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Cheesy Thumbprint

Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers with a Savory-Sweet Twist

These Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers offer a delightful savory-sweet blend with a crispy exterior and creamy center, topped with hot pepper jelly.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 24 appetizers
Course: Appetizers
Cuisine: American
Calories: 120

Ingredients
  

For the Batter
  • 4 oz Cream Cheese softened
  • 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter softened
  • 1 cup All-Purpose Flour or gluten-free blend
  • 1/4 tsp Salt
  • 1/4 tsp Garlic Powder optional
  • 1 cup Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese or pepper jack for spice
For the Topping
  • 1/3 cup Hot Pepper Jelly mild-to-medium
  • 1 Fresh Thyme or Chopped Parsley optional for garnish

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Electric Mixer
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment Paper or Silicone Mat
  • plastic wrap

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Cheesy Thumbprint
  1. In a large mixing bowl, blend the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth, about 2-3 minutes on medium speed.
  2. Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, mixing on low speed until fully incorporated, about 1-2 minutes.
  3. Slowly add the all-purpose flour, salt, and garlic powder (if using) while mixing on low until the dough is uniform, about 2-3 minutes.
  4. Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
  5. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while the dough chills.
  6. Scoop out about 1-inch balls of dough and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart.
  7. Gently indent the center of each dough ball with your thumb to create a small well.
  8. Fill each indent with approximately ½ teaspoon of hot pepper jelly.
  9. Bake for 13-15 minutes, or until edges are golden brown.
  10. Allow to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack and garnish if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1appetizerCalories: 120kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 3gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 200mgPotassium: 50mgSugar: 1gVitamin A: 300IUCalcium: 100mgIron: 1mg

Notes

These appetizers can be made gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend. You can also experiment with different types of cheese.

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