Cheddar Shortbread Bites (Crackers) - cooking recipe

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)

Preparation

Combine flour, butter, salt and red pepper in medium bowl; beat at medium speed until dough forms.
Add cheese; mix until a ball forms.
Shape dough into circle; wrap in plastic wrap.
Refrigerate 2 hours or overnight.
Heat oven to 350.
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.).
Cut dough with 1 1/2-inch cookie cutters or pizza cutter into desired shapes.
Place onto ungreased baking sheets.
If toppings wanted:
Beat one egg white and water together in small bowl. Brush cut-outs with egg wash; sprinkle with seeds.
Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until very lightly browned around edges. Immediately loosen from pan; let cool on pan.
Variations: Shortbread bites can be topped with variety of other ingredients such as chili powder, seasoned salt, fennel seed or herbs.