CHEDDAR PECAN THUMBPRINTS WITH JALAPENO JELLY AND CRANBERRIES

Cheddar Pecan Thumbprints With Jalapeno Jelly and Cranberries image

Provided by gritsnla

Time 45m

Yield 4 dozen

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 lb butter, softened
4 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup pecan pieces, toasted
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon salt
4 -4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
10 ounces jalapeno jelly
1 cup sweetened dried cranberries, chopped

Steps:

In large bowl, mix butter, cheese, pecans, cayeene and salt. Gradually mix in flour. Result will be a stiff dough like shortbread. Form into logs 1-inch thick by 10 inches long. Wrap in wax paper and refrigrate until firm, at least 3 hours. (Refrigerate up to 5 days, frozen up to 6 months.).
Preheat oven to 350°F Remove dough from wax paper and slice into 1-inch pieces. Lightly press each piece in palm of hand; using thumb make a 1/4 inch indentation in center of each. Fill thumbprint with 1 teaspoon jelly and sprinkle with cranberries on top.
Place on nonstick cookie sheet, spacing 1 inch apart. Bake 15- 20 minutes or until firm and slightly browned at edges. For best flavor do no overcook. May be served warm at room temperature.