Cheddar Shortbread Bites (Crackers)

Ingredients

Cracker ingredients

• 1 cup flour
• 1/2 cup land-o-lakes butter, softened
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 dash ground red pepper (cayenne)
• 2 cups land-o-lakes sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (1 8-ounce package)

Optional Topping Ingredients

• 1 egg white (optional)
• 1 tablespoon water (optional)
• 2 tablespoons poppy seeds (optional)
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds (optional)

Directions

1. 1

   Combine flour, butter, salt and red pepper in medium bowl; beat at medium speed until dough forms.

2. 2

   Add cheese; mix until a ball forms.

3. 3

   Shape dough into circle; wrap in plastic wrap.

4. 4

   Refrigerate 2 hours or overnight.

5. 5

   Heat oven to 350.

6. 6

   Roll out dough on lightly floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness. (It will be hard to roll at first, but will soften. Press together any cracks that form on edges of dough.).

7. 7

   Cut dough with 1 1/2-inch cookie cutters or pizza cutter into desired shapes.

8. 8

   Place onto ungreased baking sheets.

9. 9

   If toppings wanted:.

10. 10

    Beat one egg white and water together in small bowl. Brush cut-outs with egg wash; sprinkle with seeds.

11. 11

    Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until very lightly browned around edges. Immediately loosen from pan; let cool on pan.

12. 12

    Variations: Shortbread bites can be topped with variety of other ingredients such as chili powder, seasoned salt, fennel seed or herbs.