Savory Thumbprint Cookies (with Bourbon Tomato Jam) Recipe

If you crave a show-stopping appetizer or snack with layers of flavor, Savory Thumbprint Cookies (with Bourbon Tomato Jam) will absolutely steal the spotlight. Imagine a buttery, cheesy shortbread cookie with a pop of heat from jalapeño and rosemary, baked to golden perfection and filled with a luscious, boozy tomato jam that’s both sweet and tangy. These little bites are the happy marriage of comfort food and gourmet flair—guaranteed to disappear quickly at gatherings or to elevate an evening in!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe makes the most of simple, accessible ingredients—but every one of them brings something extra to the table, from rich cheese and fragrant herbs to the bold, bright flavor of homemade bourbon tomato jam. Gather these pantry and fridge staples for a treat you’ll make on repeat!

• Unsalted butter (8 oz / 225g): Softened butter is the heart of the cookie, making each bite beautifully tender and rich.
• White cheddar cheese (3.5 oz / 100g), grated: Adds a sharp, savory note and melts seamlessly into the dough.
• Monterey Jack cheese (3.5 oz / 100g), grated: Offers a creamy, mellow balance to the sharper cheddar.
• Jalapeño (1, deseeded and finely chopped): A pop of freshness and gentle heat—adjust for your spice comfort level.
• Rosemary (1 large sprig, leaves only, finely chopped): Earthy and aromatic, rosemary makes these cookies memorable.
• Kosher salt (½ tsp): Enhances flavor and brings all the elements together.
• White sugar (0.9 oz / 25g): Just a touch for balance—it doesn’t make the cookies sweet, but lifts the flavor.
• Egg (1, large): Adds structure, binding all the magic together.
• All-purpose flour (6.7 oz / 190g): A classic base for perfect shortbread texture.
• Semolina (5.3 oz / 150g): Gives a delicate, sandy crunch you’ll instantly love.
• Cherry tomatoes (1 lb, halved): The foundation of your jam—bursting with sweet-tart goodness.
• Sugar (5.3 oz / 150g): Balances the acidity of the tomatoes for a jam that’s both sweet and savory.
• Apple cider vinegar (5 tbsp): Brings brightness and depth to your jam.
• Chili flakes/crushed red pepper (up to 1 tbsp, optional): For a subtle kick—highly encouraged if you love spice!
• Garlic (1 large clove, minced): Builds savory dimension in the tomato jam.
• White/yellow sweet onion (2 oz, diced): Adds sweetness and body to the jam.
• Cumin (a pinch): Infuses earthy warmth, making the jam irresistible.
• Kosher salt (½ tsp): Balances all the flavors in the bourbon tomato jam.
• Bourbon (3 tbsp): Adds rich depth and a sophisticated, grown-up twist to the jam.

How to Make Savory Thumbprint Cookies (with Bourbon Tomato Jam)

Step 1: Make the Cheese and Herb Blend

Start by roughly chopping your freshly grated cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. Toss them together in a bowl with finely chopped rosemary and jalapeno. If you prefer, a food processor makes quick work of combining and chopping the ingredients finely. This blend is what gives the Savory Thumbprint Cookies (with Bourbon Tomato Jam) their signature flavor—so don’t skimp on quality or aromatics!

Step 2: Cream the Butter, Sugar, and Salt

In a large mixing bowl, add your softened unsalted butter, sugar, and kosher salt. Cream them together with a sturdy spatula or wooden spoon until smooth and fluffy. This step is all about incorporating air and building a flavorful foundation for your cookies.

Step 3: Mix in the Cheese and Herbs

Add your cheese-herb-jalapeno mixture to the butter base and fold everything together. The goal is a well-marbled dough, flecked with herbs and cheese that promise bursts of flavor in every mouthful.

Step 4: Add the Egg

Crack in your egg and mix until fully combined. The dough will become smoother, ready to absorb the dry ingredients while staying creamy and cohesive.

Step 5: Combine Flour and Semolina

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and semolina. Add this mix in two batches to your butter-cheese dough, stirring gently. When things get thick, switch to your hands (dusted with flour!) and knead just enough to bring the dough together. Wrap and chill for about 30 minutes as you preheat your oven.

Step 6: Shape and Prepare the Cookies

Scoop out dough portions and roll into 1.5-inch balls, spacing them evenly on parchment-lined trays. Moisten your thumb (or use the back of a measuring spoon) and create generous wells in each, deep enough to hold a good spoonful of jam.

