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Pepper Jelly Thumbprint Bites

Pepper jelly thumbprint bites are savory cheddar shortbread bites filled with sweet pepper jelly. The dough chills before baking, creating tender bites with lightly golden edges and a sweet-and-spicy center.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 17 minutes
chilling and cooling 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 12 minutes
Servings: 36 servings
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Calories: 80
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the dough
  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese finely grated (about 2 cups)
  • 2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 0.5 tsp kosher salt
  • 0.25 tsp cayenne pepper
For the filling
  • 0.375 cup pepper jelly

Equipment

  • 1 electric mixer
  • 2 rimmed baking sheet

Method
 

Make the dough
  1. In a large bowl, beat the butter and cheddar with an electric mixer until combined.
  2. Add the flour, salt, and cayenne and mix until crumbly.
  3. Press the mixture together into a dough, then cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Shape and bake
  1. Heat the oven to 350°F.
  2. Line two rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper.
  3. Roll the dough into 36 balls, about 1 tablespoon each, and place them 2 inches apart on the baking sheets.
  4. Press a thumb or the back of a measuring spoon into each ball to make a deep indentation.
  5. Spoon 1/2 teaspoon pepper jelly into each indentation.
  6. Bake for 14 to 17 minutes, switching the sheets between racks and rotating them front to back halfway through, until the edges are lightly golden.
  7. Let the bites cool on the baking sheets for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

For the deepest wells, press the indentations firmly before filling. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days; freezer-friendly. A gluten-free all-purpose flour blend may be used as a dietary swap.