Cheese Straws

Ingredients

• 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
• 1 pound extra-sharp cheddar cheese, grated
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (or to taste)
• 2–3 tablespoons cold water, as needed

Directions

1. Heat oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment.
2. In a large bowl or stand mixer, cream butter until smooth. Add grated cheese and beat until well combined.
3. In a separate bowl whisk together flour, salt, and cayenne. Add to the cheese mixture and mix until a crumbly dough forms.
4. Add cold water a tablespoon at a time just until the dough holds together and is soft but not sticky.
5. Transfer dough to a cookie press fitted with a star disk, or roll small ropes by hand about ½-inch thick.
6. Pipe or lay strips of dough onto prepared baking sheets, cutting each to 3–4 inches long.
7. Bake 12–15 minutes, until set and lightly browned at the edges.
8. Cool on racks. Store in an airtight tin at room temperature.