Sharp Cheddar Cheese Coins (Printable)

Buttery, crispy cheddar bites perfect for parties or snacking.

# What You Need:

→ Dairy

01 - 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, finely grated
02 - 8 tbsp unsalted butter, cold and diced

→ Dry Ingredients

03 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
04 - 1/2 tsp salt
05 - 1/4 tsp ground cayenne pepper
06 - 1/4 tsp ground black pepper

→ Optional Toppings

07 - 1 tbsp poppy seeds or sesame seeds, for sprinkling

# Steps:

01 - Pulse flour, salt, cayenne, and black pepper in a food processor until thoroughly combined.
02 - Add cold butter to the processor and pulse until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
03 - Add grated cheddar and pulse until dough comes together. Add 1-2 teaspoons cold water if mixture is too crumbly.
04 - Shape dough into a 1 1/2-inch diameter log on parchment paper. Wrap tightly and refrigerate for at least 1 hour until firm.
05 - Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
06 - Cut chilled dough into 1/4-inch rounds and arrange on prepared baking sheet, spacing 1 inch apart.
07 - Sprinkle with poppy seeds or sesame seeds if desired.
08 - Bake for 12-15 minutes until edges are golden brown.
09 - Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • They come together in minutes but taste like you spent hours in the kitchen
  • The dough keeps in the fridge for days, so you can bake fresh coins anytime guests appear
02 -
  • The dough must be thoroughly chilled before slicing, or the coins will spread and lose their shape in the oven
  • Using room temperature cheese or butter will result in greasy, flat coins that never develop their signature crisp texture
03 -
  • Rotate the baking sheet halfway through baking for even golden color
  • Let the food processor do the work, and resist the urge to knead or handle the dough too much

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