Step 7: Make the Bourbon Tomato Jam

While your dough chills, combine all the jam ingredients—except bourbon—in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then let the tomatoes break down, crushing them gently with a spoon. After about 5 minutes, add the bourbon and cook until the mixture is thick and syrupy, speckled with soft chunks of tomato. The finished jam should be glossy, punchy, and spoonable.

Step 8: Fill and Bake

Spoon generous dollops of bourbon tomato jam into each thumbprint well. Bake at 350°F / 180°C for 20-25 minutes, switching the tray positions halfway through for even browning. They’re done when golden on the bottom and lightly colored on top—your kitchen will smell absolutely incredible!

Step 9: Cool and Serve

Let your Savory Thumbprint Cookies (with Bourbon Tomato Jam) cool slightly before serving. The jam will set a little as it cools, and the cookies will firm up while staying deliciously tender inside.

How to Serve Savory Thumbprint Cookies (with Bourbon Tomato Jam)

Garnishes

For a snazzy finishing touch, sprinkle chopped fresh rosemary or a pinch of flaky sea salt over the hot cookies. If you like color, a bit of finely chopped chive or a little extra fresh jalapeno scattered on top makes them pop at any gathering. Because every detail counts with Savory Thumbprint Cookies (with Bourbon Tomato Jam), even a tiny sprinkle of cheese or citrus zest brings something special.

Side Dishes

Try serving these cookies with a vibrant platter of fresh veggies, or alongside a creamy dip like whipped goat cheese or roasted red pepper hummus. A small salad of peppery arugula lightly dressed with lemon makes a fantastic, fresh-tasting pairing to the rich, cheesy cookies. These turn cheese boards into showstoppers and can even dress up a humble soup or stew.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange Savory Thumbprint Cookies (with Bourbon Tomato Jam) in a circle on a large wooden board, intermingled with breadsticks, olives, and cured meats for a striking appetizer spread. For cocktail parties, tuck one into a paper cupcake liner for easy, individual servings. Or make mini versions for a festive garnish on top of creamy tomato or butternut squash soup.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, arrange the cookies in a single layer in an airtight container (don’t stack—they’ll stick together!). Store them at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 4 days. Always make sure the cookies have cooled completely before packing them up to preserve their crispy bottoms.

Freezing

Both the unbaked dough and finished, cooled cookies freeze beautifully. Shape and make imprints in the raw dough and freeze or store finished cookies in a single layer, separated by parchment. Thaw unbaked dough in the fridge overnight and bake fresh when you’re ready for warm Savory Thumbprint Cookies (with Bourbon Tomato Jam) on demand!

Reheating

To recapture that just-baked magic, pop refrigerated or thawed cookies into a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes, until the jam is glossy and the centers are warmed through. Enjoy them as if they were freshly made—crispy, melty, and oh-so-satisfying.

FAQs

Can I use a different cheese if I don’t have Monterey Jack?

Absolutely! Gruyère, fontina, or even mozzarella work as delicious substitutes. The key is using a cheese that melts well and pairs nicely with cheddar for full flavor.

Is the bourbon required for the tomato jam?

Bourbon adds a wonderful depth and a subtle complexity, but you can leave it out if needed. Swap in apple juice for a nonalcoholic version that’s still full of flavor.

How spicy are these Savory Thumbprint Cookies (with Bourbon Tomato Jam)?

With deseeded jalapeno and optional chili flakes, they’re just gently spicy—not overpowering. For more heat, keep some seeds in, or add extra chili flakes to the jam to really turn up the fire.

Can I make the jam ahead of time?

Yes! Bourbon tomato jam can be made up to a week in advance and kept refrigerated in a clean jar. It also makes a fantastic condiment for sandwiches and grilled meats—don’t be surprised if you want to make extras!

How do I keep the jam from spilling out during baking?

Make sure the wells in your cookies are deep enough and don’t overfill them—just a generous teaspoon in each does the trick. The jam will set as it cools, so any little splashes around the edge only add to their homemade charm.

Final Thoughts

Give these Savory Thumbprint Cookies (with Bourbon Tomato Jam) a try, and you’ll see why they steal the show wherever they go. Share them with family, friends, or treat yourself to a platter—you deserve it! Each bite bursts with creativity, comfort, and just the right amount of kick. Let your kitchen fill with their incredible aroma and make a batch (or two!) soon—you won’t be sorry!

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