Cheesy Jalapeño Thumbprint Cookies (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Base Ingredients

01 - 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese (yellow or white)
02 - 1/3 cup butter, room temperature
03 - 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
04 - 1 egg, separated

→ Dry Ingredients

05 - 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
06 - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
07 - 1/4 teaspoon salt

→ Coating & Filling

08 - 1 1/4 cups toasted pecans, finely minced
09 - 1/4 cup jalapeño or pepper jelly

# Instructions:

01 - In food processor, blend cheddar, butter, Parmesan, and egg yolk until combined. Add flour, cayenne, and salt; pulse until dough forms ball. Form into disc, wrap in plastic, and chill for 1 hour.
02 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Line baking sheets with parchment. Let dough sit at room temperature 5 minutes.
03 - Roll dough into 1-inch balls. Dip in beaten egg white, then roll in minced nuts. Space 1 inch apart on baking sheets.
04 - Make indentation in each ball with thumb or spoon. Fill each with 1/2 teaspoon jelly.
05 - Bake 14-16 minutes until lightly browned. Cool on sheets briefly before transferring to wire rack.

# Notes:

01 - Toast pecans at 350°F for 7-10 minutes until fragrant
02 - Use food processor to grind pecans finely
03 - Best served fresh; can be prepared ahead and baked day of serving
04 - Keeps in airtight container up to 2 days but nuts will soften