Cheesy 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
Scale
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
