Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers with Hot Pepper Jelly

Ingredients:

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional, for extra flavor)
1/4 cup hot pepper jelly (or more to taste)

Instructions:

Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

Make the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, flour, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add Dijon mustard if desired. Mix everything together until the dough forms a smooth, cohesive ball.

Shape the Dough:
Use your hands or a small cookie scoop to form the dough into 1-inch balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spaced about 1 inch apart.

Create the Thumbprint:
Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to make an indentation in the center of each dough ball, creating a small well.

Bake the Dough:
Bake the thumbprint cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.

Add the Hot Pepper Jelly:
Once the cookies are out of the oven, let them cool for 5 minutes. Then, spoon a small amount of hot pepper jelly (about 1/2 teaspoon) into the indentation of each cookie.

Serve:
Allow the jelly to set for a few minutes, then serve warm or at room temperature.

These cheesy thumbprint appetizers with hot pepper jelly are the perfect balance of savory and spicy. Enjoy!

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 24 thumbprint appetizers