Easy savory cheddar thumbprint cookies combine cornmeal, masa harina, and a tangy sun-dried tomato filling for an elegant party appetizer.
These Easy Savory Cheddar Thumbprint Cookies With Sun-Dried Tomatoes offer a delicious appetizer-inspired twist on traditional sweet thumbprint cookies. Sharp cheddar gives the dough a rich, bold flavor, while cornmeal and masa harina create a tender texture with delicately crisp edges.
Each cookie is filled with a tangy mixture of sun-dried tomatoes, fresh garlic, and extra-virgin olive oil. This vibrant Mediterranean-inspired filling balances the richness of the cheddar while complementing the dough’s subtle corn flavor.
Although these savory cheddar thumbprint cookies look impressive, they are surprisingly simple to prepare. Serve them warm or at room temperature for holiday celebrations, cocktail parties, game-day gatherings, wine tastings, or elegant appetizer platters.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
2 cups freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup cornmeal
1/2 cup masa harina
6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
1 large egg
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
For the Sun-Dried Tomato Filling
1 cup finely minced sun-dried tomatoes
1 garlic clove, finely chopped
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Directions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
Step 2: Make the Sun-Dried Tomato Filling
Combine the sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil in a small bowl. Stir until the tomatoes are evenly coated, then set the filling aside while preparing the cookie dough.
Step 3: Prepare the Cookie Dough
Place the cheddar cheese, cornmeal, masa harina, cold butter, egg, black pepper, and cayenne pepper in a food processor fitted with a steel blade.
Process until the ingredients come together and form a soft dough ball. The dough should feel slightly firm but remain easy to shape. If it becomes too soft or sticky, refrigerate it for 10 to 15 minutes before continuing.
Step 4: Shape the Cookies
Portion the dough using your hands or a small cookie scoop. Roll each portion into a 1 1/2-inch ball and arrange the balls on the prepared baking sheets, leaving approximately 1 inch between them.
The cookies will not spread very much, but leaving space between them promotes even baking.
Step 5: Begin Baking
Bake the cookies for 5 minutes. Remove the baking sheets from the oven while leaving the oven set to 400°F.
Step 6: Create the Thumbprints
Carefully press your thumb or the back of a small measuring spoon into the center of each warm cookie to create an indentation.
Spoon approximately 1 teaspoon of the sun-dried tomato mixture into each indentation. Keep the filling inside the wells so it does not overflow onto the baking sheets.
Step 7: Finish Baking
Return the cookies to the oven and bake for another 5 to 7 minutes, or until they are firm and lightly golden around the edges.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for several minutes before transferring them to a serving platter. Serve them warm or allow them to cool completely and serve at room temperature.
Notes
For gluten-free savory cheddar thumbprint cookies, confirm that the cornmeal, masa harina, spices, sun-dried tomatoes, and other packaged ingredients are labeled gluten-free. Use clean utensils, preparation surfaces, and baking equipment to prevent cross-contact.
Freshly grated cheddar blends into the dough more evenly than packaged pre-shredded cheese.
Oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes may be used, but they should be drained thoroughly before mincing. Excess oil can make the filling greasy.
Sharp cheddar provides a bold cheese flavor. Aged white cheddar or smoked cheddar may also be used.
For additional flavor, stir 1 tablespoon of finely chopped fresh basil or parsley into the sun-dried tomato filling.
Refrigerate leftover cookies promptly in an airtight container because the filling contains fresh garlic and the dough contains cheese and egg.
Reheat them gently before serving, if desired.
Serve these savory cookies with a charcuterie board, soup, salad, sparkling wine, or a selection of cocktail-party appetizers.
Must be 21 years of age or older to purchase or consume alcoholic beverages. Please drink responsibly.
