If you’re looking to elevate your snack game with something uniquely delightful, let me introduce you to my Pimiento Thumbprint Shortbreads with Jam. Imagine biting into a beautifully golden cookie that gives way to a creamy, tangy embrace of pimiento cheese. The moment you take that first bite, your taste buds are treated to a playful contrast of flavors—savory richness meets a sweet kick from the hot pepper jelly nestled in the center.
I stumbled upon this whimsical recipe while rummaging through my pantry, searching for a way to use up some leftover pimiento cheese. What began as a simple pantry-cleaning endeavor turned into a culinary adventure that everyone in my home won’t stop raving about! These cookies are not only easy to make, but they also add a touch of sophistication to any gathering, impressing guests without the fuss. Trust me, this unexpected combination will have you rethinking how you view both cookies and dip. Ready to get started? Let’s turn that oven on!
Why are Pimiento Thumbprint Shortbreads with Jam a Must-Try?
Unique Flavor Fusion: Combining savory pimiento cheese with sweet jam creates an irresistible treat that surprises and delights.
Easy Preparation: With minimal effort, you can whip up these cookies in no time, making them perfect for busy weeknights or unexpected gatherings.
Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Great for impressing guests, these cookies add a gourmet touch to any event, ensuring you leave a lasting impression.
Versatile Snack: Enjoy them as an appetizer, dessert, or fun party food—these cookies fit seamlessly into any occasion.
Make-ahead Option: Perfect for prepping ahead, you can bake them in advance and store them for easy entertaining!
Pimiento Thumbprint Shortbreads with Jam Ingredients
Get ready for a delightful twist on your cookie repertoire!
For the Cookie Dough
- Pimiento cheese – Use refrigerated pimiento cheese for a creamy texture that perfectly melds into the dough.
- Butter – Melted butter adds rich flavor and helps create a tender crumb.
- All-purpose flour – This is the base that holds everything together; don’t substitute with cake flour for this recipe!
- Salt – A pinch of salt enhances all the flavors, balancing the creaminess of the cheese.
For the Jam Filling
- Hot pepper jelly – This adds a sweet and spicy kick; if you prefer less heat, opt for a mild fruit preserve!
How to Make Pimiento Thumbprint Shortbreads with Jam
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Preheat your oven to 350°F. This step is essential for achieving that perfectly baked cookie, so set the mood and get ready to fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas!
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Combine pimiento cheese and melted butter in a large bowl. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy, helping the flavors to blend beautifully together.
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Add flour and salt to the mixture. Beat everything together until just combined. You’re looking for a dough that holds together, so mix gently!
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Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Place each ball about an inch apart on ungreased baking sheets. This ensures they have room to spread and bake evenly.
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Press a deep indentation in the center of each ball using your thumb. This is your little cookie cradle where the jam will shine.
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Fill each indentation with 1/2 teaspoon of hot pepper jelly. This adds the perfect sweet and spicy touch—work carefully to avoid overfilling!
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Bake until the bottoms are golden brown, which should take about 15-17 minutes. You’ll want to keep an eye on these little treasures for that perfect color!
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Cool the cookies on wire racks after removing them from the baking sheets. Allow them to cool completely before indulging!
Optional: Drizzle with extra hot pepper jelly for an added kick.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Pimiento Thumbprint Shortbreads with Jam
Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them fresh and soft, ready to be enjoyed!
Fridge: If you want to prolong their freshness, place cookies in the fridge for up to a week. Just remember to bring them back to room temperature before serving for optimal flavor!
Freezer: Freeze baked cookies in a sealed freezer bag for up to 2 months. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying!
Reheating: To warm them up, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes. This revives their delightful softness and flavor perfectly!
What to Serve with Pimiento Thumbprint Shortbreads with Jam?
Imagine setting a table with delightful snacks that create a beautiful spread, complementing each bite of your homemade cookies.
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Crispy Veggie Platter: Fresh, crunchy vegetables add a refreshing contrast to the savory shortbreads, making the flavors pop with each bite. Guests will love mingling and dipping their veggies in ranch or hummus alongside the cookies.
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Savory Cheese Board: Pair an array of cheeses with fruits and nuts for a gourmet touch. The creamy pimiento cheese shortbreads resonate beautifully with the richness of aged cheddar and sharp blue cheese.
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Spicy Salsa: A zesty salsa, whether it be mango or tomato-based, brings a vibrant kick that plays well with the sweet and spicy jam filling. This combination will awaken your taste buds for a fun flavor adventure!
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Light Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette: A refreshing salad can balance the cookies’ flavors. The tangy citrus dressing ties everything together, creating a mood-lifting meal with bright colors.
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Sweet Tea Lemonade: This delightful drink pairs perfectly, with its sweet and tangy notes complementing the savory richness of the cookies. Refreshing sipping during a gathering elevates the overall experience.
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Chocolate Fondue: For those with a sweet tooth, add a chocolate fondue station for decadent dipping opportunities! The rich chocolate contrasts deliciously with the savory cookies, leading to a fun dessert experience.
