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