheesy snacks to wow your guests, these cheddar thumbprint cookies have you covered. They’re cheddar cream cheese bites with a spicy-sweet center that makes them irresistible.

Serve them up as cheesy party bites, pepper jelly hors d’oeuvres, or even mini cheese biscuits on your festive tray. However you spin it, these hot jelly thumbprint cookies are the thumbprint party snacks you’ll come back to again and again.

Follow me on Pinterest for more festive appetizer ideas and creative recipes: https://www.pinterest.com/emiliorecipes/

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