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Peach Cobbler: End your meal on a southern note with a warm, comforting peach cobbler. Its sweet, fruity essence harmonizes wonderfully following the bold flavors of your cookies.
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Craft Beer or Cider: Finally, consider serving a light, crisp craft beer or cider that enhances the savory aspects of your thumbprints while muting any overwhelming sweetness. A hoppy pale ale could be a delightful match!
Make Ahead Options
These Pimiento Thumbprint Shortbreads with Jam are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts seeking a time-saving treat! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance; simply mix the pimiento cheese, butter, flour, and salt. Roll the dough into balls, then refrigerate them tightly wrapped in plastic wrap to maintain freshness. When you’re ready to bake, allow the dough to sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before pressing the indents and adding the hot pepper jelly. For even longer storage, the prepared cookies can be baked and stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days while still being just as delicious. Enjoy gourmet results with minimal effort!
Pimiento Cheese Variations
Get ready to unleash your creativity in the kitchen!
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Spicy Twist: Add diced jalapeños to the dough for an extra kick of heat that complements the pimiento cheese beautifully. Your guests will be pleasantly surprised by the added zing!
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Herbed Delight: Mix in fresh herbs like chives or parsley to the dough for a burst of freshness. This variation adds a lovely color and a layer of flavor that elevates the cookie.
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Cheesy Boost: Swap out pimiento cheese for a blend of sharp cheddar and cream cheese for a rich, tangy alternative. The result is a completely new cookie experience that’s both savory and satisfying.
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Sweet Kick: Instead of hot pepper jelly, try using raspberry or fig jam for a sweeter flavor profile. This creates a delightful contrast with the savory cheese and will be a hit at brunch!
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Nutty Crunch: Fold in chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for an unexpected crunch. The added texture not only makes the cookies more exciting but also enhances the overall flavor profile.
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Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to make these cookies accessible for everyone. Just ensure your other ingredients are also gluten-free!
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Savory-Sweet Pairing: Top the jam with crumbled bacon before baking for a smoky, savory finish. This unique combination takes your cookies to an indulgent level that’s hard to resist.
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Zesty Citrus: Incorporate lemon or lime zest into the dough for a refreshing citrus note that contrasts beautifully with the richness of the pimiento cheese. It’s a bright flavor that will awaken your palate!
Expert Tips for Pimiento Thumbprint Shortbreads
• Choose Quality Cheese: Opt for a flavorful refrigerated pimiento cheese. The better the cheese, the more delicious your Pimiento Thumbprint Shortbreads will be!
• Proper Dough Mixing: Mix gently to avoid overworking the dough. Overmixed dough can lead to tough cookies instead of tender shortbreads.
• Space Evenly: When placing dough balls on the baking sheet, ensure they are at least 1 inch apart to allow for spreading during baking.
• Jam in the Center: Be mindful when filling the cookie indentations. Overfilling can lead to sticky messes; 1/2 teaspoon is just right!
• Watch the Baking Time: Oven temperatures can vary, so keep an eye on the cookies. They should be slightly golden on the bottoms, so a little extra monitoring goes a long way!
• Cooling is Key: Don’t skip cooling on wire racks; this step prevents soggy bottoms and gives your cookies the perfect texture before serving!
Pimiento Thumbprint Shortbreads with Jam Recipe FAQs
What kind of pimiento cheese should I use?
Absolutely! I recommend using quality refrigerated pimiento cheese for a rich and creamy texture. It’s the heart of these cookies, so the better the cheese, the tastier your Pimiento Thumbprint Shortbreads will be!
How should I store my cookies?
To keep them delightful, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, refrigerate them for up to a week. Just bring them back to room temperature before enjoying!
Can I freeze the Pimiento Thumbprint Shortbreads?
Very! These cookies freeze beautifully. Place baked cookies in a sealed freezer bag, separated by parchment paper to prevent sticking, and they’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to indulge, simply thaw them at room temperature.
What if the dough is too sticky?
If you find the dough a bit too sticky to roll, you can chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This helps to firm it up, making it easier to handle. Just keep an eye on it; we want to maintain that balance of creaminess and tenderness!
Can I use a different type of jelly for the filling?
Absolutely! While hot pepper jelly adds a fantastic kick, feel free to substitute it with mild fruit preserves like raspberry or apricot for a sweeter touch. Just remember to adjust according to your taste preferences!
Are these cookies suitable for a gluten-free diet?
If you or your guests have gluten sensitivities, you can try using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour. Just ensure the pimiento cheese and jelly you choose are also gluten-free to keep it safe and delicious for everyone!
Savory Pimiento Thumbprint Shortbreads with Jam Perfection
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Combine pimiento cheese and melted butter in a large bowl until smooth and creamy.
- Add flour and salt, then mix gently until combined to form a dough.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on ungreased baking sheets an inch apart.
- Press a deep indentation in the center of each ball.
- Fill each indentation with 1/2 teaspoon of hot pepper jelly.
- Bake for 15-17 minutes until bottoms are golden brown.
- Cool cookies on wire racks before serving.