Introduction: A Sweet and Spicy Twist from My Kitchen

I still remember the first time I spooned a dollop of pepper jelly into a batch of buttery thumbprint dough. The kitchen smelled like sugar and spice, and I knew instantly I had stumbled on something special. These Pepper Jelly Thumbprint Cookies are where cozy baking meets a little Southern flair, with golden, crumbly cookies and a sparkle of heat in every bite.

They’re my go-to when I want something that feels homemade yet surprising, perfect for cookie trays, brunch spreads, or next to a board of snacks like stuffed mushrooms or cocktail meatballs.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s something irresistible about the mix of sweet and spicy in these cookies. The dough melts like shortbread, while the pepper jelly adds a glossy, tangy kick that wakes up your taste buds. They’re simple to make, easy to share, and a guaranteed conversation starter.
I love baking them for holidays because they stand out on any cookie platter. The color shines, the texture stays soft in the center, and every bite has that perfect balance of warmth and sweetness.

Recipe Card

Pepper Jelly Thumbprint Cookies

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• Author: danyrecipes
• Total Time: 29 minutes
• Yield: About 24 cookies
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Pepper Jelly Thumbprint Cookies blend buttery shortbread with a glossy kick of sweet and spicy pepper jelly. Each bite is tender, golden, and lightly fiery a cozy twist on classic thumbprint cookies that always impress on dessert tables or holiday trays.

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Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

½ cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 cups all-purpose flour

¼ teaspoon salt

½ cup red pepper jelly (or any sweet pepper jelly)

Optional: flaky sea salt, 2 oz cream cheese for filling variation

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Mix in the vanilla extract, then gradually add flour and salt until dough forms.
4. Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place them 2 inches apart on the baking sheet.
5. Press your thumb gently in the center of each ball to make an indentation.
6. Fill each center with ½ teaspoon of pepper jelly.
7. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes, or until edges are just golden.
8. Let cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to set

Notes

Chill dough for 10 minutes before baking to help cookies keep their shape.

For extra flavor, sprinkle cookies with a pinch of flaky sea salt before baking.

Swap pepper jelly for apricot jam or jalapeño jelly for fun variations.

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze unbaked dough balls for later.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 14 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baked
• Cuisine: American / Southern-inspired

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• Butter (softened): creates that tender, melt-in-your-mouth crumb.
• Sugar: adds gentle sweetness without overpowering the jelly.
• All-purpose flour: forms the base for perfect structure.
• Vanilla extract: gives a cozy flavor that ties it all together.
• Pepper jelly: the star ingredient. I love using red pepper jelly for color and flavor.

Optional Add-ins
Try a sprinkle of flaky salt on top, or mix in a spoon of cream cheese for a creamy center. For a milder version, swap the pepper jelly for fruit jam to create a cross between jam thumbprint cookies and this spicy twist.

How to Make Pepper Jelly Thumbprint Cookies

Step 1:

Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This gives your cookies their soft bite.

Step 2:

Mix in vanilla, then gradually add the flour until you have a smooth dough.

Step 3:

Roll dough into small balls and gently press your thumb in the center.

Step 4:

Fill each indentation with about half a teaspoon of pepper jelly.

Step 5:

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12 to 14 minutes, just until the edges turn golden.

Step 6

Let them cool completely so the jelly can set.

Tip: Chill the dough for ten minutes before baking. It helps the thumbprint shapes hold beautifully. Even if they spread slightly, they’ll still taste buttery and delicious.

Variations and Serving Ideas

You can easily make these your own. Use jalapeño jelly for more heat or apricot preserves for extra sweetness. During the holidays, I love mixing red and green pepper jellies on one tray for a festive look.
They pair perfectly with savory appetizers like pomegranate goat bites or jalapeño popper snacks. I even serve them beside chicken wings at parties for that fun mix of spicy and sweet.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pepper Jelly Thumbprint Cookies

Storage and Final Thoughts

Store your cookies in an airtight container for up to five days. To bring them back to life, warm them in the oven for a few minutes until the edges are slightly crisp again. You can also freeze the dough for easy prep later.

Every batch of these Pepper Jelly Thumbprint Cookies reminds me how joy often hides in the simplest recipes. A little butter, a jar of jelly, and a moment of curiosity create something worth sharing.

If you try them, I’d love to hear how they turn out. Share them with friends or pin this recipe for your next cozy baking weekend. From my kitchen to yours, happy baking.

Want more cozy, easy recipes like this? Come hang out with me on Pinterest I share my newest kitchen favorites there every week.