For those who love the taste of homemade Southern-style cheese straws but hate the fuss of making them, this recipe delivers the goodness with a fraction of the work.

Enjoy the great flavor of traditional cheese straws, but with a fraction of the work. (Stacey Little / Southern Bite)

Easy Cheese Straw Cookies

Click here for a printable version.

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cook time: 30 minutes

Servings: 26 cookies

Ingredients

• 1 (8-ounce) block sharp cheddar cheese
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ to 1 teaspoon cayenne powder (use more or less to taste)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
• Use a box grater to shred the cheese.
• Use a mixer to blend the cheese and butter together until smooth.
• Add the salt, garlic powder and cayenne and mix to combine.
• Gradually add the flour and mix well.
• Use a 1½-tablespoon cookie scoop to scoop the dough out and place it about 2 inches apart on the prepared pan.
• If desired, use a fork to gently press the tines into the top of each cookie. Dipping the fork in water will help if the dough sticks.
• Bake for about 30 minutes or until golden brown.
• Cool for about 10 minutes on the baking sheet before moving to a cooling rack.
• Work in batches until all the dough has been cooked.
• Store on the counter in an airtight container for up to a week.

This recipe originally appeared on SouthernBite.com. For more great recipes, visit the website or check out ”The Southern Bite Cookbook.”