Tangy Cheese Thumbprint Appetizers

Yield: ~24 bites
Serving Size: 1 cookie
Prep Time: 20 min
Chill Time: 30 min
Bake Time: 13–15 min
Total Time: ~1 hour 5 min

Savory cheese thumbprint cookies made with aged cheddar and Parmesan are buttery, slightly crumbly, and filled with Scorched Bonnets Sweet Heat Pepper Spread. Each bite delivers a rich cheesy base with a sweet and spicy center, making them a perfect appetizer for parties, holiday platters, or cocktail gatherings.

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp salt
  
• ⅛ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
  
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, finely grated
  
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated
  
• 1 egg yolk
  
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional, for depth)
  
• 3–4 tbsp Scorched Bonnets Sweet Heat Pepper Spread

Directions

1. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and cayenne pepper.
2. In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, and egg yolk until smooth and fluffy. Mix in the Dijon mustard if using.
3. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the cheese mixture and mix until a soft dough forms.
4. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes until firm.
5. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
6. Roll the chilled dough into 1-inch balls and place them about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet.
7. Use your thumb or the back of a ½ teaspoon to press a small indentation into the center of each dough ball.
8. Fill each indentation with about ½ teaspoon of Scorched Bonnets Sweet Heat Pepper Spread.
9. Bake for 13–15 minutes until the cookies are lightly golden around the edges.

Allow them to cool slightly on the baking sheet, then transfer to a wire rack before serving.

Serving Size & Nutritional Facts

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Makes: ~24 cookies

Calories: ~80 kcal
Total Fat: ~6 g
Saturated Fat: ~3 g
Cholesterol: ~20 mg
Sodium: ~95 mg
Total Carbohydrates: ~5 g
Sugars: ~1 g
Protein: ~2 g
Dietary Fiber: <1 g

Nutrition information is estimated based on standard ingredients and may vary depending on exact brands or substitutions used.

🔥 Pro Tip

For an extra creamy center, place a tiny cube of goat cheese in the indentation before adding the pepper spread. It melts slightly while baking and creates a rich, layered filling.

These savory thumbprint bites are perfect for appetizer platters, holiday entertaining, or anytime you want a snack that balances rich cheese with sweet-spicy heat.