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Pepper Jelly Thumbprint Bites

Pepper jelly thumbprint bites are buttery cheddar bites with a lightly golden edge and a sweet, spicy jelly center. Chill the dough, press in deep indentations, and fill each bite after its first bake.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Chilling and resting 25 minutes
Total Time 58 minutes
Servings: 24 servings
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Calories: 95
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the bites
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese finely grated
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 0.25 tsp kosher salt
  • 0.125 tsp cayenne pepper
For the filling
  • 2 tbsp pepper jelly

Equipment

  • 1 18x13-inch rimmed baking sheet

Method
 

Make the bites
  1. In a medium bowl, mix the butter and cheddar until combined, then work in the flour, salt, and cayenne until a cohesive dough forms.
  2. Cover and chill the dough for 20 minutes.
  3. Heat the oven to 350°F.
  4. Line an 18x13-inch rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
  5. Roll the dough into 24 balls, about 1 inch each.
  6. Arrange the balls on the baking sheet.
  7. Press a deep indentation into the center of each ball.
  8. Bake for 13–16 minutes, until the bites are set and the edges are lightly golden.
Fill and finish
  1. Spoon 1/4 teaspoon pepper jelly into each indentation, then return the bites to the oven for 2 minutes.
  2. Let the bites rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Press deep indentations so each bite holds its filling. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days; freeze the unfilled bites for up to 2 months. For a gluten-free option, use a 1:1 all-purpose gluten-free flour blend.