While maybe not your traditional cheese straws, my mom has made these savory snacks for our family every Christmas since I can remember. We always called them cheese “cookies” because she usually presses them out into large coins. A few years ago she gave me a handwritten notebook of all of her favorite recipes and this one made its way to the front of the book. She still gives me a batch every year for the holidays, and this year I’m sharing a batch with you all.
Holiday Cheese Cookies
These savory biscuit-like "cookies" jammed pack with sharp cheddar and a subtle heat are the essential appetizer for any holiday gathering.
Servings 0
Ingredients
- 2 cups flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp mustard powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, use more or less to taste
- 1 stick unsalted butter, cubed and softened to room temperature
- 1 lb. sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded, room temperature (do not use pre-shredded cheese)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, salt, paprika, mustard powder, and cayenne pepper.
- Add in softened butter and shredded cheese, and begin to work the butter and cheese into the flour by hand to form a stiff dough. Use 2 to 3 tablespoons of water to help the dough come together if needed. The mixture should have the consitency of cookie dough.
- On a lightly floured surface or wax paper, roll and shape dough into a roughly 12″ x 8″ rectangle about 1/2″ thick.
- Using a bench scraper or a sharp tool, measure and evenly cut out sticks about 4″ long and 1/2″ wide, but they don’t have to be perfect.
- Evenly space cheese sticks onto a parchment lined baking sheet, and bake for about 25 minutes or until the edges and cheese are crispy and lightly golden brown.
- Allow to cool completely on a wire wrack before enjoying. Store in an airtight container at room temperature.
