Cheese Straw Cookies Recipe

Introduction

Cheese Straw Cookies are a savory, cheesy snack perfect for any occasion. These flaky, flavorful treats combine sharp cheddar with a touch of spice for an irresistible bite. They’re easy to make and ideal for serving at parties or enjoying with a cup of tea.

Ingredients

• 1 (8-ounce) block sharp cheddar cheese
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 to 1 teaspoon cayenne powder (use more or less to taste)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Use a box grater to shred the cheddar cheese.
2. Step 2: Using a mixer, blend the shredded cheese and butter together until smooth. Add the salt, garlic powder, and cayenne powder, mixing to combine.
3. Step 3: Gradually add the flour and mix well until the dough comes together.
4. Step 4: Use a 1 1/2 tablespoon cookie scoop to portion the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing the cookies about 2 inches apart.
5. Step 5: If desired, dip a fork in water and gently press the tines into the top of each cookie to create a pattern and prevent sticking.
6. Step 6: Bake for 20 to 30 minutes until golden brown. For a crispy exterior with a chewy center, bake closer to 20 minutes; for crispier cookies throughout, bake longer.
7. Step 7: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack. Repeat baking with remaining dough.

Tips & Variations

• Adjust the cayenne powder to your preferred spice level or omit for a milder flavor.
• Use a mix of sharp cheddar and smoked cheese for a different depth of flavor.
• Dipping the fork in water before pressing prevents the dough from sticking and helps create a clean pattern.

Storage

Store the cheese straw cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To refresh crispness, warm them in a low oven (about 300°F) for 5 minutes before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use pre-shredded cheese instead of grating my own?

While pre-shredded cheese can work, freshly grated cheese melts and blends more smoothly, resulting in a better dough texture.

Can I freeze these cookies?

Yes, they can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and reheat briefly in the oven to restore crispness.

Cheese Straw Cookies Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 133 reviews

These Cheese Straw Cookies are a savory, cheesy snack perfect for parties or an everyday treat. Made with sharp cheddar cheese, butter, and a touch of cayenne for a subtle kick, these crispy cookies balance a rich, flavorful bite with a delightful crunch. Simple to prepare and baked to golden perfection, they offer a delicious alternative to traditional sweet cookies.

• Author: Marco
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
• Category: Snack
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cheese Straw Cookies Ingredients

• 1 (8-ounce) block sharp cheddar cheese
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 to 1 teaspoon cayenne powder (use more or less to taste)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
2. Grate Cheese and Mix Dough: Use a box grater to shred the sharp cheddar cheese finely. In a mixer, blend the shredded cheese and room temperature unsalted butter until you achieve a smooth, creamy consistency. Add salt, garlic powder, and cayenne powder, mixing thoroughly to combine. Gradually incorporate the all-purpose flour and mix well until a cohesive dough forms.
3. Shape Cookies: Using a 1 1/2 tablespoon cookie scoop, portion the dough and place each scoop about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. For an attractive finish, gently press the tines of a fork into the top of each cookie. If the dough sticks to the fork, dip it briefly in water before pressing.
4. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the cookies for 20 to 30 minutes. Baking for 20 minutes results in a crispy exterior with a chewy interior, whereas baking for 30 minutes will yield cookies that are crispy throughout.
5. Cool and Store: After baking, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes. Then transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely. Work in batches if needed. Once cooled, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.

Notes

• Adjust cayenne powder quantity to suit your preferred spice level.
• Dipping the fork in water makes it easier to create the fork pattern on the sticky dough.
• For a different flavor twist, try adding smoked paprika or herbs like thyme.
• Make sure butter is at room temperature for easier mixing.
• These cookies freeze well—store in an airtight container or freezer bag and thaw before serving.

Keywords: cheese straws, savory cookies, cheddar cheese cookies, party snacks, easy baked snacks