Cheesy Savory Thumbprint Cookies with Bourbon Tomato Jam Recipe
Introduction
These Cheesy Savory Thumbprint Cookies with Bourbon Tomato Jam offer a delightful mix of rich cheese and tangy-sweet jam, perfect for entertaining or a sophisticated snack. The bourbon adds a warm depth to the tomato jam, complementing the buttery, savory cookies beautifully.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- ½ cup tomato jam
- 1 tablespoon bourbon
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, combine the flour, softened butter, and grated cheese. Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Step 2: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll the dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Step 3: Use your thumb to gently press an indentation into the center of each dough ball, creating a well for the filling.
- Step 4: Stir the bourbon into the tomato jam until well combined, then spoon a small amount into each thumbprint indentation.
- Step 5: Bake the cookies for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges turn golden and the dough is cooked through.
- Step 6: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving to allow the jam to set.
Tips & Variations
- Use your favorite sharp cheese like Gruyère or Parmesan as a tasty alternative to cheddar.
- For a non-alcoholic version, omit the bourbon or substitute with a splash of apple cider vinegar for acidity.
- If the dough feels too sticky, chill it for 30 minutes before shaping to make it easier to handle.
Storage
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate and bring to room temperature before serving. Reheat briefly in a warm oven to soften the jam if desired.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before shaping and baking. This helps the flavors develop and makes the dough easier to handle.
What can I use if I don’t have tomato jam?
You can substitute tomato jam with a thick chutney, caramelized tomato spread, or even a savory fruit jam like fig or apricot for a different but delicious twist.
PrintCheesy Savory Thumbprint Cookies with Bourbon Tomato Jam Recipe
These Cheesy Savory Thumbprint Cookies with Bourbon Tomato Jam combine a rich, buttery cheese cookie base with a sweet and tangy bourbon-infused tomato jam center. Perfect as an elegant appetizer or savory snack, these cookies deliver a delightful balance of creamy cheese and robust tomato flavor with a hint of bourbon warmth.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 3 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Cheesy Cookie Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Bourbon Tomato Jam
- 2 cups fresh tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup bourbon whiskey
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Cheesy Dough: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and shredded cheddar cheese until smooth and combined. Gradually add the flour, salt, and black pepper, mixing until a dough forms. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
- Make the Bourbon Tomato Jam: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the chopped tomatoes, brown sugar, bourbon, lemon juice, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. Simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens into a jam-like consistency, about 30-40 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
- Shape the Cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Take chilled dough and roll into 1-inch balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart. Using your thumb, gently press a small indentation into the center of each cookie ball to create a thumbprint.
- Fill with Tomato Jam: Spoon about 1/2 teaspoon of the cooled bourbon tomato jam into each thumbprint indentation on the cookies, being careful not to overfill.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the cookies are set. Remove from oven and allow to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- You can substitute sharp cheddar with gouda or parmesan for a different cheese flavor.
- For a non-alcoholic version, omit the bourbon and add a splash of apple cider vinegar to the jam.
- Ensure tomato jam is completely cooled before filling the cookies to prevent spreading.
- Store baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Use fresh, ripe tomatoes for the best jam flavor.
Keywords: savory cookies, cheesy thumbprint cookies, bourbon tomato jam, appetizer, party snacks, cheddar cheese cookies
