Pecan-Date Cheese Wafers - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups butter, softened
1 lb sharp cheddar cheese, finely grated
1 cup finely chopped pecans
1 cup chopped dates
1/2 teaspoon ground red pepper
4 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
sugar

Preparation

In a large bowl, combine butter, cheese, pecans, dates and red pepper.
Beat at medium speed with an electric mixer until well combined.
Gradually add flour, beating until just combined.
Wrap dough in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 2 hours.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Roll dough into 1-inch balls.
Place balls 3 inches apart on prepared baking sheets.
Using a flat-bottomed glass dipped in sugar, flatten balls to 1/4-inch thickness.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly browned.
Let cool on pans for 2 minutes.
Remove from pans, and cool completely on wire racks.